Name: Garlic Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 baguette or crusty French bread, sliced diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Pinch of salt (optional); Grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, to taste)

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Garlic bread is a timeless classic, beloved for its warm, crisp texture and rich, buttery garlic flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone snack, garlic bread is a staple in both casual family dinners and elegant gatherings. Its irresistible aroma and savory appeal make it an instant favorite across age groups.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic bread recipe is a blend of simplicity and bold flavor. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, soup, or enjoying it solo, it delivers every time. The bread’s crispy edges and fluffy interior pair perfectly with the rich, melted butter and fragrant garlic. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and always leaves a lasting impression. Ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this recipe is also easy to modify to suit your preferences.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Baguette or crusty French bread, sliced
Butter (softened)
Fresh garlic, minced
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt (optional)
Grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the baguette diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces.
In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt.
Spread the garlic butter generously on each bread slice.
Arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the buttered slices.
Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy on the edges.
Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve warm as a side or appetizer.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, depending on the size of the baguette used. The preparation time is around 10 minutes, and baking time is approximately 10–12 minutes, bringing the total time to about 20–25 minutes.

Variations

Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for a gooey, melty top.
Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the garlic butter for a spicy twist.
Herb-Infused: Incorporate dried Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, or rosemary for added depth of flavor.
Garlic Knots: Use pizza dough instead of baguette slices and tie into knots before baking.
Vegan Version: Substitute dairy butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

storage/reheating

Storage: Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.

FAQs

How do I prevent garlic bread from becoming soggy?

Ensure the oven is fully preheated and bake the bread until the edges are golden. Use day-old bread for better texture.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, garlic powder is a convenient substitute. Use about ½ teaspoon for every clove of garlic.

What type of bread works best?

A crusty baguette or Italian bread is ideal for texture, but any thick-sliced bread can be used.

Can I freeze garlic bread?

Yes. Prepare the bread, wrap in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use olive oil or a plant-based butter as a substitute for traditional butter.

Is it possible to make this in an air fryer?

Yes. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes in an air fryer for a crispy result.

Can I prepare garlic bread ahead of time?

You can spread the butter on the bread slices and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake just before serving.

How do I store leftover garlic butter?

Refrigerate garlic butter in an airtight container for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

What dishes pair well with garlic bread?

Pasta dishes, soups, salads, and grilled meats all pair wonderfully with garlic bread.

How can I make the garlic flavor more intense?

Roast the garlic before mixing into the butter, or increase the quantity of fresh garlic for stronger flavor.

Conclusion

Garlic bread is a quick and delicious side that enhances any meal with its bold, comforting flavor. Whether you enjoy it traditionally or with added cheese and herbs, it’s a go-to recipe that delivers every time. With simple ingredients and effortless preparation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or casual snacking. Try this version today and elevate your dining experience with the unmistakable taste of homemade garlic bread.

Garlic Bread

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A timeless classic, garlic bread features crisp edges, a fluffy center, and rich, buttery garlic flavor. Perfect as a side dish or snack, it’s easy to prepare and universally loved.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 baguette or crusty French bread, sliced diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Pinch of salt (optional)
Grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, to taste)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the baguette diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces.
In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt.
Spread the garlic butter generously on each bread slice.
Arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the buttered slices.
Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy on the edges.
Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve warm as a side or appetizer.