If you love garlic bread and cheesy casseroles, then this Cheesy Garlic Bread Casserole is a match made in heaven! It’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with layers of toasted bread, gooey melted cheese, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or even a game day treat. It’s easy to prepare, and you can make it ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Serve it as a side dish or on its own, and watch everyone dive into this cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread (or any crusty bread of your choice)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the bread:
- Slice the French bread into 1-inch cubes. You can cut the slices smaller if you prefer a more “crumbly” texture.
- Arrange the bread cubes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are coated.
- Toss the bread cubes lightly with a spoon or your hands to ensure the garlic butter is evenly distributed.
- Add the cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the bread cubes.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the bread is toasted and crispy on the edges.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.
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Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread Casserole:
- Use a crusty bread: A firm, crusty loaf like French bread or Italian bread works best as it holds up well when baked with the garlic butter and cheese.
- Customize the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack, for varied flavors.
- Add extras: For an extra flavor boost, you can add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even a bit of red pepper flake for some heat.
- Make ahead: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- This Cheesy Garlic Bread Casserole is a must-try for garlic bread lovers! With its crispy, cheesy, and garlicky layers, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy!
