Easy Cheesy Honey Garlic Bread

I’m just hanging out in my kitchen, ready to talk about my undying love for honey garlic bread. This stuff is my comfort food, my late-night craving, my everything.

Garlic bread has been my ride-or-die since I was a kid sneaking extra slices at family dinners, and this recipe is my grown-up twist on that obsession.

A couple weeks ago, I was stuck in a rut, binge-watching some random show, feeling uninspired.

I wandered into the kitchen, poked around, and found a half-eaten loaf of bread, some garlic, and a dusty bottle of honey in the back of my pantry.

On a whim, I started messing around, melting butter with minced garlic and a drizzle of honey, then spreading it over the bread. I tossed it in the oven, not expecting much.

When it came out, all golden and fragrant, I took one bite and forgot all my problems. That sweet, savory crunch was pure magic.

This honey garlic bread is so simple to make, it’s practically foolproof, and it turns any night into something special.

Let’s get to it and make this happen.

What You’ll Need for This Honey Garlic Bread

• Italian bread: I used Italian bread because it’s soft and fluffy on the inside with a nice crust on the outside. It’s perfect for soaking up all that buttery, cheesy goodness and fits so well in the air fryer.
  
  
• Garlic bulb: I roasted a whole garlic bulb for this recipe. Roasted garlic becomes super soft, sweet, and buttery without that sharp bite. It spreads perfectly when mixed with butter and gives the best flavor.
  
  
• Butter: Butter is what makes this bread rich and delicious. It melts into every slice and carries that roasted garlic flavor in the best way.
  
  
• Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is my go-to for that melty, stretchy cheese pull. It gives this bread that cozy, cheesy vibe that makes every bite so satisfying.
  
  
• Honey: A drizzle of honey at the end balances everything out. The sweetness works so well with the savory garlic and cheese. It’s that little touch that makes this bread unforgettable.
  
  
• Parsley: I like adding dried parsley for a pop of color. It’s optional but gives a nice finishing touch.
  
  
• Olive oil and salt: A little olive oil makes the garlic butter even smoother, and a pinch of salt ties all the flavors together. It’s simple but makes a big difference.

How to Make Honey Garlic Bread

Step 1: Roast the garlic

• Slice the top off a garlic bulb to expose the cloves
• Drizzle a little olive oil and salt over it and wrap it in foil
• If you’re using an air fryer, roast at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden
• If you’re using an oven, roast at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes until the cloves are caramelized and buttery
• Let it cool, then squeeze out the roasted garlic into a bowl

Step 2: Make the garlic butter

• Mash the roasted garlic until smooth
• Mix it with softened butter, a bit of olive oil, a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of dried parsley, and a dash of red pepper flakes
• Stir it all together until creamy. The red pepper flakes give it that subtle kick, which pairs so well with the sweet honey later on

Step 3: Prep the bread

• Grab your Italian bread and cut it in half vertically so you have two open-faced pieces
• Spread your spicy garlic butter generously between each slice and across the top
• Stuff shredded mozzarella into every slice, making sure there’s plenty for those melty cheese pulls

Step 4: Cook the bread

• If you’re using an air fryer, place the bread in the basket and air fry at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges get crispy
• If you’re using an oven, place the bread on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until everything is melted and golden
• Either way, keep an eye on it—you want that perfect melty, toasty finish

Step 5: Drizzle with honey and serve

• While it’s still warm, drizzle honey all over the top
• Add a little extra dried parsley if you want that pop of color
• Serve it up right away and enjoy the sweet, savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy combo in every bite

FAQs About This Recipe

1. Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting a garlic bulb?

You can, but roasted garlic gives a totally different flavor—it’s sweet, soft, and buttery, not sharp like raw or minced garlic. If you’re in a rush, you could sauté minced garlic in butter for a quick fix, but roasting is worth it if you have the time.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries at all—I also showed you how to make this in the oven, so you’re covered. Just check out the instructions above. It’s super easy, and you’ll still get that melty, crispy, cheesy goodness.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely. Mozzarella is great for that classic melty cheese pull, but you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or even a little parmesan for extra flavor. Just use whatever you have on hand or what you’re craving.

4. How spicy does it get with the red pepper flakes?

It’s just a subtle kick, nothing too crazy. If you’re not into spice, you can skip them. If you love heat, feel free to sprinkle a little extra—or even drizzle some hot honey at the end for that sweet and spicy combo.

5. How do I store leftovers and reheat them?

If you somehow have leftovers, wrap them up and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back. The microwave works, but it’ll be softer and less crispy.