Cheesy Garlic Bread Casserole Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish
Looking for an irresistible side dish that everyone will rave about? This Cheesy Garlic Bread Casserole takes classic garlic bread to a whole new level. Imagine golden cubes of French bread soaked in a rich garlic cream, layered with melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan—then baked until bubbly and crisp.
This is an easy comfort food recipe that’s perfect for potlucks, holiday meals, or cozy weeknight dinners.
Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, ingredient details, and pro tips to make this cheesy casserole perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
To make this Cheesy Garlic Bread Casserole, you’ll need 1 loaf of French bread cut into 1-inch cubes, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 4 cloves of garlic minced finely. You’ll also need 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. For freshness and color, prepare 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and if you’d like a touch of heat, add about 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional).
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Casserole
Follow these simple steps for the best results:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
Tip: Preheating ensures the casserole bakes evenly and develops a golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Cream Mixture
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Combine wet ingredients:
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In a large mixing bowl, pour 1 cup of heavy cream.
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Add flavor:
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Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
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Whisk until fully combined.
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Tip: Use freshly minced garlic for the most robust flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Bread Cubes
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Toss the bread:
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Add the cubed French bread to the bowl with the cream mixture.
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Gently toss until every piece is coated with the creamy garlic mixture.
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Tip: Let the bread soak for 2–3 minutes for extra richness.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
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First layer:
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Spread half of the coated bread cubes evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan over the bread.
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Second layer:
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Add the remaining bread cubes on top.
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Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cheeses evenly over the surface.
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Tip: Press down lightly to help the layers stick together.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
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Cover and bake:
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Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake for 20 minutes.
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Uncover and finish:
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Remove the foil.
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Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and crisp.
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Tip: For an extra-crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
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Remove the casserole from the oven.
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Let it cool for a few minutes.
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Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
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Serve warm.
Recipe Tips & Variations
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Cheese Options: Swap in Gruyère, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
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Bread Choices: Sourdough, ciabatta, or Italian bread also work beautifully.
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Add Protein: Mix in cooked bacon or cooked Italian sausage for a heartier dish.
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Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate (covered) for up to 6 hours. Bake just before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Bread Casserole
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Ready in about 40 minutes
Perfect for feeding a crowd
Irresistibly cheesy and garlicky
Versatile as a side