An easy cheesy garlic bread recipe (with vegan garlic bread version optional). All this quick ciabatta garlic bread needs is 7 ingredients and under 30 minutes for a delicious ooey-gooey, cheesy, garlicky side! This ciabatta garlic bread is enough to add that WOW factor to any meal! Air Fryer garlic bread method included.
Grate or mince the garlic and combine it with the olive oil, spices, herbs, and mix. Then allow it to rest and "infuse" for several minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the bread
For ciabatta garlic bread or similar bread, slice the bread lengthwise. For a baguette, you can slice it similarly or make individual slices.Alternatively, if using a loaf – like this no-knead Dutch oven bread, you can make slices into the bread every ¾-1 inch apart, slicing down to the crust without cutting through it.You could also use this topping over flatbreads like naan, pide, or even focaccia – where no slicing of the bread is necessary!
Step 3: Top the garlic cheesy bread
Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC.
Use a silicone/pastry brush to brush the garlic olive oil mixture across the bread. Then sprinkle with some parmesan and mozzarella cheese.If you're using a whole loaf that's sliced "Hasselback-style," then brush the garlic bread mixture in between all the slices. You can then optionally make cuts perpendicular to the first one to create a "grid" in the bread and add more garlic oil mixture to the new bare sections. Then stuff the holes with a little cheese (similar to how I have with this "crack" bread).
Step 4: Bake the Ciabatta garlic bread
Bake the cheesy garlic bread in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden and crispy on the edges.For a crispier cheesy top, you could broil the garlic cheese bread for a minute or so at the end of the baking time.For air fryer garlic bread: slice the ciabatta into smaller pieces to spread in a single layer in your Air Fryer (this is best for smaller amounts; otherwise, you may have to do this in batches). Air fry at 350ºF/180ºC for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown.
How to Store Roasted Garlic Bread?
Make ahead: you can prepare the garlic olive oil combination 1-2 days in advance. I wouldn't recommend storing it any longer than that due to the risk of botulism. However, you could keep it in an ice-cube tray in the freezer for up to a month. Simply defrost as needed.You can also assemble the bread before baking, then flash freeze and wrap tightly to freeze for up to 3 months. Bake the bread from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time (oven and air fryer method).Store: this cheesy garlic bread recipe is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. However, leftovers can be wrapped and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.Reheat: wrap the garlic cheesy bread in foil and then reheat in the oven.
Notes
If you notice the bread browning too much: you can use some aluminum foil to tent over the bread. Otherwise, it's unnecessary to wrap the bread unless you want very soft (not crispy) garlic cheesy bread. However, if you're baking a whole loaf, you might want to wrap it for half of the baking time to avoid it getting too hard.
Adjust the baking time as needed: depending on the bread you use and how big the pieces are (as well as your oven), the baking time may vary.
Leave to rest before slicing: it's best to wait a few minutes after baking the garlic cheese bread to slice and serve.
For garlic pizza bread: after spreading the garlic oil mixture over the bread, spread a thin layer of tomato puree or marinara sauce before adding the cheese.
Tips for air fryer garlic bread: you can use this method with or without the cheese. Adjust the time based on personal preference (how soft vs. crispy you prefer the garlic bread). Also, make sure to preheat your air fryer if it requires it.
Increase the cheese: if you're feeling decadent, feel free to increase the amount of cheese. You do you!
Optional add-ins and variations:
Vegan garlic bread: for a vegan version of this recipe, you can either omit the cheese altogether or use a combination of dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan or another melty "strong" cheese like cheddar.
Garlic powder: fresh raw garlic has a very robust flavor. If you'd prefer a slightly milder easy garlic bread, you could use a combination of reduced fresh garlic and either granulated garlic or garlic powder.
Spice: instead of red pepper flakes, you can add a little chili sauce into the garlic oil mixture.
Paprika: adding around ½-1 tsp smoked paprika tastes lovely when combined with garlic.
Truffle: shave a little truffle over the cheese or use a little truffle oil in the garlic mixture. Either way, your family (or guests) won't know what hit them!
Check the blog post for more tips and serving suggestions!