Garlic bread is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a crispy, golden crust, buttery richness, and the bold flavor of garlic. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of crunch and softness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Yet Soft Texture – A crunchy exterior with a soft, buttery center.
- Rich, Buttery Flavor – The perfect blend of garlic, butter, and herbs.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Customizable – Add cheese, herbs, or extra spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra crispiness)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a broiler for a crispier finish, preheat it as well.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). If you want extra richness, add olive oil to the mixture.
3. Slice the Bread
Cut the loaf in half lengthwise. For smaller pieces, slice it into 1-inch thick sections.
4. Spread the Butter Mixture
Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over each slice or the halved loaf. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the buttered bread.
5. Bake
- Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges turn golden.
- For an extra crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned.
6. Serve
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Bread – Add shredded mozzarella or a mix of cheeses before baking.
- Garlic Herb Bread – Include dried oregano, basil, or thyme for added flavor.
- Extra Buttery – Use an additional tablespoon of butter for a richer texture.
- Spicy Kick – Sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftover garlic bread in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my garlic bread from becoming soggy?
Bake it at a high temperature and avoid using too much butter. Broiling at the end helps maintain crispiness.
Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder?
Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor, but you can substitute with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
What’s the best bread for garlic bread?
French or Italian bread works best due to their crispy crust and soft interior.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the butter mixture and spread it on the bread. Wrap in foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I make vegan garlic bread?
Use dairy-free butter or olive oil and skip the Parmesan cheese.
Can I freeze garlic bread?
Yes, freeze it before baking. Wrap in foil and store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 15 minutes.
What cheeses go well with garlic bread?
Mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, and gouda all add great flavor.
How do I make air fryer garlic bread?
Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5–7 minutes until crispy.
Can I add roasted garlic instead of raw garlic?
Yes! Roasted garlic gives a milder, caramelized flavor. Mash it into the butter before spreading.
What main dishes pair well with garlic bread?
Pasta, soups, salads, and grilled meats complement garlic bread perfectly.
Conclusion
This garlic bread recipe delivers a perfect balance of buttery, garlicky goodness with a crisp, golden crust. Whether you’re making it as a side for pasta night or a quick snack, this easy recipe is sure to be a favorite. Try out different variations to customize it to your taste!
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The Best Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This easy garlic bread recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust with a soft, buttery center, infused with fresh garlic and herbs. Perfect as a side, appetizer, or snack, and customizable with cheese and spices!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a broiler, preheat it as well.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in olive oil for extra richness.
- Slice the Bread: Cut loaf in half lengthwise or into 1-inch sections.
- Spread the Butter Mixture: Evenly coat each slice or loaf half with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan if using.
- Bake: Place bread on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add shredded mozzarella before baking.
- Garlic Herb Bread: Include dried oregano, basil, or thyme.
- Extra Buttery: Use an additional tablespoon of butter.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle more red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic bread, homemade garlic bread, easy garlic bread, cheesy garlic bread, best garlic bread
