Garlic Bread is a simple and delicious side dish that everyone loves. You just spread a mix of butter, garlic, and herbs on your favorite bread than bake or toast it until it’s crispy. It’s so simple and very delicious! And you can use anything from a soft Italian loaf to a crusty baguette!
Why I Love This Recipe?
I love this recipe for Homemade Garlic Bread because it is my personal favorite because it’s super easy to make and always hits the spot.
With just a few ingredients you can make delicious, and cheesy homemade garlic bread, that tastes amazing with everything – or just on it’s own!
You can make it cheesy, vegan, or even add some fresh herbs to your taste. The yummy smell of garlic and butter in the kitchen make everyone excited when i make them!
Key Ingredients
Bread (Italian or French loaf): A crusty Italian bread or French baguette works best for a crispy texture. For a softer version i recommend that you use a regular Italian loaf.
Butter (softened): Adds taste and helps get a crispy texture. Softened butter is easier to mix with garlic and spread evenly on the bread.
Garlic (minced or roasted): Fresh garlic works the best, and roasted garlic gives a sweeter, milder flavor. I also like to use garlic powder as a substitute if i need.
Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness. Use chopped fresh parsley for the best flavor, but dried parsley works as well. Adding parsley is optional.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty flavor. Grate it fresh for the best texture. You can also use mozzarella cheese for a cheesy garlic bread version. Yummy! I always like to use a lot!
Olive Oil: Helps to brown the bread and adds a subtle fruity flavor. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking makes it more delicious and it gives it a crunch.
Expert Tips
Choosing the Right Bread: For a crispy garlic bread use a crusty Italian loaf or a French baguette. For a softer, chewier version, go for a regular Italian loaf or even sandwich bread.
Perfectly Minced Garlic: Use a garlic press for finely minced garlic. That blends well with butter, or you can roast whole garlic cloves in the oven and mash them into a paste for a milder flavor.
Prevent Burning: To prevent the garlic from burning i recommend mix it with softened butter and spread it evenly over the bread. Make sure to bake the bread at a moderate temperature and keep an eye on it to avoid over browning.
Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a vegan margarine or olive oil and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the garlic butter before baking for a gooey, cheesy treat.
- Garlic Knots: Use pizza dough to create small knots, brush them with garlic butter, and bake until golden brown. Great for dipping in marinara sauce! Here you will find a full recipe for the best garlic knots!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread or make your own gluten-free loaf to enjoy garlic bread without the gluten.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor.
- Spicy Garlic Bread: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy kick.
How to Serve?
Serve garlic bread fresh out of the oven with your favorite pasta soups, or salads.
It’s also great as an appetizer on its own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. For a complete Italian meal, serve it alongside a Caesar salad and spaghetti Carbonara.
How to Store Fresh Garlic Bread?
Got any leftovers? Store the cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Print
Homemade Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Garlic Bread is a delicious side dish made with a crusty loaf, garlic butter, and fresh herbs. This garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 Italian or French loaf, sliced lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced or roasted garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and sea salt until well combined.
- Spread the Butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the garlic butter.
- Bake the Bread: Place the bread halves on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the garlic bread into pieces and serve warm.
Notes
For a softer garlic bread, wrap the bread in aluminum foil before baking.
Roasting garlic in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes gives it a sweet, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the butter and herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition information
This website gives estimated nutritional information, which might change depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic in this recipe. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of garlic.
How do I store leftover garlic bread?
Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil.
Can I make this garlic bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter and spread it on the bread ahead of time. Store the prepared bread in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
