Cunetto’s Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe

Written by: Vladimir Lapshin

As someone who grew up near St. Louis, I have a soft spot for the warm, cheesy goodness of Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread. If you have ever been to Cunetto’s House of Pasta, you probably remember the smell of garlic and toasted bread filling the air before your meal even arrived. This recipe brings back those memories every time I make it. 

Key Takeaways

• A St. Louis Favorite: This garlic cheese bread is a classic from Cunetto’s House of Pasta, a cherished family-run restaurant that has been serving St. Louis since 1974. It is a well-loved appetizer known for its rich garlic flavor and melty cheese topping.
• Simple Ingredients with Big Flavor: In this Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread recipe, you only need basic ingredients like a fresh loaf of Italian or French bread, real butter, minced garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Choosing quality ingredients, such as whole-milk mozzarella and fresh garlic, makes a big difference in capturing the original taste.
• Quick and Easy to Make: The entire Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. There is minimal prep involved. You simply prepare the garlic butter, spread it on the bread, add cheese, and bake. It is beginner-friendly but delivers results that feel restaurant-quality.
• Perfect Texture in Every Bite: The magic of this bread lies in the contrast. The crust becomes golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft. The top layer of cheese melts beautifully and turns slightly bubbly. Each slice offers a balance of crunch, soft center, bold garlic, and cheesy stretch.

What is the Garlic Cheese Bread?

Garlic cheese bread is a rich and flavorful twist on classic garlic bread, often seen as a staple in Italian-American kitchens. While traditional garlic bread is made by spreading garlic-infused butter over sliced bread and toasting it until golden, garlic cheese bread adds a generous layer of melted cheese that takes it to the next level. 

Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread, in particular, stands out as a beloved dish from Cunetto’s House of Pasta in St. Louis, Missouri. Known for its golden, crispy edges and soft, buttery center, this version features a gooey topping of mozzarella with a light sprinkle of Parmesan. Every bite offers a balance of crunch, garlic flavor, and creamy cheese melt. What makes it truly exceptional is the use of fresh ingredients: crusty Italian or French bread for texture, real minced garlic for bold aroma, and a cheese blend that browns beautifully in the oven. A touch of Italian seasoning brings it all together. re

Cunetto’s Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe

Recipe by Recipe Blossom

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: BreadCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories per serving

320

kcal

Total time

25

minutes

The crispy edges, the buttery garlic flavor, and the layer of melted cheese make it the kind of appetizer you never forget. In this article, I will walk you through my version of Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread recipe. I will keep everything simple, clear, and easy to follow so that you can bake with confidence in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

• Italian or French Bread – 1 loaf (12 to 16 inches)

• Butter – ½ cup (softened)

• Garlic – 4 to 6 cloves (minced)

• Mozzarella Cheese – 2 cups (shredded)

• Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup (grated)

• Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon

• Salt – ¼ teaspoon (optional)

• Black Pepper – to taste (optional)

• Fresh Parsley – for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place the rack in the center of the oven. This temperature ensures the bread crisps up and the cheese melts evenly.
• Slice the Bread: Cut the loaf of Italian or French bread in half lengthwise. You can also cut each half again crosswise to make four pieces, depending on how you want to serve it.
• Make the Garlic Butter: Mix softened butter and minced garlic in a bowl until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper if desired. For extra flavor, stir in a small spoonful of grated Parmesan.
• Spread the Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter over the cut side of each bread half. Make sure to cover the surface completely so every bite is flavorful. Optional: Toast the buttered side in a hot skillet for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden.
• Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread. Top with grated Parmesan and a light dusting of Italian seasoning. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Bake: Place the bread on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cheese should be fully melted and starting to brown, and the edges of the bread should be crisp.
• Broil for a Finish (Optional): Turn the oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes to get a golden, bubbly top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Slice and Serve: Let the bread rest for a minute. Slice into portions and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Chef Recommendations

• Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: Simple recipes depend on ingredient quality. Choose fresh garlic cloves instead of jarred, use whole-milk mozzarella for better melt and flavor, and grate real Parmesan if possible. A fresh bakery loaf will give a crispier crust and softer center than overly processed bread.
• Soften the Butter Properly: Let your butter come to room temperature before mixing. Soft butter spreads easily and will not tear the bread. If you need to speed it up, microwave the butter in short 10-second bursts until it is soft but not melted.
• Avoid Overloading: Spread the garlic butter generously but evenly. Too much can make the cheese Italian bread soggy. The same goes for cheese. A thick layer is great, but avoid piling all the cheese in the center. Distribute it evenly to ensure proper melting and a balanced bite.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover garlic cheese bread, let it cool completely before storing. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread will soften slightly, but it can be revived during reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven. You can warm wrapped bread for about 10 minutes or place uncovered slices on a baking sheet for 5 to 6 minutes. For a crisper top, broil during the last 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread rubbery and the cheese chewy.
• Make-Ahead Tips: To prep ahead, mix the garlic butter and shred the cheeses in advance. You can also assemble the bread a few hours early and refrigerate it covered. When ready, bake straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two if needed. For longer storage, freeze unbaked assembled bread. Wrap tightly and bake straight from frozen at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes until hot and golden.

Best Ways to Eat

Cunetto’s garlic cheese bread is incredibly flexible and fits into just about any meal. As an appetizer, slice it into small pieces and serve it on a platter with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. It makes a perfect starter at parties or family dinners. For a classic Italian pairing, serve it alongside pasta dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, or penne arrabbiata. This Italian bread with cheese is perfect for soaking up rich sauces.

If you prefer a lighter option, enjoy it with soup or salad. It pairs well with tomato basil soup, minestrone, or a crisp Caesar salad. The balance of rich bread and fresh greens works beautifully. You can also turn it into a snack for movie nights by cutting it into strips and serving it as cheese breadsticks. It goes well with a cold drink, whether that is a soda, beer, or a glass of red wine.

For brunch or special dinners, add it to a bread basket. It stands out and often disappears first. Leftovers can be repurposed creatively, such as topping with a fried egg for breakfast or chopping into croutons for soup or salad. However you enjoy it, this cheesy Italian bread brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to the table.

The Nutrition Facts

Disclaimer: The nutrition facts provided are an estimate based on ingredients and brands. Values might differ depending on the specific products and brands that you choose. Please, be aware that it is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or dietary advice. If you need specific advice, consult a registered dietitian or qualified medical professional.

The Nutritional Benefits

• Garlic Adds Natural Goodness: Garlic is low in calories and rich in antioxidants. It may help support your immune system and heart health.
• Cheese Offers Protein and Calcium: Mozzarella and Parmesan provide protein for strength and calcium for healthy bones.
• Bread and Herbs Give Energy and Flavor: Bread gives quick energy from carbs, and herbs like parsley and oregano add small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants.

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