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The Spicy Cheesy Garlic Bread is a flavorful twist on the classic, infused with Indian-inspired ingredients. Fresh green chilies combined with crushed red pepper add heat, while fresh cilantro and parsley add a fragrant touch. Top with cheese and bake until golden! Whether serving it as a holiday side dish or a weeknight treat, this recipe will have everyone returning for seconds!
Garlic bread is one of those irresistible sides that’s a must during the holidays. Serve it alongside pasta or a hearty soup on your holiday menu. It’s comforting and flavorful and everyone’s favorite during the holidays.
If you love garlic bread, try my Pav Bhaji Garlic Bread and Jalapeno Cheddar Garlic Bread – both are huge hits and crowdpleasers.
Spicy Cheesy Garlic Bread
This Spicy Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe takes the classic to the next level with a hint of spice and cheesy goodness. I’ve incorporated green chilies and cilantro for that Indian touch.
First, prepare the garlic herb butter flavored with garlic, butter, green chilies, and herbs such as fresh cilantro and parsley, along with dry oregano. Spread this herb butter over Italian loaf bread and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
The result is delectable! Spicy, cheesy goodness that tastes sensational and hits the spot.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – A quick, easy side with big flavors and minimal prep. Quick enough to make it on the same day.
- Indulgent & Comforting – Garlic bread is so comforting. When combined with butter, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, it’s indulgent, too.
- Great Holiday Side Dish – Perfect crowdpleaser that pairs well with pasta, salads, and soups.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter – Use unsalted butter to control the salt in this recipe. Keep in mind that cheese has salt. Make sure the butter is at room temperature.
- Garlic – Finely chop and mince the garlic so you don’t end up with large chunks of it in every bite.
- Green Chilies – Finely chop the Thai green chilies.
- Cheese – Use freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan cheeses – please don’t use pre-shredded packaged cheese.
- Fresh Herbs – Finely chop fresh cilantro and parsley.
*See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.*
Substitutions & Variations
- Vegan – use non-dairy butter and cheese.
- Gluten-free – use gluten-free bread loaf.
- Green Chilies – you can substitute green chilies for serrano peppers, and for less spice, use jalapenos.
- Fresh Herbs – you may add or remove herbs as you wish. Another herb that would taste delicious is fresh basil.
How to Make Spicy Cheesy Garlic Bread
1. Make Herb Butter
2. Assemble Cheesy Garlic Bread
3. Bake
Nisha’s Tips
✓ Bread – Make sure you use Italian or French loaf bread. I prefer a soft loaf of bread as opposed to a hard loaf for this recipe. Ciabatta or Sourdough bread would work great, too.
✓ Herbs: Finely chop the fresh cilantro and parsley for the best results.
✓ Garlic: The garlic should be minced and chopped very finely to avoid chunks of garlic in a bite.
✓ Cheese: Use freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan cheeses – please don’t use pre-shredded cheese.
✓ Bake: Bake the garlic bread for 15 minutes at 400 degrees, then broil for 2 minutes for a golden, cheesy top.
✓ Wait before Slicing: Let the garlic bread rest for 5 minutes before slicing to prevent the cheese from sliding off.
Serving Suggestions
→ Serve garlic bread with soup – I suggest Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup or Tomato Basil Soup made with fresh tomatoes. Both versions are delicious.
→ You can also serve this side with a salad such as this Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Arugula.
→ Lastly, serve garlic bread with pasta. A few of my favorites are Tikka Masala Pasta, Spaghetti al Pomodoro, Baked Ziti with Spinach, Vegetarian Spaghetti Puttanesca, or the most loved World’s Best Spaghetti with Rao’s Homemade.
Recipe FAQs
Use vegan butter and replace mozzarella and parmesan cheeses with their non-dairy versions.
Use gluten-free loaf bread.
I highly recommend using Italian or French bread, followed by Ciabatta or Sourdough. I have used an Italian loaf for this recipe, which is softer than a French loaf.
I’ve used mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, however cheddar, colby, monterey jack cheeses all work well.
Use sliced sourdough bread for the best results. Spread the butter herb mixture over sliced sourdough, then top with cheese, and bake at 400 degrees for about 6-8 minutes. Broil for a minute. Note: Bake time will vary for a single slice of garlic bread.
Store & Reheat – Store leftover garlic bread in foil wrap. Heat it in a toaster oven on the bake setting at 350 degrees when ready to eat.
Freeze & Reheat – You may freeze garlic bread wrapped in foil paper. Place garlic bread in a toaster oven and bake at 350 degrees until it melts.
More Bread Appetizers
- Pav Bhaji Garlic Bread
- Jalapeno Popper Garlic Bread
- Burrata Caprese Crostini
- Tomato Basil Bruschetta
- Sun-dried Tomato Ricotta Crostini
Tried this recipe? If so, please leave a comment & rate it. That would mean so much to me. If you’re on Instagram, please tag me to see your creations. I’m happy to share and mention you. Thank you!
Spicy Cheesy Garlic Bread (Indian-inspired)
Ingredients
For Herb Butter
- 1 tbsp extra virign olive oil
- 6 tbsp butter, room temperature
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped & minced
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
For Spicy Cheesy Garlic Bread
- 1 Italian loaf, halved
- spread herb butter on both sides
- 1 1/4 cups mozzrella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Garnish
- sprinkle fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Make Herb Butter. Add softened butter to a bowl and mix well until light and creamy. Then add garlic, green chilies, cilantro, parsley, salt, garlic powder, and olive oil. Add salt, black pepper, fresh garlic, green chilies, and crushed red pepper. Mix well. Lastly, add fresh cilantro, parsley, and garlic powder. Mix well. Garlic herb butter is ready.
- Assemble Cheesy Garlic Bread. Spread garlic herb butter all over the Italian loaf. Top garlic bread with mozzarella, then parmesan cheese.
- Bake. Place garlic bread on a baking tray, bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes until golden brown. Wait 5 minutes before slicing into six pieces. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!
