If you have a soft spot for warm, buttery bread that sings with garlicky goodness, then this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine crusty French or Italian bread, generously smeared with a fragrant blend of garlic, fresh parsley, and buttery richness, baked until golden and irresistibly crispy. It’s comfort food at its finest and perfect whether you’re pairing it with a hearty pasta dish or enjoying it on its own as a snack that truly feels like a hug from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that makes garlic bread so universally loved.
- French or Italian bread: Choose a fresh loaf with a crispy crust and soft interior for the ideal garlic bread base.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Provides the creamy richness that melts into every nook of the bread.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): The heart of the recipe, adding punchy, delicious garlicky notes.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives a subtle warmth and depth.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the garlic flavor with a gentle, toasty undertone.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, optional): A savory, salty touch that turns the bread into an indulgent treat.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, optional): Drizzled on top for that extra layer of crispiness and flavor.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which is the perfect temperature for crisping the bread without drying it out. Slice your loaf horizontally in half, laying each cut side up on a baking sheet—this creates an inviting surface ready to soak up all that garlicky butter goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until thoroughly combined. This mixture is the soul of your garlic bread, delivering creaminess balanced by the fresh zing of garlic and herbs.
Step 3: Spread and Top
Generously spread the garlic butter over the cut sides of your bread halves, making sure every corner is covered for consistent flavor in every bite. If you love a cheesy kick, sprinkle the optional grated Parmesan evenly on top—it adds a divine, savory crust.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your baking sheet in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye out for golden brown edges and a crispy surface that promises a satisfying crunch. For an extra crispy finish, drizzle olive oil on top before baking or briefly broil the bread for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Slice and Serve Warm
Once baked, slice your garlic bread into generous servings and serve it piping hot. The contrast between the crunchy edges and the buttery, aromatic center is pure magic.
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your homemade garlic bread, add a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan just before serving. These brighten the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor that guests will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This bread is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully alongside tomato-based pasta dishes, creamy soups like tomato or butternut squash, and even hearty salads. Its garlicky richness complements and balances a wide variety of meals, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your homemade garlic bread into a party starter by cutting it into smaller fingers or cubes for dipping into marinara or olive tapenades. Alternatively, create a garlic bread platter with various toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers to delight your guests with variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though who can resist finishing it all?), wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, retaining most of its flavor and texture.
Freezing
Homemade garlic bread freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it well in foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep its wonderful flavor and texture for up to 2 months, ready for whenever a garlic craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your garlic bread back to life, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will restore the crispiness and warm the bread through without making it soggy, as microwaving often does.
FAQs
Can I use any kind of bread for this garlic bread recipe?
While French or Italian bread works best because of their crusty exteriors and soft interiors, you can experiment with baguettes, sourdough, or even ciabatta. Just ensure the bread is fresh for the best texture and taste.
Is there a vegan version of this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based spread and skip the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. You’ll still get that rich, garlicky flavor without any animal products.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Italian seasoning, oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes add wonderful layers of flavor. Customize it to your taste to make the recipe your own.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Using softened but not melted butter helps, and spreading the mixture evenly allows the bread to soak up the flavors without becoming soggy. Baking at 375°F gives you a crispy edge and a tender middle. Also, broiling at the end for a minute or two adds an irresistible crunch.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients according to how many loaves or servings you want. This recipe scales easily, making it ideal for family dinners or parties.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe is a true kitchen classic that never fails to impress. It’s easy, quick, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a garlic enthusiast or just looking for a cozy, comforting bread side, this recipe will quickly win a permanent place on your recipe list. Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones—it’s one of those simple joys best shared warm from the oven.
Print
Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Garlic Bread recipe features a classic combination of buttery garlic spread, fresh parsley, and crispy, golden bread. Perfect as a side dish for Italian meals or as a savory snack, it offers a delicious, easy-to-make accompaniment that bakes to perfection with optional Parmesan cheese and an extra crispy finish when drizzled with olive oil or broiled briefly.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Spread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the garlic bread to a golden crisp.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the loaf horizontally into two halves and place both halves cut side up on a baking sheet to ensure even toasting.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, mixing thoroughly until well blended for a flavorful spread.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut surfaces of both bread halves, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread halves if desired to add a savory, cheesy flavor.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges become golden brown and crispy, indicating it is perfectly toasted.
- Extra Crispiness (Optional): For a crunchier texture, drizzle olive oil over the bread before baking or place under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes after baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into serving pieces, and serve warm to enjoy the fresh, aromatic garlic bread.
Notes
- You can add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for additional flavor variations.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based spread and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Leftover garlic bread can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or frozen for up to 2 months for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
