Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy garlic pizza bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining the gooey goodness of melted cheese with the rich flavor of garlic butter, all baked onto soft, golden pizza dough. It’s perfect as a party appetizer, a side dish to pasta, or simply enjoyed on its own when you’re craving something warm and cheesy. Unlike regular garlic bread, this version takes things up a notch with the stretchy melt of mozzarella and the subtle tang of Parmesan, making every bite indulgent. It’s quick and easy to prepare, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time. Whether served with marinara sauce for dipping or alongside a hearty Italian meal, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Once you pull this cheesy, garlicky masterpiece from the oven, don’t be surprised if it disappears in minutes!
Cheesy Garlic Pizza Bread – Gooey, Golden & Irresistible
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, golden pizza bread loaded with melted cheese and garlic butter, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish with pasta or soup.
Ingredients
- 1 large pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll pizza dough into a rectangle or oval shape and place on prepared sheet.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Brush over dough evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and slice into strips or wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle with olive oil or serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Can be topped with cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a cheese blend.
- Make it spicy with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough provides the base, offering a soft yet chewy texture once baked.
Garlic butter made with melted butter and minced garlic infuses the bread with irresistible flavor.
Mozzarella cheese ensures that classic gooey, stretchy pull in every bite.
Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty sharpness that enhances the mozzarella.
Italian seasoning or dried oregano brings a herby, aromatic touch.
Salt and black pepper balance and elevate the overall flavor.
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top after baking adds freshness and color.
Marinara sauce (optional) makes the perfect dipping partner.
Directions
Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle or circle, depending on preference.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture generously over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the surface, followed by Parmesan cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges, usually 12–15 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let cool for a few minutes before slicing into sticks or wedges.
Serve warm with marinara sauce or enjoy as a cheesy, garlicky snack on its own.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8–10 breadsticks or slices, serving about 4 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, and baking requires 12–15 minutes, making it ready in under 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in foil and store for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen until hot and gooey again.
Variations and Customizations
Four-Cheese Bread
Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan for extra cheesy flavor.
Spicy Kick
Add chili flakes or jalapeños before baking.
Stuffed Crust
Fold mozzarella sticks into the edges of the dough for stuffed cheesy bread.
Herb Butter Base
Mix fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary into the garlic butter for an herby twist.
Vegan Option
Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
Cut the dough into strips, twist with cheese, and bake for a fun pull-apart style.
BBQ Version
Drizzle with barbecue sauce before baking for smoky sweetness.
Bacon Lover’s
Top with crumbled bacon for a savory upgrade.
Whole Wheat Dough
Swap regular pizza dough with whole wheat for a healthier twist.
Mini Bites
Cut dough into small squares for bite-sized party snacks.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, it saves time and works perfectly for this recipe.
What’s the best cheese for pizza bread?
Mozzarella is classic, but a mix of cheeses adds more flavor.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I get crispy edges?
Brush extra garlic butter around the edges before baking.
Can I bake this on a pizza stone?
Yes, it helps achieve an even, golden crust.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded melts better and more evenly.
How do I keep the bread soft?
Don’t overbake; remove once the cheese is melted and golden.
Conclusion
Cheesy garlic pizza bread is a quick, flavorful, and indulgent recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing favorite. With gooey cheese, rich garlic butter, and a golden crust, it’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe guarantees cheesy, garlicky perfection every time.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!