How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread

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Craving the best garlic bread ever? This easy recipe delivers. It’s crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and packed with buttery garlic flavor. Forget store-bought. You can make this homemade garlic bread recipe in minutes. Perfect for family dinners or easy appetizers. Meal prep friendly and freezer-friendly, too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy. This recipe is simple to make and bakes in under 20 minutes.
• The perfect texture. It has a crispy crust and a soft, pillowy interior.
• Insanely delicious. The butter, garlic, and herbs create a rich, savory flavor.
• Freezer-friendly. Make a big batch and store it for a quick dinner side anytime.
• Versatile. Pairs with almost any meal, from pasta to soup to salad.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of crusty bread (like Italian, French, or a baguette)¹
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped²
• 4 tsp minced fresh garlic (about 3-4 cloves)
• 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Tools

• Serrated bread knife
• Mixing bowl or electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Spatula or knife for spreading

How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 400°F (204°C).³ Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the bread. Cut your loaf of bread in half horizontally using a serrated knife.⁴ Place both halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Mix the garlic butter. In a bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix until smooth.
4. Spread the mixture. Use a knife or spatula to spread an even layer of the garlic butter over the cut side of each bread half.
5. Bake the bread. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm. Let the homemade garlic bread cool for a few minutes. Slice it into pieces and enjoy while it’s hot.

Serving, Storage, and Tips

• Serving: This garlic bread recipe is perfect with spaghetti, lasagna, slow cooker meals, or a simple garden salad.

• Storage: Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until it’s hot and crispy again.
• Make-Ahead: You can make the garlic butter mixture up to 3 weeks ahead and store it in the fridge.
• Special Tips: Use fresh garlic and fresh parsley for the best flavor. Avoid garlic powder or dried herbs if possible.
• Variations: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes before baking for a spicy kick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using soft bread. Avoid soft sandwich bread or brioche. These loaves are too delicate and won’t hold up to the garlic butter, resulting in a soggy texture instead of a crispy one. A crusty loaf like Italian or French bread works best.
• Using pre-minced garlic. While convenient, pre-minced garlic often has a weaker flavor and can sometimes taste bitter. For the most potent and delicious garlic flavor, use fresh cloves and mince them yourself.
• Forgetting to soften the butter. If your butter is too cold, it will be hard to mix and spread evenly on the bread. Make sure it’s at room temperature and soft enough to cream easily.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet. If you’re baking multiple loaves at once, be sure to use separate baking sheets to ensure proper air circulation. This helps the bread crisp up instead of steaming.
• Baking at too low a temperature. The high heat of 400°F (204°C) is key to achieving that perfect golden, crispy crust. Baking at a lower temperature will make the bread tough and dry.

FAQ

Q: Can I use dried herbs?

A: Yes, you can. If you don’t have fresh parsley, use 2 teaspoons of dried parsley or 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs give a brighter flavor, but dried herbs work well too.

Q: How do I freeze unbaked garlic bread?

A: Spread the garlic butter on the bread halves. Place parchment paper between the halves. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Is this a good recipe for a beginner baker?

A: Absolutely! This easy garlic bread recipe is perfect for beginners. The steps are simple, and the results are delicious every time. It’s a great way to learn to make bread sides.

Q: Can I use this recipe with gluten-free bread?

A: Yes! You can use any gluten-free crusty bread. The garlic butter mixture is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This homemade garlic bread is a total game-changer. It’s simple, flavorful, and beats any frozen version you’ll find in a store. It’s perfect for a quick side dish or a satisfying snack. Make a batch today and see for yourself!

Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yields: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf crusty bread (12 oz / 340g)
• 1/2 cup (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped⁵
• 4 tsp minced fresh garlic
• 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).⁶ Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice bread in half horizontally. Place on baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, mix butter, parsley, garlic, salt, and cheese.
4. Spread mixture evenly over bread halves.
5. Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown.
6. Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.

Notes: This easy recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can freeze the prepared loaf and bake it later.⁷ Best with homemade or artisan bread.