Classic Garlic Bread Recipe
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This garlic bread recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create pure magic. With its golden, crispy edges and soft, garlicky center, this classic side never fails and pairs well with everything. Serve it alongside a hearty pasta, dunk it into a soup, or snack straight from the baking sheet like me – however you choose to enjoy it, garlic bread will always be a toast-worthy treat.
When it comes to sides, garlic bread is a recipe everyone should know how to make. It’s easy to make as it is delicious, and it’s always a crowd favorite. It’s my go-to party appetizer, in rotation with my other favorites, tomato bruschetta and pull-apart bread. Garlic bread is perfect for impressing guests with your homemade touch!
Classic garlic bread is also the ultimate comfort food with its warm, buttery, and ever-so-familiar garlic taste. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or as a grab and go snack for any time of the day. I’ve tasted so many versions in my life, but this folks, is the one homemade garlic bread recipe I guarantee you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 15-minute recipe: No fancy techniques needed – just mix, spread, and bake for a restaurant-quality side in minutes.
- The perfect side: Classic garlic bread is the perfect balance of crispy, buttery, and garlicky goodness that takes any meal to the next level.
- Homemade goodness: Freshly made garlic bread beats anything from the frozen aisle!
- Versatile: Easy enough to make for a comforting meal at home, but delicious enough to grace your party or holiday spread.
- Adaptable: Add cheese, herbs, or a touch of spice to make it your own. Easily customize the toppings depending on your mood or the occasion!
- Meal prep friendly: Make ahead, freeze, and heat for a quick side whenever you need it.
How to Make Garlic Bread
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love garlic bread, especially when it’s homemade. From here on out, no more dealing with chewy, bland, or overly greasy slices – only soft, buttery garlic bread with golden, crunchy edges. Prep for 5 minutes and bake for 10, and you can enjoy the best classic garlic bread you’ll ever taste!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Bread: French bread, Italian bread, or baguette are the best options to get that perfect ratio of crunchy crust and soft, buttery center.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter since we will be adding salt separately.
- Garlic: Fresh is best for that authentic garlic flavor.
- Salt
- Parmesan cheese: Optional for a crispy, cheesy golden topping. I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for the best flavor. Make an extra cheesy version with an added ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley for the iconic pretty flecks of green.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making classic garlic bread can’t be easier. Simply make the garlic butter, spread it on sliced bread, bake, top and crisp up, then serve. Warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven homemade garlic bread trumps any store-bought kind anytime!
Step 1: Prep the oven
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Adjust the oven rack to be positioned in the top third of the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the garlic butter and spread it on the bread
Mix the butter, garlic, and salt together in a small bowl.
Slice the loaf in half lengthwise with a bread knife and generously spread the butter evenly over both halves.
Step 3: Bake
Place each bread half on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add toppings and broil
Sprinkle with Parmesan if using, parsley and salt. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Step 5: Cut and serve
Cut into individual pieces and serve warm.
Substitutions
Don’t have all the ingredients? No worries! You can use what you have or your favorite alternatives. Here are some quick and easy swaps:
- Bread: Ciabatta or sourdough are ideal alternatives. For a softer garlic bread, try brioche or Texas toast.
- Butter: Use olive oil for a lighter option, ghee for a more intense buttery flavor, or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Garlic: No fresh garlic available? Use roasted garlic, or in a pinch, jarred minced garlic or garlic powder (use 1 teaspoon per clove).
- Parmesan cheese: Replace with Pecorino Romano if you want a saltier, sharper taste or mozzarella if you prefer a meltier cheese.
- Parsley: Substitute with dried parsley (use half the amount of fresh), fresh basil, or chives.
Expert Tips
- Use a day-old bread loaf: A day-old loaf works even better because it crisps up beautifully in the oven while still remaining soft inside.
- Let the garlic butter sit: This step is optional, but if you have extra time, allow the butter mixture to rest for at least 10 minutes before spreading – it helps the flavors meld for a deeper taste.
- Use a pastry brush for even coating: Brushing the garlic butter on helps make sure that every bite is perfectly coated without being overly greasy.
- Top to your liking: Add red pepper flakes for heat, Italian seasoning for extra flavor, or crumbled bacon for a heartier bite.
- Serve with a dipping sauce: Offer a side of marinara, homemade salsa, whipped ricotta, or slow cooker spinach and artichoke dip for an extra indulgent bite.
- Serve immediately: Garlic bread is best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven. If it cools down, reheat it in the oven (not the microwave) to maintain its crispness.
How to Store This Recipe
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. To reheat, in foil and warm in the oven at 350 F for 10 minutes.
To freeze, slather the bread with garlic butter, place in a freezer-friendly bag, and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake as directed straight out of the freezer, add 3 to 5 more minutes.
What to Serve with Garlic Bread
Homemade garlic bread is great on its own, but it’s more commonly paired with a wide variety of dishes as an appetizer or side. It’s a must-have alongside pasta like spaghetti, lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, or creamy pumpkin pasta.
Serve it with a warm bowl of tomato soup, broccoli cheddar soup, or minestrone. It also makes a fantastic side for grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
More Easy Appetizers To Try
- Cheese and bacon cob loaf
- Crispy baked chicken wings
- Cream cheese stuffed mushrooms
- Air fryer sweet potato wedges
If you make this garlic bread, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
15-Minute Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound French bread Italian bread, or baguette
- ½ cup butter sunsalted, oftened to room temperature
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Adjust the oven rack to be positioned in the top third of the oven.
- Mix the butter, garlic, and salt together in a small bowl.
- Slice the loaf in half lengthwise with a bread knife and generously spread the butter evenly over both halves.
- Place each bread half on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan if using, parsley and salt. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Cut into individual pieces and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- A day-old loaf works even better because it crisps up beautifully in the oven while still remaining soft inside.
- Allow the butter mixture to rest for at least 10 minutes before spreading – it helps the flavors meld for a deeper taste. This is optional.
- Brushing the garlic butter on helps make sure that every bite is perfectly coated without being overly greasy.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat, Italian seasoning for extra flavor, or crumbled bacon for a heartier bite.
- Offer a side of marinara, salsa, whipped ricotta, or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra indulgent bite.
- Garlic bread is best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven. If it cools down, reheat it in the oven (not the microwave) to maintain its crispness.
