Garlic Bread Recipe
Golden, crisp-edged, and impossibly fragrant, Homemade Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort sidekick to pasta nights, soups, or cozy gatherings.
With a buttery garlic blend and a warm loaf of bread, this easy favorite turns simple ingredients into a crave-worthy crowd-pleaser in just minutes.
What You’ll Need for This Homemade Garlic Bread
- French bread – The ideal base: airy, crusty, and perfect for soaking up that savory garlic butter.
- Salted butter – Rich and creamy, it creates the luscious foundation of the spread.
- Olive oil – Adds depth and smoothness while helping the butter spread evenly.
- Garlic cloves – The star of the show, freshly minced for bold, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh parsley – Brings brightness and color that balances the richness.
- Parmesan cheese (optional) – Offers a salty, umami layer that crisps beautifully when baked.
Quick and Tasty Steps for Homemade Garlic Bread
Start by stirring together softened butter, olive oil, garlic, and parsley until smooth and well blended. Slice the loaf lengthwise and generously slather both halves with the garlicky mix.
Top with grated Parmesan if using, then bake cut side up at 400°F until the edges are golden and just crisp, around 8 to 10 minutes. Slice, serve, and let the compliments roll in.
Garlicky Wisdom: Tips and Twists to Try
For a softer bite, wrap the bread in foil before baking. This keeps it warm and tender, perfect for dipping into tomato-based pastas or soups.
Prefer extra crunch? Broil for the last minute or two, but keep a close eye to avoid burning. Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can level up the flavor and make it your own.
To switch up the flavor profile, try using roasted garlic instead of raw for a mellow, sweeter touch, or mix in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or basil for a unique twist.
How to Keep Homemade Garlic Bread Fresh and Fabulous
Wrap any leftovers in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop slices in a toaster oven or bake at 350°F until warmed through and crisp again.
For longer storage, freeze fully assembled but unbaked garlic bread. Wrap tightly in foil and store for up to 4 months. Bake from frozen, covered in foil at 350°F for about 30 minutes until hot and fragrant.
This garlic bread not only elevates weeknight dinners but also stores beautifully for impromptu indulgence.
Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- 1 loaf French bread
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the softened butter with olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until a uniform mixture forms.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the French bread lengthwise into two halves.
- Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the exposed surfaces of the bread. If desired, scatter Parmesan cheese over the top. Position the bread halves with the cut sides facing upward on a baking sheet.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bread edges are golden and slightly crisped. Slice into portions and serve warm.
Notes
As an alternative to fresh garlic, substitute 1 ½ teaspoons of garlic powder.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the bread and wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freezing Instructions: Wrap prepared bread in aluminum foil and freeze for as long as 4 months.
To Bake from Frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow regular baking instructions, or bake wrapped in foil at 350°F for 28 to 32 minutes until heated through and butter is fully melted.
