Warm, fragrant, and impossibly cheesy — this garlic parsley butter bread pulls people into the kitchen before the main dish even arrives.
It comes together in under 30 minutes and turns simple ingredients into something indulgent.
Family-friendly and easy to scale up, it’s the perfect side for pasta night or a weekend snack.
If you love flavor-packed bread recipes you can make quickly, this one will be in your regular rotation.
For a twist on the idea, check out this take on cheesy stuffed garlic bread rolls that inspired some timing and assembly tips below.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread
- Fast: ready from start to finish in about 25 minutes.
- Crowd-pleasing: stretchy melted mozzarella on crisp, buttery bread.
- Versatile: pairs with soups, salads, pastas, and weeknight mains.
- Minimal prep: just a quick mix and spread — no yeast or proofing.
- Customizable: easy to swap herbs, cheeses, or add proteins.
- Visual appeal: golden edges and bubbly cheese make a photogenic side.
The flavor is bright and garlicky with fresh parsley cutting the richness of butter and mozzarella.
The texture is a contrast of soft, garlicky interior and crunchy, buttery edges with strings of melted cheese stretching as you pull a slice.
"Five stars — made this for a family dinner and everyone fought over the last piece. Garlic is perfect, cheese melts beautifully, and the bread was golden and crisp. Will make again!"
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread
Unsalted Butter — Use real butter, softened but not melted.
Butter is the flavor base and vehicle for garlic and parsley; unsalted lets you control seasoning.
If you substitute margarine or salted butter, the flavor and mouthfeel change: margarine is less rich and salted butter can make the bread too salty unless you adjust.
Garlic — Fresh minced garlic delivers sharp, aromatic flavor that infuses the butter.
Use fresh cloves, finely minced for even distribution and to avoid harsh raw chunks.
Garlic powder can work in a pinch but won’t give the same fresh bite or aromatic oils released when minced.
Fresh Parsley — Parsley brightens and freshens the richness of butter and cheese.
Flat-leaf parsley is more flavorful than curly parsley; chop it finely so it blends into the butter.
If you swap basil or chives, expect a different herbal profile: basil adds sweetness, chives add oniony notes.
Mozzarella Cheese — Shredded mozzarella gives the signature stretchy, melty layer.
Buy low-moisture, part-skim shredded mozzarella for predictable melting and less water release.
Using fresh mozzarella will be creamier but wetter; drain and pat it dry first to prevent soggy bread.
Full Ingredient List for Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread
- 1 loaf of mozzarella bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preheating ensures the oven is hot enough to melt cheese quickly while crisping the bread edges without over-browning the top.
Pro Tip: The oven should smell neutral and feel hot when you open it; look for an even, steady heat.
Step 2: Mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Use a small bowl and a fork to mash the butter until smooth, then fold in garlic and parsley so the aromatics are evenly distributed.
Pro Tip: The mixture should look creamy with visible flecks of green and tiny garlic pieces. It should smell strongly of fresh garlic.
Step 3: Cut the mozzarella bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both halves.
Slice the loaf with a serrated knife so each half opens flat; spread the butter all the way to the edges for consistent flavor.
Pro Tip: The butter should coat the crumb without pooling; the surface will gleam and feel slightly tacky to the touch.
Step 4: Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle cheese evenly across both halves, covering the buttered surface to create an even melting layer and prevent exposed crumbs from burning.
Pro Tip: The cheese should sit in an even, thin layer; you should still see a little butter at the edges — not huge clumps of cheese.
Step 5: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden.
Bake on the middle rack for balanced heat; check at 12 minutes to monitor browning and cheese melt.
Pro Tip: Look for glassy, stretchy cheese and golden, crisp edges — it should shimmer and bubble lightly.
Step 6: Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm.
Let the bread rest 1–2 minutes so the cheese settles slightly, then slice with a sharp knife or pizza wheel and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Slices should pull apart with long cheese strings and the interior should be soft and hot; if cheese slides off, it needed 30–45 seconds more in the oven.
Expert Tips for Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread
- Temperature tip: If edges brown too fast, lower the oven to 350°F and bake a few minutes longer for even crisping.
- Texture troubleshooting: If the bread is soggy, use a thinner spread of butter and pat any fresh mozzarella dry before topping.
- Garlic timing: Mince garlic moments before mixing; pre-minced jarred garlic loses brightness.
- Equipment tip: Use a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup and even browning. Also consider a wire rack on the sheet for air circulation.
- Cheese melt hack: For extra bubbly, finish under the broiler for 30–45 seconds, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Common mistake: Overloading with cheese causes uneven cooking; aim for one even layer to ensure golden edges and melted center.
- Serving tip: Slice with a serrated knife or pizza cutter and serve immediately for the best stretchy-cheese pull.
- Flavor boost: Brush the cut edges with any leftover garlic butter before baking to maximize crisp, buttery flavor and color. For other garlic-butter ideas, try techniques from this garlic butter bread rolls guide.
Storage & Freezing for Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread
Fridge storage: Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, and refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through to restore crispness.
Freezer storage: Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf snugly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer bag with excess air removed. Freeze up to 2 months.
Thawing: Transfer to the refrigerator overnight or reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil for the first 10 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Reheating tips: For best texture, reheat in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave to keep edges crisp.
Leftover garlic butter can be repurposed for quick skillet meals, or try it with steak using a method inspired by Cajun garlic butter steak bites for an easy surf-and-turf-style dinner.
Variations & Substitutions for Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread
Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil — Stir finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and torn basil into the butter and top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Expect a sweeter, tangy flavor and a Mediterranean twist that pairs beautifully with tomato-based pastas.
Herbed Four-Cheese — Replace a cup of mozzarella with a mix of fontina, parmesan, and provolone.
This creates a richer, more complex cheese pull with nutty and sweet notes, and a slightly sharper finish.
Spicy Garlic & Chili — Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper to the butter and sprinkle sliced pickled jalapeños on top before baking.
The result is bright garlic with a steady, pleasant heat that contrasts the creamy cheese.
Festive Pull-Apart Bread — Cut the loaf into a pull-apart grid, spoon garlic butter between cuts, and bake with mozzarella sprinkled on top; this mimics the style of cheesy Christmas tree bread.
You’ll get an interactive, shareable presentation with the same garlic-butter-cheese flavor delivered in party-friendly format.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread
Q: Can I make this with fresh mozzarella?
A: Yes, but fresh mozzarella has higher moisture. Pat it very dry with paper towels and slice thinly, or it may release water that makes the bread soggy. Bake a few extra minutes if needed to evaporate moisture and crisp the edges.
Q: How do I prevent the garlic from burning while baking?
A: Burning is rare at 375°F when garlic is mixed into softened butter. To reduce risk, finely mince the garlic and ensure it’s well distributed. If you plan to broil at the end, watch closely and remove when cheese bubbles without letting the breadcrumbs or herb flecks char.
Q: Can I use frozen bread or a different loaf?
A: Use any sturdy loaf that can be halved — Italian, French, or a bakery-style mozzarella bread work. If frozen, thaw fully and pat dry before adding butter so the spread adheres and the bread crisps properly.
Q: What’s the best way to get extra-crispy edges?
A: Bake on a preheated baking sheet or a pizza stone for direct conduction. Also brush the exposed crust with leftover butter and bake on the middle rack for balanced heat. A final 30–45 second broil creates blistered, crunchy edges.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time for a party?
A: Assemble the buttered loaf and add cheese, then cover tightly and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes and bake as directed. You can also slice and freeze pre-baked portions for quick reheating.
Final Thoughts on Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread
This Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread is a fast, comforting crowd-pleaser with big flavor and simple technique.
If you enjoyed the recipe, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and pin it to Pinterest for later.
Cheesy Garlic & Parsley Butter Bread
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use real butter; margarine may alter the flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh minced garlic delivers best flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Flat-leaf parsley is recommended.
For the Bread
- 1 loaf mozzarella bread Any sturdy loaf that can be halved works.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is ideal.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Cut the mozzarella bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both halves.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the buttered surface.
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
