If you have a soft spot for comforting, buttery, and aromatic treats straight from your oven, this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect blend of crispy edges, rich garlic-infused butter, and a hint of fresh parsley that brings the bread to life, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you love a classic version or a cheesy upgrade, this recipe is incredibly simple yet brings restaurant-quality garlic bread right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is key to nailing this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe. Each component plays an essential role in delivering flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color.
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread: Provides the perfect chewy and airy base that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Offers a rich, creamy foundation and helps the garlic and herbs spread evenly.
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced: Packs the punch of bold, fragrant garlic flavor that’s at the heart of this bread.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried): Adds a bright, fresh note and beautiful flecks of green.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the garlic.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle kick and balances the richness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Delivers a savory, nutty depth if you want that extra layer of flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella for cheesy garlic bread (optional): Melts into a gooey, irresistible topping to transform this into cheesy garlic bread bliss.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to catch any drips and simplify cleanup—this little step makes the process smoother and stress-free.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper until combined. This garlic butter is where all the magic happens—it should be creamy with bursts of fragrant garlic and fresh herbs ready to coat every inch of your bread.
Step 3: Spread the Butter
Slice your loaf of French or Italian bread lengthwise, creating two halves. Spread that luscious garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of each half. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese on top to make your garlic bread extra special.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the bread halves cut side up on your baking sheet and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn golden and crispy, and the butter has soaked into the bread just right. For a finish that’s irresistibly crisp, broil the bread for 1 to 2 minutes, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Slice and Serve Warm
Once baked, slice the bread into pieces and serve it warm. This Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe shines best fresh from the oven when the butter is melted and the garlic is pungent but balanced.
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley after baking not only brightens the look but also enhances that fresh herbal flavor. If you want a bit of sparkle, a dusting of finely grated Parmesan just before serving complements the rich butter and garlic beautifully.
Side Dishes
This garlic bread pairs wonderfully with hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or creamy fettuccine Alfredo. It’s also perfect alongside a fresh green salad or a warm bowl of soup, such as tomato bisque or minestrone. The versatility makes it a great companion to many meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bread into bite-sized cubes and serving it alongside a rich dipping sauce such as marinara or garlic aioli. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle red pepper flakes and drizzle a little olive oil over the bread for a spicy, glossy finish that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil at room temperature for up to two days. This way, you preserve the freshness while keeping the crust crisp enough for a quick reheat.
Freezing
To enjoy this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe any time, freeze the prepared but unbaked bread wrapped in foil. It will keep well for up to a month. When you want a fresh batch, simply bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat garlic bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than French or Italian?
Absolutely! While French or Italian bread provides the ideal texture, you can experiment with a baguette or sourdough loaf. Just keep in mind that denser breads might require a slight adjustment in baking time.
How can I make the garlic flavor milder?
If raw garlic feels too sharp, roasting the garlic cloves before mixing them into the butter will mellow their flavor and add a lovely sweetness.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread, and skip the Parmesan or mozzarella or use vegan cheese alternatives to keep it dairy-free while still flavorful.
How do I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Use vegan butter and vegan cheese to replicate the creamy texture and savory cheese flavor. The fresh garlic and herbs still shine, making it delicious and inclusive.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to add oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to customize the flavor profile to your taste buds. The recipe is very flexible.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe enough—it’s one of those simple pleasures that brightens any meal and brings warmth to the table. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or a lively get-together, this garlic bread hits all the right notes every time. Give it a try, and soon it might become your go-to crowd-pleaser as well!
Print
Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Garlic Bread recipe delivers a classic, flavorful side with crispy edges and a rich garlic butter spread. Perfect as an accompaniment to pasta, soups, or salads, it’s easy to prepare and can be made cheesy with added mozzarella or Parmesan for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
Garlic Butter Spread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese for cheesy garlic bread (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread halves. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese on top to add a cheesy layer.
- Bake the Bread: Place the bread halves on the prepared baking sheet with the cut sides facing up. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and become crispy.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, switch your oven to broil and place the bread under the broiler for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven, slice into pieces, and serve warm alongside your favorite dish.
Notes
- You can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for convenience.
- Roasting the garlic prior to mixing adds a deeper, mellow garlic flavor if desired.
- This garlic bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, hearty soups, or fresh salads.
