Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
There are few kitchen pleasures more universally loved than tearing into a slice of warm, buttery Homemade Garlic Bread—whether you’re mopping up a rich pasta sauce or just yearning for something ultra-comforting. This recipe transforms just a handful of simple ingredients into an irresistible, aromatic treat, boasting golden edges, herby freshness, and cheesy possibilities. With minimal prep and pure crowd-pleasing power, it’s a side dish you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Homemade Garlic Bread might start with humble beginnings, but every ingredient is a star performer. Each piece shines—whether it’s lending crunch, flavor, or just the right hug of creaminess to each bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- French or Italian bread: The perfect base—these loaves offer just the right balance of soft interior and crispy crust once baked.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Lets you control the salt content and ensures every nook gets that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): Nothing rivals the punchy, aromatic bite that only fresh garlic can deliver.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Brings a vibrant burst of color and a mild, herby lift.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the richness and highlight all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth to the butter.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Offers a nutty, salty kick for extra flavor if you’re feeling fancy.
- Shredded mozzarella (optional): For those who can’t resist a gooey, cheesy crust on their garlic bread.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. This temperature is just right to melt the butter, crisp up the bread, and cook everything evenly without any risk of burning.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Spread
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is perfectly blended. The key here is really mixing to infuse the butter with all the zesty flavor from the garlic and herbs.
Step 3: Prep Your Bread
Slice your French or Italian loaf in half lengthwise, revealing the soft, bready interior—the perfect canvas for your garlic butter. If you like, you can lightly score the surface to help the butter seep in even more.
Step 4: Slather with Garlic Butter
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, generously spread your garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Try to get all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional, but encouraged!)
If you’re on Team Cheesy, sprinkle a light layer of Parmesan, mozzarella, or both across the buttered halves. Cheese helps the top brown and bubbles into that irresistible, stretchy finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepped bread halves cut side up on a baking sheet, and pop them in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the butter has melted deep into the bread. For an extra hit of crispy goodness, switch on the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes—just keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
Carefully remove the bread from the oven and give it a couple minutes to cool slightly. Slice crosswise into generous pieces, inhale that irresistible aroma, and serve while still warm.
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Bread
Garnishes
For that finishing flourish, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and bright aroma to your Homemade Garlic Bread. If you’re after a hint of spice, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can really elevate things. And for true garlic lovers, a light dusting of extra grated Parmesan right as it comes out of the oven is just magic.
Side Dishes
Homemade Garlic Bread is the ultimate sidekick for a bowl of pasta—think spaghetti and meatballs, classic lasagna, or a comforting creamy Alfredo. It’s also right at home with soups (hello, tomato basil) and crisp salads, especially Caesar. Basically, if you’ve got something saucy on the table, garlic bread won’t be out of place.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread into thin sticks and serving as dippers with marinara or ranch, or even cut mini rounds for party-ready appetizers. You can also stuff the loaf with cheese and herbs before baking for a pull-apart masterpiece. However you choose to present it, expect smiles all around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Homemade Garlic Bread (it’s rare, but possible!), let it cool completely before wrapping in foil or storing in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a day, or up to 3 days in the fridge. Be sure to reheat before serving for that just-baked flavor.
Freezing
Want garlic bread on hand anytime? Spread the garlic butter on the bread, wrap each half tightly in foil, and freeze before baking. You can bake straight from the freezer—just add an extra couple minutes to the cook time, and finish under the broiler if you like it extra crisp.
Reheating
To bring leftover slices back to life, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. For individual pieces, a quick trip in the toaster oven will deliver that satisfyingly crisp finish. Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to make the bread chewy, not crisp.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic packs a punch in Homemade Garlic Bread, but if you’re out, garlic powder will do in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon per loaf, but remember the flavor won’t be quite as bold.
What’s the best bread to use?
Classic French or Italian loaves are ideal for their sturdy crust and soft yet chewy interior, which soak up the garlic butter just right. Avoid bread that’s too dense or heavily seeded—save those for other recipes!
How can I make it vegan?
Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheeses or leave the cheese out entirely. All the savory, garlicky joy, no dairy required.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! A pinch of dried oregano or basil adds a Mediterranean touch, while paprika or red pepper flakes will bring gentle heat. Homemade Garlic Bread is super adaptable to your taste buds.
Is it possible to make it ahead for a party?
Absolutely—assemble the bread with the garlic butter spread, wrap well, and chill or freeze. When guests arrive, all you need to do is bake and slice for fresh, hot garlic bread in minutes.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe inspires you to bake up a batch of Homemade Garlic Bread soon—it’s simple, comforting, and almost too easy to disappear once it hits the table. Treat your family, friends, or even just yourself to this joyous, irresistible side; it’s sure to become a kitchen favorite in no time!
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Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the irresistible aroma and flavor of Homemade Garlic Bread with this simple and delicious recipe. Perfectly toasted with a flavorful garlic butter spread, it’s a mouthwatering side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread the garlic butter: Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Add Parmesan or mozzarella cheese if desired.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Broil: For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- To make ahead, prepare the garlic butter mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- You can also assemble and freeze the bread before baking.
- Swap in roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor, or add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
