Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: In just 28 minutes, you can have fresh, homemade garlic bread ready to enjoy.
- Customizable: You can adjust the amount of garlic and seasoning to your liking, and add Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch.
- Crispy & Buttery: The combination of baking and broiling gives the bread a deliciously crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.
- Perfect Pairing: This garlic bread pairs wonderfully with pasta, salads, or even grilled meats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced (more if you love garlic!)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. If using a baguette, you can slice it into smaller pieces for individual servings.
- Spread the Mixture: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on the cut sides of the bread.
- Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter for extra flavor and richness.
- Wrap in Foil: Close the bread halves and wrap them in aluminum foil to help the bread steam while baking.
- Bake: Place the wrapped garlic bread in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the bread is heated through and the butter has melted.
- Unwrap and Broil: After baking, unwrap the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil the bread for an additional 2-3 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve: Cut the garlic bread into individual pieces and serve warm to enjoy the full flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep time: 8 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes (15-20 minutes baking, 2-3 minutes broiling)
- Total time: 28 minutes
Variations
- Herb Variations: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the garlic butter mixture for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Cheese: For an extra cheesy garlic bread, add a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top before broiling.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat.
- Garlic Powder Option: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder for the minced garlic.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm.
FAQs
Can I make garlic bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture and spread it on the bread ahead of time. Wrap the bread and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day, then bake and broil it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use unsalted margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute if you prefer a non-dairy option.
Can I make garlic bread without using foil?
You can, but using foil helps to steam the bread and keep it soft while baking. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can skip the foil and just bake the bread uncovered.
Can I use sourdough bread instead of French bread?
Yes, sourdough bread would work well with garlic butter, giving it a tangy and slightly more rustic flavor.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
When sautéing garlic, make sure to cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Garlic can burn quickly, which will make the bread taste bitter, so keep an eye on it.
Conclusion
This Garlic Bread recipe is simple, flavorful, and always a hit. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, salad, or just enjoying it on its own, this garlic bread will be the perfect addition to your meal. With a crispy exterior, soft interior, and rich garlic butter, it’s guaranteed to become a household favorite!
Garlic Bread: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish featuring a crispy, buttery exterior and soft, flavorful interior. With fresh garlic, parsley, and optional Parmesan, it pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, and more.
Ingredients
1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4–6 garlic cloves, minced (more if you love garlic!)
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise (or into individual pieces if using a baguette).
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on the cut sides of the bread.
- If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and butter has melted.
- Unwrap the foil and broil the bread for 2-3 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the garlic butter mixture.
Add mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy version before broiling.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Garlic powder can substitute minced garlic if fresh garlic isn’t available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
