Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic bread is buttery, crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with savory garlic flavor. It takes just minutes to assemble and bake, making it ideal for last-minute dinners or casual entertaining. You can toast it in the oven, under the broiler, or even on a grill. It’s also easy to customize with herbs, cheese, or extra toppings based on your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- French bread or Italian loaf
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Fresh garlic (minced or grated)
- Parsley or Italian seasoning (chopped or dried)
- Salt (to taste)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or red pepper flakes
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise or into thick slices.
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Add optional cheese or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet, buttered side up.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the edges are golden.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Slice and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 15–17 minutes
Variations
- Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top for cheesy garlic bread.
- Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Swap parsley for basil, oregano, or chives.
- Make it spicy with crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the butter mix.
- Use ciabatta, baguette, or sourdough instead of French bread for different textures.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or place slices directly on a baking sheet to crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy or soggy.
FAQs
What bread works best for garlic bread?
A crusty French loaf or Italian bread is ideal. It should be sturdy enough to hold the butter and toast well.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, use about ½ to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute if fresh garlic isn’t available.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt level, but salted butter works fine too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the buttered bread in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
How do I make it vegan?
Use a plant-based butter alternative and check that your bread is dairy-free.
Can I freeze garlic bread?
Yes, wrap unbaked buttered bread tightly in foil and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
Is broiling necessary?
No, but broiling for 1–2 minutes adds a golden, crispy top. Just be sure to watch it closely.
How much garlic should I use?
Use 2–4 cloves depending on how strong you want the garlic flavor. Adjust to taste.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Jarred garlic works in a pinch.
What can I serve garlic bread with?
It’s perfect with pasta, soups, stews, salads, or as an appetizer for parties or game day.
Conclusion
Easy Garlic Bread is the kind of side dish that elevates any meal with minimal effort. Crispy, buttery, and loaded with garlic flavor, it’s everything you want in a comfort food classic. Whether you make it plain or cheesy, this recipe is a staple worth keeping on hand for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
PrintEasy Garlic Bread Recipe
Easy Garlic Bread is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring crusty bread topped with garlicky butter and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. It’s the ideal companion for pasta, soups, or salads.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 French bread or Italian loaf
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise or into thick slices.
- In a bowl, mix butter with garlic, parsley or seasoning, and salt. Stir in cheese or red pepper flakes if using.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Place bread on a baking sheet, buttered side up.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the butter is melted and edges are golden.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness—watch carefully.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Roasted garlic can be used instead of raw for a sweeter, milder flavor.
- For extra cheesy garlic bread, add shredded cheese before baking.
- Prepare in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Use different breads like ciabatta, sourdough, or baguette for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
