Cheesy Bread Recipe with a buttery garlic spread, creamy cheesy topping, and golden, bubbly edges that make every bite irresistible.
Author’s Note
Where This Cheesy Bread Comes From
California Cheesy Bread started showing up in church cookbooks and potlucks back in the ’70s and ’80s. It’s known for its buttery, garlicky spread made with butter, mayo, and cheese, all broiled (not baked!) until bubbly and golden.
My mom used to make this Cheesy Bread recipe all the time when I was growing up, and it was always a hit. I’ve tweaked it a bit over the years, but it still has that same nostalgic flavor I remember and love!
It’s perfect for serving alongside pasta, soup, or salad…or honestly, just tearing into straight from the pan!
Cheesy Bread Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Helpful Tip |
|---|---|
| French Bread | Use a fresh loaf from your store’s bakery. |
| Butter, Garlic & Salt | Soften the butter for easy mixing. Use both minced garlic and garlic powder for the best flavor balance. |
| Mayo & Sour Cream | This combo makes the spread extra creamy and helps the cheese melt smoothly without drying out. |
| Cheddar & Mozzarella | Freshly shred both cheeses for the best melt and gooey texture; bagged cheese won’t melt as well. |
| Parsley | Finely chop fresh parsley for a bright pop of color and freshness before broiling. Feel free to leave it out or use freeze-dried parsley instead. |
How To Make Cheesy Bread
- Prep the Oven: Move the rack to the center & preheat the broiler to high
- Make the Spread: Mix butter, garlic, garlic powder, salt, parsley, mayo, and sour cream until smooth, then stir in both cheeses.
- Assemble: Slice the French bread in half & spread the cheese mixture evenly on top.
- Broil: Broil 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden; watch closely, it browns fast.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then slice and enjoy warm.
Dip This Recipe In:
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Creamy Vegetable Soup
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Cheesy Bread Recipe
Video
Equipment
- Large sheet pan
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread cut in half lengthwise
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup mayo use Best Foods/Hellman's
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 2 cups (8-ounces) freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (4-ounces) freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Move a rack to the center of the oven and preheat the broiler to high heat. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper (safe for high temps) or foil and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, parsley, mayo, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in both cheeses until well combined.
- Slice the loaf in half horizontally and place it cut side up on the prepared pan. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over both halves.
- Place under the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 3–5 minutes. Watch closely; it can burn in an instant!
- Remove from the oven and let sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. Slice with a bread knife and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What To Serve With Cheesy Bread Recipe
- Soups: Try it with Chicken Noodle Soup, Tomato Basil Soup, or Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
- Pasta Dishes: Perfect with Creamy Chicken Alfredo, Spaghetti Bolognese, or Pesto Pasta.
- Salads: Adds the best crunch next to a Caesar Salad or Italian Chopped Salad.
- Or… just eat it on its own. It’s that good!
Storage
This Cheesy Bread Recipe is best eaten fresh!
To freeze, spread the cheese mixture on the bread, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, broil straight from frozen until hot and bubbly.
If you won’t eat it all at once, only bake what you’ll use. Cut the French bread into sections (lengthwise, then widthwise). Spread butter mixture on one section and broil. Store the remaining butter mixture in the fridge and the bread in a bag, then assemble and broil fresh as needed.
Alternatively, use English muffins instead; spread the butter mixture on individual muffins and broil as desired.
Yes girl, this came out BOMB. I cut into 4 pieces, froze them, and then air fry’d it to cook it, still sooo yummy. Def a keeper 🙂
Yay! I love the idea of freezing and air frying when you’re in the mood for a slice! Thanks for sharing!
Delicious! This cheese topping would also be great on a crispy baguette.
So glad this cheesy bread has been a hit! It would be delicious on a crispy baguette!
Looks delicious Chelsea. Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks so much Jill!! I hope you love it!