If you’re looking for the world’s most satisfying side dish, look no further than Garlic Bread—a golden, crisp, and gloriously fragrant classic that belongs at every dinner table. Imagine warm slices of bread infused with real garlic, buttery richness, and flecks of fresh parsley, all crowned with a whisper of Parmesan. Garlic Bread is the ultimate partner for pasta, salad, soups, or frankly any meal that could use a little extra comfort. Once you’ve tasted homemade, you’ll never look at store-bought the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Bread is in its simplicity, and every ingredient serves a tasty purpose. Grab these pantry staples and you’re just minutes away from melting, garlicky goodness!
- French or Italian Bread: A rustic loaf offers the perfect crunch outside and pillowy soft inside for soaking up the butter.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Butter is the flavor base and lets the garlic flavor shine; make sure it’s truly soft for the easiest mixing.
- Garlic Cloves (minced): Fresh garlic gives a punchy, authentic flavor—don’t use powder if you can help it!
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): Parsley not only adds gorgeous color but a fresh, herby note that makes Garlic Bread taste vibrant.
- Salt: Just a pinch is all you need to balance flavors perfectly.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): A dusting of Parmesan melts into the butter and adds irresistibly savory bites.
How to Make Garlic Bread
Step 1: Slice and Prep the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your loaf of French or Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise so you have two long, flat pieces. Place the halves cut side up on a large baking sheet—this gives you the ideal surface area for all that garlicky, buttery spread!
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Spread
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Stir everything together until perfectly blended—the mixture should be beautifully speckled and fragrant. This is the secret sauce that makes Garlic Bread legendary.
Step 3: Spread and Top the Bread
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, slather the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides of each bread half. If you’re opting for extra flavor, sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. The butter should reach right to the edges so every bite is loaded with taste.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The butter will melt into the bread as the edges turn delightfully golden. For those who love extra crispy Garlic Bread, switch to the broil setting for the final 1 to 2 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t go from golden to burnt!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Remove your bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute—if you can wait that long! Cut each half into thick slices. Serve your Garlic Bread warm and experience the magic for yourself.
How to Serve Garlic Bread
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit more fresh parsley on just before serving for a pop of color and herbal freshness. If you love cheese, an extra hit of grated Parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil will add a gourmet touch to your Garlic Bread.
Side Dishes
Garlic Bread works wonders next to classics like spaghetti and meatballs, creamy fettuccine alfredo, or a hearty tomato soup. It also makes a fantastic companion for chopped salads or almost any Italian-inspired main course.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Garlic Bread into an appetizer platter by cutting it into sticks and serving with a trio of dips—think warm marinara, herbed ricotta, or whipped feta. You can even make mini sandwiches or use slices as the base for fun crostini toppings at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Garlic Bread (which is rare!), let it cool completely before storing. Wrap slices in foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, ready for round two!
Freezing
For easy future cravings, assemble the buttered bread but don’t bake. Wrap the halves tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. You can bake Garlic Bread right from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes, or warm them in a toaster oven. If you’re really in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, though you’ll lose a bit of crispness.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is honestly the star flavor in authentic Garlic Bread, but in a pinch, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder for every 3 cloves. Just know you’ll lose some of that robust, lively taste.
What bread works best for Garlic Bread?
French or Italian loaves are ideal because their firm crust and airy interior toast up beautifully. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, which tends to get soggy.
Can I make Garlic Bread dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite plant-based butter and either skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The results will still be crave-worthy.
Is it possible to prep this ahead?
Yes, you can make the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Slather it on bread just before baking for weeknight ease.
How do I keep Garlic Bread crispy?
For maximum crispness, enjoy your Garlic Bread right after baking or broiling. If you need to store it, reheat uncovered in the oven to help revive the crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about the warm, savory aroma of Garlic Bread fresh from the oven—it’s pure comfort on a baking sheet! Trust me, once you make it from scratch, it’ll become your go-to for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Share it with friends, savor each buttery bite, and watch how quickly your Garlic Bread disappears!
Print
Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible aroma and flavor of homemade garlic bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with garlicky buttery goodness.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 16 inches)
Garlic Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Topping:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the bread: Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, parsley, and salt until well combined.
- Spread the garlic butter: Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is melted. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- For a cheesy twist, top with shredded mozzarella before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
