Golden Cheesy Garlic Bread

This Golden Cheesy Garlic Bread is the ultimate indulgence—crispy on the outside, buttery and garlicky within, and topped with a blanket of gooey, golden-browned mozzarella. Inspired by classic garlic bread but elevated with a rich garlic butter custard, this recipe transforms simple bread into a decadent treat. The roasted garlic infuses deep, mellow sweetness, while paprika and fresh parsley add layers of flavor. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, this cheesy garlic bread is guaranteed to impress. Perfect for gatherings, comfort food cravings, or pairing with pasta dishes, it strikes the perfect balance between crispiness and melt-in-your-mouth richness.

Ingredients (Makes 6 portions)

Roasted Garlic

8-10 garlic cloves
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
Pinch of salt

Garlic Butter Custard

½ cup (113 g) butter, melted
1 egg
¼ cup (60 ml) milk
½ tsp salt
½ tsp paprika
2 tbsp (30 g) chopped fresh parsley

Bread Base

12 King's Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls (or substitute with a French baguette of similar size)

Cheese Topping

2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

For Serving/Garnishing

Chopped parsley
Chili flakes

Nutrition Information (per 100g)

Calories: 320
Fat: 18
Protein: 12
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 2

Directions

Roasting the Garlic

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place them in a small oven-safe dish with a lid or cover with foil.
3. Bake for approximately 20 minutes until soft and golden. Mash with a fork and set aside.

Preparing the Garlic Butter Custard

4. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
5. In a bowl, whisk together the mashed roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped parsley until well combined.

Preparing the Bread Base

6. Using a sharp knife, slice the sheet of bread rolls horizontally into two halves.
7. Place the bread halves on a large baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and crispy.

Coating the Bread

8. Transfer the garlic butter custard to a larger pan.
9. Carefully dip the baked bread halves into the garlic butter custard, ensuring they are well coated on all sides.
10. Return the coated bread to the baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden.

Adding the Cheese

11. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread.
12. Switch the oven setting to broil/grill and broil for approximately 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serving

13. Garnish with chopped parsley and chili flakes.
14. Slice and serve warm. Enjoy!

Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

Instead of baking, grill the bread over medium heat for a smoky flavor.

Alternative Proteins

Top with crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Bold Flavor Enhancements

Incorporate roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes into the garlic butter mixture.

Bread Selection

For a crunchier texture, use a French baguette or sourdough instead of Hawaiian rolls.

Cheese Melting

Broil the cheese carefully to avoid burning—watch closely for a golden-brown finish.

Complementary Flavor Pairings

Pair with marinara sauce or a creamy garlic dip for extra indulgence.

Garlic Roasting

Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and enhances its sweetness. If short on time, sauté minced garlic in butter instead.

Healthier Variation

Use whole wheat bread and replace butter with olive oil for a lighter version.

Seasonal Tweaks

Add fresh basil or rosemary for a seasonal herb twist.

Ask Cookix, your sous-chef