I’m excited to share my favorite Garlic Bread recipe. As a chef (I know simple can be best) and this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe proves it.
This isn’t just any recipe; it’s easy, can be cheesy, and is freezer-friendly. It’s way better than store-bought.
This is a crowd-pleaser, great as a delicious side for pasta dishes or soups, or even just as a snack.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Garlic Bread This homemade garlic bread is a winner. Here’s why:
Amazing Flavor. You get that roasted garlic, rich buttery taste, and fresh herbs. It’s truly mouth-watering.Perfect Texture. It’s crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. The butter melts into all the nooks & crannies.Super Easy. Uses simple ingredients and is simple to whip up.Your Way. Make it crispier or softer, add cheese for cheesy garlic bread, or make vegan garlic bread.Great for Later. It’s a freezer-friendly garlic bread. Prep ahead, bake fresh.Ingredients for the Best Garlic Bread You only need a few simple ingredients for this garlic bread recipe.
The Bread The best types of bread for garlic bread are crusty and sturdy. Use Italian bread, French bread, ciabatta bread, or homemade artisan bread for those thick slices. Avoid soft, flimsy bread. The Garlic Butter Spread Butter . 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened unsalted butter. For vegan garlic bread, use vegan butter.Garlic . 4-5 large fresh garlic cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is key over garlic powder for that roasted garlic taste.Herbs . 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley. You can use dried parsley or Italian seasoning too.Salt . ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon sea salt.Optional Add-ins Cheese for Cheesy Garlic Bread . ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.Heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes.Equipment You’ll Need You don’t need much for this easy garlic bread recipe:
A large baking sheet. Liner : Parchment paper, tinfoil/aluminum foil, or a silicone baking mat.A serrated bread knife. A small bowl for the garlic butter. A fork (or a handheld mixer/stand mixer if you prefer). How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread (Step-by-Step) Making this homemade garlic bread is so simple.
1: Prep Oven and Bread
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line your baking sheet. Slice your bread in half lengthwise. Place it cut-side up on the sheet. 2: Make Garlic Butter
In your bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and sea salt. Mash it with a fork until smooth. (Chef’s Tip: You can make this garlic butter ahead of time!) 3: Spread the Butter
Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Get it into all those nooks & crannies. Step 4: Bake
Bake for 12-18 minutes until golden brown and the butter is bubbly. The aroma will be wonderful! For Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add cheese in the last 2-3 minutes. 5: Cool, Slice, Serve
Let it cool for a minute. Slice into pieces with your serrated bread knife. Garnish if you like. Serve warm! Tips for the Best Garlic Bread Experience Here are a few of my quick tips:
Crispiness Control For crispier garlic bread: Bake a bit longer.For softer garlic bread: Bake less time, or use aluminum foil loosely for part of the baking.Use Fresh Garlic. It makes a big difference for that loaded with garlic, roasted garlic flavor.Softened Butter is Key. Make sure your butter is properly softened for easy mixing.Spread Evenly. So every bite is buttery and flavorful.Popular Garlic Bread Variations Change it up easily!
Cheesy Garlic Bread .Vegan Garlic Bread. Use vegan butter and optional vegan cheese.Herby Garlic Bread. Try Italian seasoning or other fresh herbs.What to Serve with Homemade Garlic Bread This homemade garlic bread goes with so many things!
Pasta Dishes. Perfect with spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, baked ziti, Pasta Carbonara, or Creamy Pesto Shrimp.Soups. Great for dipping in Minestrone Soup, Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup, or tomato soup.Main Courses. Serve with Turkey Meatballs, Bruschetta Chicken, or Maryland Crab Cakes.Sides & Dips. Enjoy with salads or dips like marinara sauce or Garlic Olive Oil Dip. It’s also a great snack.Storing & Freezing & Reheating Storing Leftovers Cover and keep at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating Wrap in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Freezing Garlic Bread Unbaked (Best!): Prep with butter, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes. Baked: Cool, wrap, and freeze. Reheat from frozen. FAQs How can I make my garlic bread crispier or softer? For crispier bread, bake a few minutes longer; for softer, bake less time or briefly use foil.
Can I add cheese to this garlic bread recipe, and when should I add it? Yes! Add Parmesan or mozzarella in the last 2-3 minutes of baking for delicious cheesy garlic bread.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Is dried parsley okay? Yes, dried parsley works; use about 1 teaspoon of dried for every 1 tablespoon of fresh.
How long will my homemade garlic bread last after I make it? It’s best fresh, but lasts 1-2 days covered at room temp, or up to 3 days in the fridge.
What’s the best way to freeze homemade garlic bread? Freeze it unbaked after buttering for the freshest taste; it keeps well for up to 3 months.
Can I make the garlic butter mixture ahead of time? Definitely! Store the garlic butter covered in the fridge for a week or freeze it for longer.
Do I really need an electric mixer to make the garlic butter? Nope! If your butter is well softened, a simple fork works perfectly to mix the garlic butter.
Conclusion This Homemade Garlic Bread is easy and delicious and it’s will quickly become a family favorite. I hope you liked it!
Are you ready to try it? What will you serve your amazing garlic bread with?
Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and a rating below.
More Ideas You May Like:
Homemade Garlic Bread
Make the BEST homemade garlic bread! Easy recipe for perfectly toasted, buttery, cheesy goodness with fresh garlic and herbs. Freezer-friendly and a family favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, Italian-American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 150 kcal
1 loaf crusty bread (Italian, French, Ciabatta, Artisan) (approx. 1 lb) 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick / 113g) 4-5 large cloves fresh garlic, finely minced 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ cup grated Parmesan (OR ½ cup shredded mozzarella) Extra parsley, red pepper flakes (Optional Garnish ) Preheat & Prep. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line baking sheet. Slice bread in half lengthwise, place cut-up on sheet.
Make Garlic Butter. In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt with a fork until smooth.
Spread Butter. Spread evenly over bread.
Bake. Bake 12-18 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Add Cheese (Optional). Sprinkle cheese on in last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Cool & Serve. Cool slightly, slice with serrated knife. Garnish if desired. Serve warm.
Vegan: Use vegan butter.
Softer/Crispier: Adjust bake time or use foil for softer.
Make Ahead Butter: Store butter mix in fridge/freezer.
Freeze Unbaked: Prep with butter, wrap well, freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen (add 5-10 min).
Keyword Garlic Bread, Garlic Bread Recipe, Homemade Garlic Bread
