Garlic Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic bread recipe is fast, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. It combines the comforting warmth of bread with a rich garlic-butter spread that seeps into every bite. Whether you bake it to golden perfection or toast it for a crunchier texture, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can add cheese, herbs, or spices to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• French bread or Italian loaf

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Garlic cloves, minced or pressed

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Salt

• Optional: grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice the bread in half horizontally or into thick slices, depending on your preference.

3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and chopped parsley until well combined.

4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut side of the bread or each slice.

5. Place the bread on a baking sheet, buttered side up.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown and the butter has melted into the bread.

7. For a crispier texture, broil the bread for an additional 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

8. Remove from oven, slice if needed, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 8 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes (plus 1–2 minutes if broiling)
Total time: approximately 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese before baking for a melty, cheesy twist.

• Herbed Garlic Bread: Add dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning to the garlic butter mix.

• Spicy Garlic Bread: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.

• Vegan Garlic Bread: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

• Garlic Bread with Olive Oil: Replace butter with extra virgin olive oil for a different flavor and lighter texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a quick option, reheat slices in a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

How do I make garlic bread without an oven?

You can toast garlic bread in a skillet over medium heat. Spread the garlic butter on the bread, place butter-side down in the skillet, and cook until golden.

Can I freeze garlic bread?

Yes. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

What kind of bread is best for garlic bread?

French bread and Italian loaves work best due to their crusty exterior and soft inside.

How much garlic should I use?

About 3–4 cloves of garlic for one loaf is typical, but you can adjust based on your taste preference.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Start with 1–2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.

Is it better to use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the salt level, but salted butter can be used if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Bake the bread uncovered and avoid adding too much butter. Broiling at the end helps crisp it up.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bread and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

What herbs go well in garlic bread?

Parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary all pair well with garlic and butter.

Can I make garlic bread in an air fryer?

Yes. Slice and butter the bread, then air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until crispy and golden.

Conclusion

Garlic bread is the perfect balance of crunchy, buttery, and garlicky goodness that complements just about any meal. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a staple recipe everyone should have in their collection. Once you make it at home, you may never go back to store-bought again.

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