Garlic Bread Recipe
This easy garlic bread recipe is buttery, crispy, and packed with flavor. Made with fresh garlic, softened butter, and a crusty loaf of French or Italian bread, it’s the perfect side dish for pasta, soup, or salads. Ready in under 20 minutes, this homemade garlic bread is simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup 1 stick softened butter – Use unsalted butter for better control of the saltiness.
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic minced – Freshly minced garlic gives the most flavor; jarred is okay in a pinch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped – Adds color and freshness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Optional but balances the richness nicely.
- For the Bread:
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread – Look for one that’s crusty on the outside soft on the inside.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese – Optional but gives a lovely umami kick.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone optional for cheesy garlic bread
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. It should be spreadable — if it’s too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes.
- Slice the Bread:
- Cut your loaf of French bread in half lengthwise. If it’s too long, you can cut it into smaller sections that fit your baking sheet.
- Spread the Butter:
- Use a butter knife or spatula to evenly spread the garlic butter mixture across each cut side of the bread. Be generous — make sure every inch is covered!
- Add Cheese (Optional):
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella for cheesy garlic bread.
- Bake:
- Place the bread on your baking sheet, buttered side up, and bake for 10–15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Broil (Optional but Worth It!):
- For an extra crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes — but watch closely! Garlic burns fast.
- Slice & Serve:
- Let the bread rest for a minute, then cut into slices and serve warm.
Notes
- Use softened butter, not melted — melted butter soaks into the bread and prevents a crisp crust.
- Fresh garlic delivers the most flavor, while garlic powder enhances it.
- Keep an eye on baking — golden brown is perfect; darker means overdone.
- Broil briefly for crunch, but stay close — garlic burns easily.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and aroma.