This Homemade Garlic Bread is a classic, crowd-pleasing side dish made with a crusty loaf, rich garlic butter, fresh herbs, and a touch of cheese. It’s quick to prepare and perfectly crisp on the outside while soft and flavorful on the inside. Whether served with pasta, soups, or salads, this garlic bread is always a welcome addition to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic bread recipe is simple, reliable, and full of flavor. It uses everyday ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

You’ll love how customizable it is. Make it extra cheesy, keep it classic, or adjust the herbs to suit your taste. The aroma of garlic and butter baking in the oven fills the kitchen and instantly builds anticipation.

It’s also versatile. You can use a crusty French baguette for crispier results or a softer Italian loaf if you prefer a tender bite. No matter how you prepare it, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.

Ingredients

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

1 Italian or French loaf, sliced lengthwise
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced or roasted garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
3. Place the bread halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread, making sure to cover all edges for full flavor.
5. If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle 1/2 cup evenly over the buttered bread.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crisp around the edges. For extra crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice into individual portions and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Cheesy Garlic Bread
Add the full 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella or even increase it to 3/4 cup for an extra gooey texture.

Herb-Infused Garlic Bread
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary for deeper flavor.

Roasted Garlic Version
Roast whole garlic cloves at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until soft and caramelized. Mash into a paste before mixing with butter for a sweeter, milder taste.

Spicy Garlic Bread
Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle kick.

Dairy-Free Option
Replace butter with 1/2 cup plant-based margarine or additional olive oil, and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

To store:
Wrap leftover garlic bread in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To freeze:
Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap bread in foil and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier texture, open the foil during the last few minutes of reheating.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes. Substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. Fresh garlic provides stronger flavor, but garlic powder works well in a pinch.

What type of bread works best?

A crusty Italian loaf or French baguette gives the crispiest results. For a softer texture, use a regular Italian loaf or even sandwich bread.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Mix the garlic thoroughly with softened butter before spreading. Baking at 375°F also helps prevent over-browning.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Spread the garlic butter on the bread, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

How do I make it extra crispy?

Bake uncovered and place the bread directly on the baking sheet. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes. Prepare the bread with garlic butter, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3 to 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Is mozzarella necessary?

No. The mozzarella is optional. The Parmesan alone provides plenty of flavor.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes. If using salted butter, reduce the added sea salt to 1/4 teaspoon or omit it completely.

How do I make it softer instead of crispy?

Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil before baking. This traps moisture and keeps it soft.

What dishes pair well with garlic bread?

It pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, creamy soups, fresh salads, and baked casseroles.

Conclusion

Homemade Garlic Bread is a simple yet flavorful side dish that never disappoints. With crisp edges, buttery garlic flavor, and customizable options, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether served alongside a hearty meal or enjoyed on its own, this garlic bread is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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