Cheesy Garlic Loaf | The Ultimate Christmas Crowd-Pleaser
Pulling a hot, cheesy garlic loaf from the oven is a delight. Placing it on the table releases an aroma that brings everyone together. This Cheesy Garlic Loaf is one of my favourite recipes from this whole menu. I also love that is will be amazing when hosting a big family dinner because it’s affordable. It’s incredibly easy. It will be the first thing to disappear.
This starter is made with a budget-friendly bakery loaf. It includes plenty of butter, garlic, herbs, and a generous amount of melty cheese. This combination creates the ultimate comfort-food-style starter. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade and special. It takes only a few minutes to prepare. This is perfect for the busy festive season when every minute counts. The diamond pattern means you get to pull a share all to yourself and it will have a cheesy pull. YUMM!
Watch This Recipe in My Christmas Special
This Cheesy Garlic Loaf was part of my $100 NZD Christmas Feast in the Farmer’s Wife Homestead Christmas Special.
Related Recipes & Links
- Farmhouse Cheese Log
- Butterflied Lemon & Thyme Chicken
- A Simple Roasted Veggie Green Salad
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Log
- Honey-Kissed Roasted Carrots | Simple & Delicious
- Cherry Pie | Buttery Crust & Juicy Cherry Filling
- Green Beans with Bacon
- Smashed Potatoes
Cheesy Garlic Loaf Recipe
Serves: 6–10 as a starter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 large bakery loaf
- 100g of bought, garlic butter or homemade ( see link below for mine)
- spring onions finely diced (for the top, once cooked)
- 2 cups grated cheese (Colby, mild, Tasty, Mozzarella, or a mix)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C fan bake. (unless you are making it ahead of time)
- Slice the loaf on a slight angle, cutting ¾ of the way through so the base stays intact. Then turn the loaf around and slice again, making diamond shapes. see the photo as an example or watch the video.
- Spread the garlic butter generously between each slice. You are welcome to use as much or as little as you like. Have fun with it.
- Stuff grated cheese into each slit — the more the better!
- Wrap the loaf in foil and place it on a baking tray. Or pop into the fridge and bake the next day. You could also freeze it now as well.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the loaf is hot through.
- Open the foil for the last 3–5 minutes if you want a crispier top.
- Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
- A pair of tongs is a suggestion; it makes it easier to pull the bread out.
Stacey’s Kitchen Tips
- Soften your butter fully — it makes it easier to spread evenly between the slices.
- Add extra cheese on top for an even more indulgent loaf.
- Mozzarella gives the best stretch, while Tasty/Colby gives a great flavour punch.
- If your loaf is a day old, this recipe brings it straight back to life.
Variations
- Cheesy Bacon Loaf: Add cooked, chopped bacon into the slices.
- Herb & Garlic Loaf: Skip the cheese and load up with more herbs. (YEAH RIGHT, please don’t skip the cheese haha)
- Add chili flakes for a kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free loaf — the butter and cheese work exactly the same.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Loaf is the kind of starter that feels homely and comforting. It is especially welcome during the Christmas season when the kitchen is busy. The house is full. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious — everything I love in a holiday recipe.
I hope it becomes part of your festive tradition too.
— Stacey, Farmers Wife Homestead
