Garlic Bread Recipe

Craving warm, buttery, garlicky goodness? Let me introduce you to the ultimate Garlic Bread Recipe — a timeless classic that brings comfort and flavor to any meal.

Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, soup, or enjoying it as a standalone snack, this easy garlic bread made with fresh ingredients and simple steps will become your go-to favorite.

Crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and bursting with real garlic flavor — it’s everything garlic bread should be.

Let’s dive into how to make homemade garlic bread from scratch using soft Italian or French bread, real butter, fresh parsley, and of course, plenty of garlic.

Ingredients List

Garlic Butter Spread

• 1 (16-ounce) loaf of soft Italian or French bread, halved lengthwise
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely grated or minced
  (or substitute with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, or more to taste)
• 1 heaping tablespoon finely minced fresh parsley
  (or substitute with 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes)
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for extra flavor and crispness

This combination results in a rich, flavorful garlic butter that soaks into the bread and crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make the perfect homemade garlic bread, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few basic tools you likely already have in your kitchen:

1. Bread Knife – To slice the loaf cleanly and evenly.
2. Mixing Bowl – A small bowl is all you need to whip up the garlic butter.
3. Spatula or Butter Knife – To spread the garlic mixture evenly on each half of the bread.
4. Baking Sheet – Use a sturdy baking sheet to hold the bread during baking.
5. Parchment Paper (optional) – Makes cleanup quick and keeps the baking sheet mess-free.

With these simple tools, you’ll be on your way to restaurant-quality garlic bread in minutes.

Garlic Butter Preparation and Bread Assembly

Making the garlic butter spread is quick, easy, and so worth it — the flavor payoff is huge. Here’s how I do it step-by-step to get that perfect balance of buttery richness and garlicky bite.

Mixing the Garlic Butter

In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. If you’re using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, add it now. Mix everything together with a fork or small spatula until the ingredients are well incorporated and the butter looks flecked with green and white bits of garlic and herbs.

Preparing the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, line your baking sheet with parchment paper if you want an easy cleanup.
2. Slice the loaf in half lengthwise. Use a bread knife for a clean cut, and lay both halves cut-side up on the baking sheet.
3. Spread the garlic butter. Using a butter knife or small offset spatula, generously spread the garlic butter mixture all over the cut sides of the bread. Be sure to go edge to edge — every bite should have flavor.
4. Add cheese (optional). If you’re using grated Parmesan cheese, now’s the time to sprinkle it on top. It adds a savory umami hit and helps create a crisp, golden top layer.

Baking the Garlic Bread

Baking is where the magic happens — the butter melts into the bread, the garlic roasts to mellow perfection, and the edges turn irresistibly crisp. Here’s how to get that golden, toasty finish every time.

Oven Temperature and Timing

With your oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) and your garlic-buttered bread placed cut-side up on the baking sheet, it’s time to bake. Slide the tray onto the center rack and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until:

• The butter is melted and bubbling
• The edges of the bread are golden brown and slightly crisp
• The garlic aroma fills your kitchen

For extra crispy garlic bread, you can place the tray under the broiler for an additional 1–2 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it — it can go from golden to burnt fast under the broiler.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it sit for 1–2 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the butter settle slightly, making the bread easier to cut.

Using a serrated knife, slice the bread into thick strips or squares, depending on how you plan to serve it. I love serving garlic bread as a side with:

• Pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna
• Creamy soups like tomato basil or potato leek
• Fresh salads like Caesar or Caprese

It’s also amazing on its own, especially when served warm with a little marinara or garlic aioli for dipping.

Storage Instructions

How to Store Garlic Bread

If you somehow end up with leftovers (rare in my house!), storing garlic bread properly helps preserve its flavor and texture.

• At Room Temperature:
  Wrap the garlic bread tightly in aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 1 day. Avoid sealing it in airtight plastic containers — they trap moisture and make the bread soggy.
• In the Fridge:
  If you need to store it longer, you can refrigerate it, but know that the texture might soften. Just reheat it in the oven or air fryer to bring the crunch back.

Reheating Garlic Bread

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread (wrapped in foil for softer texture or open-faced for crispier results) directly on the rack. Warm for 8–10 minutes until heated through.

Alternatively, toss slices in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for an ultra-crispy finish.

Freezing Garlic Bread

You can also freeze garlic bread before or after baking:

• Before Baking: Assemble the bread with the garlic butter, wrap it in foil, and freeze. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
• After Baking: Let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat directly in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Conclusion

This homemade garlic bread recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with bold flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a casual pasta night, it’s always a hit. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the oven, you’ll have buttery, garlicky perfection on your table.

Feel free to customize it — add mozzarella for a cheesy garlic bread, use roasted garlic for a mellow twist, or sprinkle chili flakes for heat. Once you’ve tried this method, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

So grab your loaf, mix up that garlic butter, and bake up something delicious tonight.