North Woods Inn Garlic Cheese Bread (Copycat)

North Woods Inn garlic cheese bread has a loyal following for good reason. The version you can make at home starts with a creamy cheese spread made from sharp cheddar, Romano, butter, garlic powder, and a touch of Hungarian sweet paprika. Spread thickly on slices of French or sourdough bread and broiled until golden and bubbly, it gives you a crisp edge with a soft, gooey center.

A few drops of Tabasco and a splash of Worcestershire sauce add depth without turning up the heat. The result is a rich, savory bread that pairs beautifully with a bowl of homemade soup or a simple green salad. Once you try it, you'll understand why this North Woods Inn copycat recipe is so popular.

Why you’ll love this easy garlic bread recipe

• The cheese spread comes together in minutes with an electric mixer or food processor, so you can have homemade garlic bread ready without much fuss.
• Sharp cheddar and Romano give the bread a deep, savory flavor that stands up to the butter and spices.
• Broiling creates a golden, bubbly top while the inside of the bread stays soft, so every bite has a nice contrast.

Key ingredients for authentic North Woods Inn garlic cheese bread

• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the spread its bold, tangy flavor. Grate it yourself from a block for the smoothest melt. You can substitute Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
• Romano cheese: Romano adds a salty, nutty note that complements the cheddar. Pecorino Romano is the classic choice, but you can use Parmesan in a pinch.
• Hungarian sweet paprika: This paprika is milder and sweeter than regular paprika, giving the bread a subtle smokiness and a vibrant red color. If you only have regular paprika, use a little less.

Kitchen tools for making garlic cheese bread

• Electric mixer or food processor to combine the cheese spread until smooth
• Baking sheet for broiling the bread
• Serrated knife for slicing the bread evenly
• Aluminum foil for wrapping the finished slices to keep them warm

Tips for making the best North Woods Inn garlic cheese bread

• Let the butter soften to room temperature before mixing so the cheese spread comes together smoothly.
• Use a serrated knife to slice the bread about ½ inch thick for even toasting.
• Watch the bread closely under the broiler. The cheese can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
• Don't be shy with the cheese spread. A thick layer gives you that gooey texture.

Expert tips for great garlic cheese bread

• For a more intense garlic flavor, let the cheese spread sit in the refrigerator for an hour before using. The flavors will meld together.
• If you're making a double batch, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to combine everything evenly.
• Spread the cheese all the way to the edges of the bread so the whole slice gets golden and bubbly.

Variations to try for this garlic cheese bread

• Use sourdough bread instead of French for a tangier base.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese spread for extra heat.
• Swap the cheddar for pepper jack to give the bread a spicy kick.
• Cut the bread into smaller rounds and serve them as appetizers with a sprinkle of extra paprika.

What to serve with North Woods Inn garlic cheese bread

Toppings and garnishes

• Sprinkle a little extra Hungarian sweet paprika over the top before serving for color and flavor.
• Add a few fresh parsley leaves for a bright finish, if you like.

Side dishes

• Serve alongside a bowl of homemade soup, like tomato or vegetable beef.
• Pair with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• It also works well next to grilled steak or roasted chicken.

How to store leftover North Woods Inn garlic cheese bread

Wrap leftover slices in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They'll stay good for a few days.

Freezing North Woods Inn garlic cheese bread

You can freeze the assembled slices before broiling. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to serve, broil straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The texture will be just as good as fresh.

Best ways to reheat garlic cheese bread

The best way to reheat leftover garlic cheese bread is under the broiler. Place the slices on a baking sheet and watch closely until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crisp. You can also use a toaster oven for smaller batches. Avoid the microwave, which will make the bread soggy.

Source recipe: North Woods Inn Garlic Cheese Bread (Copycat) (SnapChef ID 0283caa5-4b5e-456b-b899-ba0b8018c168). Nutrition is estimated per serving.

Recipe

North Woods Inn Garlic Cheese Bread (Copycat)

★★★★★ 4.7/5 (12 ratings)

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Prep

10 min

Cook

10 min

Total

20 min

Servings

20 servings

Cuisine

American

1x2x3x

20 servings

US Metric

Copy list

Ingredients

• 1 pound Cheddar cheese grated
• 2 ounces Romano cheese grated
• 1 1/2 pounds butter at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika plus more for sprinkling
• 4 drops Tabasco sauce
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 loaves French or sourdough bread sliced ½ inch thick

Instructions

1. Use an electric mixer or food processor to combine all the ingredients except for the bread.
2. Spread the resulting cheese mixture generously over each slice of bread. Place them on a baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with sweet paprika.
3. Broil until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
4. Wrap the garlic cheese bread in foil to keep warm.

Notes

• Toppings and garnishes Sprinkle a little extra Hungarian sweet paprika over the top before serving for color and flavor. Add a few fresh parsley leaves for a bright finish, if you like. Side dishes Serve alongside a bowl of homemade soup, like tomato or vegetable beef. Pair with
• Wrap leftover slices in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They'll stay good for a few days.

Nutrition per serving, estimated

Calories	315 kcal	16% DV
Protein	11 g	22% DV
Fat	18 g	23% DV
Carbs	26 g	9% DV
Fiber	1 g	4% DV
Sugar	1 g	—
Sodium	499 mg	0% DV

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimates.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the spread less smooth. For the best texture, grate the cheddar and Romano yourself from a block. It takes a little extra time but makes a noticeable difference in how the cheese melts.

What kind of bread works best for North Woods Inn garlic cheese bread?

French or sourdough bread sliced about ½ inch thick are ideal. They have enough structure to hold the cheese spread and get crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. You can use sandwich bread, but it won't have the same crunch.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, you can substitute fresh garlic. Use about 1 clove minced for every ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Let the spread sit for a few minutes after mixing so the raw garlic flavor mellows a bit. Keep in mind that fresh garlic will give a stronger, more pungent taste.

What if I don't have Hungarian sweet paprika?

You can use regular paprika, but Hungarian sweet paprika is milder and sweeter. If you substitute regular paprika, use a little less, about ¾ teaspoon instead of 1 teaspoon, to avoid overpowering the other flavors. The color will still be nice and red.