Garlic Bread Recipe
Garlic Bread is pure comfort in every crunchy, buttery bite—it’s the magical side dish that makes even the simplest weeknight dinner feel special. This recipe transforms a basic Italian loaf (or your favorite bread!) into something golden and irresistible, thanks to a rich spread loaded with garlic, fresh herbs, and just the right blend of seasonings. Whether you’re serving it alongside a bubbling lasagna, a crisp salad, or enjoying it all on its own, you’ll find yourself reaching for another slice—and maybe hiding the last piece for yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of great Garlic Bread is in the quality of its simple ingredients. Each one contributes something special, from the richness of real butter to the vibrant color and aroma of fresh herbs. Don’t skip or substitute unless you’re in a pinch—these essentials work in tasty harmony!
- Butter: Softened butter ensures every nook of your bread is saturated with rich flavor; salted or unsalted both work, but adjust the added salt if you use salted butter.
- Garlic powder: This gives that unmistakable garlicky base, infusing the butter without the risk of burning fresh garlic.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory kick, enhancing the complexity of the garlic butter.
- Salt: Season well—salt not only brings out flavors, it balances the richness of the butter.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper offers a gentle spice and depth.
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic cloves add bursts of real, robust garlic flavor in every bite.
- Fresh parsley: This brings a fresh, green note and beautiful color contrast.
- Fresh basil: Basil’s fragrant, sweet profile pairs delightfully with the other herbs for a layered flavor.
- Large Italian loaf: About 1 pound—though a French loaf, baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta also works; just be sure it has a sturdy crust and soft interior.
How to Make Garlic Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (204°C). A hot oven is the secret to that deeply golden, super-crispy crust—don’t rush this part, as the right temperature makes all the difference in a perfect loaf of Garlic Bread.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Seasonings
In a small mixing bowl, combine your softened butter with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You want to stir until these seasonings are fully incorporated, creating a fragrant, evenly flavored base for your Garlic Bread spread.
Step 3: Fold in Fresh Garlic and Herbs
Next, add your minced garlic, parsley, and fresh basil straight into the butter mixture. Keep stirring until every spoonful is flecked with green herbs and fragrant with fresh garlic—this step is what takes Garlic Bread from basic to beautifully aromatic.
Step 4: Slice the Bread
Using a serrated bread knife and a steady hand, slice your Italian loaf lengthwise to create two even halves. This method gives you more surface area for that decadent garlic-herb butter, making each bite perfectly cheesy and satisfying.
Step 5: Poke the Bread
Lightly poke holes into the cut side of each bread half with a fork. This simple trick helps the garlic butter seep deep into the bread, so every bite is rich with flavor from top to bottom.
Step 6: Spread the Garlic Butter
Take your glorious butter mixture and divide it between the two halves of bread. Use the back of a spoon to spread it edge to edge—don’t be shy!—ensuring every inch is slathered for the ultimate Garlic Bread experience.
Step 7: Bake
Arrange your buttered bread halves, cut-side up, on a large baking pan. Slide it into your hot oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. The goal: edges golden, surface blistered and bubbling, the perfect contrast of shatteringly crisp outside and fluffy interior.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Let the bread cool just a couple of minutes before slicing into generous pieces, about 2–3 inches wide each. This lets you enjoy the steamy, aromatic center without burning your fingers—and guarantees everyone gets a piece that’s perfect for dipping and savoring.
How to Serve Garlic Bread
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds vibrant color and a burst of herbal aroma to your Garlic Bread, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. For an extra pop, try dusting with a bit of grated parmesan or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for some subtle heat.
Side Dishes
Garlic Bread is practically made to go alongside classic Italian fare: think saucy spaghetti, creamy fettuccine Alfredo, or even a hearty bowl of tomato soup. It’s also fantastic with grilled meats, salads, or as an all-purpose side for a cozy family dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping centerpiece, arrange the slices on a large platter, fanned out and stacked in a “pull-apart” style for easy sharing. For parties, cut into bite-size cubes and serve with warm marinara. Or for the ultimate treat, top warm Garlic Bread slices with roasted veggies or a thin layer of melted mozzarella.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Garlic Bread tightly in foil or place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer freshness, keep it in the fridge for up to three days, knowing that it’ll still taste great with a quick reheat.
Freezing
For make-ahead convenience, prep your Garlic Bread up to the baking stage, then wrap the buttered halves in foil and freeze. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time and you’ll have fresh, garlicky perfection on demand.
Reheating
To revive your Garlic Bread, warm it in a 350°F oven (wrapped in foil to prevent over-browning) for 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you love that crispy crust—though a brief zap in a pinch will work for speedy snacking.
FAQs
Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic paste?
Absolutely! While freshly minced garlic gives the most vibrant flavor, jarred minced garlic or garlic paste can be a real time saver and will still bring plenty of punch to your Garlic Bread.
What breads work best for Garlic Bread?
A sturdy Italian loaf is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with French bread, ciabatta, sourdough, or even a crusty baguette. The key is good structure so it holds up to the generous butter topping.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make vegan Garlic Bread by swapping in your favorite plant-based butter or margarine, and ensuring your bread is free of dairy or eggs. The flavors will still shine!
How do I prevent my Garlic Bread from getting soggy?
Baking at a high temperature allows the outside to crisp up beautifully. If you’re making ahead, always reheat in the oven (never microwave) and store loosely wrapped to avoid trapping steam.
Can I add cheese to the Garlic Bread?
Absolutely! A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or grated parmesan over the buttered bread before baking transforms this into cheesy Garlic Bread heaven—just bake until the cheese melts and is golden in spots.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Bread enough—whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a total beginner, this recipe is pure magic and guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible, mouthwatering aroma of homemade Garlic Bread. You just might start making extra, because there’s never a crumb left!
Print
Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and aromatic homemade garlic bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. A perfect side dish for any meal or a tasty snack on its own.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
For the Bread:
- 1 large Italian loaf (about 1 pound)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F / 204°C.
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, parsley, and basil.
- Prepare the bread: Cut the Italian loaf lengthwise into two halves.
- Spread the butter: Spread the butter mixture evenly on the cut side of each bread half.
- Bake: Place the buttered bread on a baking pan and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Allow the garlic bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Garlic Bread, Homemade, Side Dish, Bread Recipe, Easy, Italian Cuisine
