If you are craving the perfect side that exudes warmth, aroma, and pure comfort, this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Imagine crusty, golden bread slathered with rich, garlicky butter that melts in your mouth while the fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and flavor. This is not just garlic bread; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. Whether for a cozy dinner, a holiday feast, or just because, this recipe guarantees irresistible results that will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe means gathering a handful of straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the crunch of the crusty bread to the creamy garlic butter that infuses every bite with savory goodness.
- Crusty bread, 12-ounce loaf: Choose a sturdy artisan loaf or baguette that will hold up under the buttery topping and crisp beautifully in the oven.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g), softened: The foundation of the garlic spread—soft enough to mix evenly but rich enough to toast to golden perfection.
- Fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon finely chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh garlic, 4 teaspoons finely minced (about 3 cloves): The star of the show—garlic’s punchy, aromatic presence defines this bread’s irresistible flavor.
- Flaky sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhance the natural flavors and bring just the right hint of saltiness.
- Optional parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup freshly grated: For an extra layer of savory complexity and a slight tangy bite.
- Optional garnish: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat that nicely balances the garlic butter’s richness.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Bread
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the sliced bread halves, cut side up, on the prepared sheet. This simple prep sets the stage for maximum crispiness along the edges and perfect toasting.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Spread
Next, blend together your softened butter, freshly minced garlic, chopped parsley, flaky sea salt, and if you’re using it, the parmesan cheese. Using a mixer on medium-high speed makes this silky and smooth, but a fork works just fine if your butter is soft enough. This mixture is the luscious, flavorful heart of your garlic bread and every bit counts!
Step 3: Spread the Garlic Butter Evenly
Generously spread the garlic butter over the cut sides of the bread, spreading it evenly from edge to edge. This ensures that every bite has that perfect buttery, garlicky zip that makes homemade garlic bread unforgettable.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake the bread for 16 to 18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the butter is bubbling delectably. If you love extra crunch, feel free to leave it in a couple of minutes longer. Then let the bread cool just enough so it can be handled safely without losing any of its warm, inviting softness.
Step 5: Slice and Garnish
Transfer the garlic bread to a cutting board and slice with a serrated knife. For a little extra kick, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top. Serve warm to enjoy every irresistible bite.
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley after baking brightens the flavors and adds a fresh green contrast. Crushed red pepper flakes offer a subtle heat boost for those who like a bit of spice alongside the rich garlic butter.
Side Dishes
This homemade garlic bread is fantastic alongside hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or creamy fettuccine Alfredo. It’s also a wonderful partner to soups, stews, or a fresh green salad, balancing savory meals with crispy, flavorful goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, arrange slices of the garlic bread on a wooden board for a rustic, inviting look. You can also cut the loaf into bite-sized pieces and serve with a side of melted cheese dip or marinara for a fun appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover homemade garlic bread (which is rare), wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh enough to enjoy without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the garlic butter spread on its own for up to 3 weeks. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature before spreading. Alternatively, make the garlic bread through the spreading step, freeze the halves separated by parchment paper then tightly wrapped, and bake from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the baking time. This convenience lets you enjoy fresh garlic bread anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, you can substitute with dried parsley. Use about 2 teaspoons of dried parsley for every tablespoon of fresh, or try 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of an Italian seasoning blend for extra flavor complexity.
Is it okay to use a different type of bread?
Absolutely. While crusty artisan loaf, Italian, or French bread is ideal, a sturdy baguette or ciabatta also works beautifully to soak up the garlic butter and toast crisp without falling apart.
Can I make the garlic butter in advance?
This is one of the best make-ahead components! Prepare the garlic butter and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. When you’re ready to bake, just soften and spread it on the bread.
How do I get extra crispy edges?
Simply bake the bread a couple minutes longer until you get the golden, crunchy edges you love. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning—that perfect crisp is worth it!
Can I add cheese on top before baking?
Yes, mixing parmesan into the garlic butter or sprinkling it on top before baking adds delightful cheesy notes. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for that ooey-gooey effect.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade garlic bread that turns any meal into a celebration—and this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe nails it every time. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a loaf that’s crispy, buttery, and bursting with fresh garlic flavor. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple at your table.
PrintHomemade Garlic Bread Recipe
This homemade garlic bread recipe features crusty bread sliced and topped with a smooth, flavorful garlic butter blend made with fresh garlic, parsley, and optional parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection in the oven, it delivers a crispy exterior and a rich, savory taste perfect for serving as a side or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Bread
- 12-ounce (340g) loaf of crusty bread, sliced in half horizontally
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 4 teaspoons finely minced fresh garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or 1/8 teaspoon fine salt)
- optional: 1/3 cup (27g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- optional for garnish: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place both halves of the bread, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Garlic Butter: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, sea salt, and parmesan cheese if using, on medium-high speed until smooth and fully combined. Alternatively, if the butter is soft enough, mash everything together using a fork.
- Spread Butter on Bread: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread halves, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the edges turn crispy and golden brown. For a crunchier texture, extend the baking time by a couple of minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the baked garlic bread to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes until it is warm enough to handle. If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Transfer to a cutting board, slice with a serrated bread knife, and serve warm.
- Storage: Store leftover bread tightly covered at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 3 days. Garlic butter can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to three weeks, or the bread with butter spread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Notes
- You can make the garlic butter ahead and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Soften before spreading on bread.
- You can prepare the garlic bread through butter spreading, then freeze it by wrapping tightly with parchment between halves and plastic wrap or foil. Freeze up to 3 months. When baking from frozen, add a few minutes to bake time.
- Use a serrated knife, garlic press, box or microplane grater for best results.
- The best bread choices are crusty and sturdy 12-ounce loaves like artisan bread, ciabatta, Italian or French bread, or baguette.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, substitute 2 teaspoons dried parsley or 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend.
