Cheesy Garlic Skillet Bread

When I think of the perfect side for dinner—or a showstopping snack on its own—there’s one thing that comes to mind instantly: Cheesy Garlic Skillet Bread. There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of golden bread edges, bubbling melted cheese, and fragrant garlic butter seeping into every nook and cranny.

This skillet bread is my not-so-secret weapon whenever I’m hosting friends or just craving cozy vibes. It’s crisp on the edges, pillowy inside, and generously smothered with garlicky, cheesy goodness. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, no fancy equipment required.

What is Cheesy Garlic Skillet Bread?

At its core, Cheesy Garlic Skillet Bread is:

• A soft bread dough or pre-made biscuit dough
• Brushed or stuffed with garlic butter
• Generously layered with shredded cheese
• Baked in a hot cast-iron skillet for a crispy crust

Unlike a traditional loaf, skillet bread is baked free-form, letting it puff up beautifully and develop a golden crust all around. The skillet ensures even heat distribution, making it a game-changer for achieving bakery-quality results at home.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Bread

• Minimal prep: Quick enough for weeknights.
• Crowd-pleaser: It vanishes at parties faster than you can say “cheese.”
• Versatile: Pairs well with soups, salads, pastas, or stands alone.
• Comforting: Warm, gooey, garlicky deliciousness in every bite.

Defining the Key Ingredients

Let’s talk about what goes into making this bread so delicious.

Dough

• You can use homemade yeast dough, pizza dough, or even store-bought biscuit dough for speed.
• The dough is shaped into pieces that can be nestled into the skillet.

Garlic Butter

• A blend of melted butter, minced garlic, and herbs like parsley.
• Infuses the bread with robust garlic flavor.

Cheese

• Mozzarella melts beautifully and provides stretch.
• Parmesan or cheddar adds sharp, nutty notes.
• Feel free to mix cheeses for depth of flavor.

Herbs and Seasonings

• Parsley or chives add freshness.
• Red pepper flakes for subtle heat if desired.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what I use for a 10-inch skillet:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Or, for a shortcut version:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• Skip the yeast, flour, sugar, water, and olive oil.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Skillet Bread

Here’s my tried-and-true method!

Step 1 – Make the Dough

If using homemade dough:

• Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
• Add warm water and olive oil.
• Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
• Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes.

Step 2 – Prepare Garlic Butter

• Melt butter in a small pan.
• Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.

Step 3 – Shape the Dough

• Divide dough into golf-ball-sized pieces.
• Flatten slightly, brush with garlic butter, and sprinkle with cheese.
• Roll back into balls.

If using biscuit dough:

• Separate biscuits and follow the same stuffing process.

Step 4 – Layer in the Skillet

• Brush skillet with olive oil.
• Arrange dough balls snugly in the skillet.
• Brush tops with garlic butter.
• Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.

Step 5 – Bake

• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Success

• Don’t over-knead the dough. It should be soft, not tough.
• Brush generously with garlic butter. This keeps the bread moist and flavorful.
• For extra crispiness, place skillet on stovetop for 1–2 minutes before baking.
• Cheese choice matters. Mozzarella for gooeyness, cheddar for sharpness.
• Make ahead: Shape dough balls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (1/8 of skillet):

Flavor Variations

Cheesy garlic skillet bread is endlessly customizable. Here are some tasty spins:

• Italian Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and provolone.
• Spicy: Stir red pepper flakes into the garlic butter.
• Tex-Mex: Use pepper jack cheese and chopped jalapeños.
• Herb-loaded: Mix rosemary, thyme, or dill into the dough for aromatic depth.

Serving Suggestions

This bread shines alongside:

• Soups like tomato basil or minestrone
• Crisp salads for a lighter contrast
• Pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna
• A simple dipping sauce like marinara or pesto

Or just enjoy it as an indulgent snack!

How to Store Leftovers

• Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F for crispiness.
• Freeze leftover baked bread for up to 2 months.

Why This Recipe is My Favorite

I make Cheesy Garlic Skillet Bread at least once a month, sometimes more. It’s a dish that instantly makes any meal feel special and brings people together. The scent of garlic and sizzling cheese wafting through the kitchen is pure happiness.

Whether you’re new to baking bread or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Q&A Section

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and tastes richer.

Is cast-iron necessary for this recipe?
Not strictly—but cast iron ensures crisp edges and even heat. A heavy oven-safe skillet is the next best thing.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, substitute about ½ teaspoon garlic powder, but fresh garlic has a stronger, more aromatic punch.

Can this bread be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking and check all labels on biscuit dough or baking powder mixes.

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