Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe with Mozzarella Cheese

Stuffed garlic bread is a cheesy, buttery bread filled with mozzarella, garlic butter, and Italian herbs, then baked until the outside turns golden and crisp. The center stays soft and stretchy, with melted cheese tucked into every bite.

This homemade stuffed garlic bread makes a great appetizer for pizza night, a side for pasta, or a shareable snack for game day. Using store-bought pizza dough keeps the preparation manageable, while garlic butter and a generous cheese filling give it that classic pizzeria-style flavor.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20–25 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy center: Low-moisture mozzarella melts into a stretchy filling without adding too much moisture.

• Crisp, buttery crust: Garlic butter brushed over the dough helps create a golden, flavorful exterior.

• Simple ingredients: Refrigerated pizza dough makes this recipe convenient for busy evenings.

• Easy to customize: Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, or a little red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

• Great for sharing: Slice it into strips or squares and serve with warm marinara sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough, brought to room temperature according to package directions

• 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 3–4 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for dusting the work surface

• ½ cup marinara sauce, for serving

Ingredient Notes

Pizza dough: Store-bought refrigerated dough is convenient and easy to shape. Let it soften enough to stretch without tearing, following the package instructions.

Mozzarella: Low-moisture mozzarella is the best choice for a gooey filling with less excess liquid. Fresh mozzarella contains more moisture and can make the bread soggy.

Garlic and butter: Freshly minced garlic gives the strongest flavor. Unsalted butter makes it easier to control the salt level.

Parmesan: Finely grated Parmesan adds a savory, slightly nutty flavor to the garlic butter.

How to Make Stuffed Garlic Bread

1. Prepare the oven and dough

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and roll or stretch the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 10 × 14 inches.

2. Add the cheese filling

Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges. Add half the Parmesan and a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Avoid overfilling, as excess cheese can escape during baking.

3. Fold and seal

Fold the dough lengthwise over the cheese to form a long stuffed loaf. Pinch the edges firmly to seal, then place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Press the ends closed so the filling stays inside.

4. Make the garlic butter

Stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, red pepper flakes if using, and remaining Parmesan. Brush the mixture generously over the top and sides of the loaf.

5. Bake until golden

Bake for 20–25 minutes, checking toward the end of the cooking time. The crust should be golden brown, and the dough should be cooked through rather than pale or gummy. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.

6. Rest, slice, and serve

Let the bread rest for 5 minutes so the melted cheese settles slightly. Cut into thick strips with a serrated knife and serve warm with marinara sauce.

Expert Tips

• Seal the edges carefully. Pinch the dough together firmly and place the seam underneath to reduce cheese leakage.

• Bring the dough to a workable temperature. Very cold dough can resist stretching and tear more easily.

• Use a lined baking sheet. Melted cheese may escape, and parchment makes cleanup easier.

• Brush the garlic butter evenly. Cover the top and sides without leaving large pools of butter on the tray.

• Let the loaf rest before cutting. A few minutes of resting helps the filling settle and makes cleaner slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using watery cheese: Excess moisture can leave the inside wet. Choose low-moisture mozzarella.

• Overfilling the dough: Too much cheese makes sealing difficult and encourages leaks.

• Cutting immediately: The filling may spill out while extremely hot. Rest the loaf briefly before slicing.

• Underbaking the center: A browned top doesn’t always mean the dough underneath is fully baked. Check the thickest part before serving.

Easy Variations

• Cheesy Parmesan garlic bread: Add another tablespoon of Parmesan to the filling.

• Spicy stuffed garlic bread: Mix red pepper flakes into the cheese and garlic butter.

• Pizza-style stuffed bread: Add a small amount of finely diced pepperoni, keeping the filling relatively dry.

• Herb and cheese bread: Add a little dried oregano or basil for a more pronounced Italian-inspired flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Pizza dough: Homemade pizza dough works just as well. Baking time may vary depending on its thickness.

• Mozzarella: A low-moisture Italian cheese blend can work, although the flavor and stretch may differ.

• Fresh parsley: Substitute 1 teaspoon dried parsley, or use a small amount of dried Italian herbs.

• Unsalted butter: Salted butter works too; reduce or omit the added salt to taste.

What to Serve With Stuffed Garlic Bread

Marinara sauce

A tangy tomato dip balances the buttery cheese filling.

Creamy pasta

Serve alongside Alfredo or tomato-based pasta for a hearty dinner.

Fresh salad

Crisp vegetables and a light vinaigrette balance the richness.

It also pairs well with tomato soup, roasted vegetables, or a simple Italian-inspired dinner spread.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooled slices in a freezer-safe container, separated with parchment, for up to 2 months for best quality.

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–12 minutes, or until the center is hot and the cheese has melted again.

• Air fryer: Reheat individual pieces at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes, checking frequently.

• Microwave: Heat a slice in short intervals for convenience, but expect a softer crust.

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for more even results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make stuffed garlic bread with store-bought pizza dough?

Yes. Refrigerated pizza dough is a convenient option. Follow its package directions for handling and allow enough time for it to soften before stretching.

2. How do I stop the cheese from leaking out?

Leave a small border around the filling, avoid overstuffing, pinch the edges firmly, and bake with the seam facing down.

3. Can I prepare stuffed garlic bread ahead of time?

You can assemble the loaf a few hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. Brush with the garlic butter just before baking. If the dough becomes very cold, it may need a little extra baking time.

4. Why is my stuffed garlic bread soggy inside?

Common causes include high-moisture cheese, too much filling, dough that is too thick, or underbaking. Low-moisture mozzarella and an evenly shaped loaf help.

5. Can I use fresh mozzarella?

Yes, but drain it well and pat it dry first. Because fresh mozzarella contains more moisture, the filling may be softer and wetter.

6. What is the best dipping sauce?

Warm marinara is a classic choice. Garlic Parmesan sauce or pizza sauce also pairs nicely with the cheesy bread.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed garlic bread brings together a golden crust, melted mozzarella, and savory garlic butter in an easy-to-share side dish. Serve it fresh from the oven with marinara for dipping, or pair it with your favorite pasta for a comforting homemade meal.