Homemade Garlic Bread

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Garlic bread is one of those comforting, go-to sides that instantly upgrades any meal. I’ve made it dozens of times for family dinners, casual get-togethers, and even just for myself when I’m craving something warm, buttery, and satisfying. There’s something irresistible about the way crispy golden edges meet the soft, pillowy center, all infused with rich garlic and fresh herbs.

This version of homemade garlic bread is a favorite in my kitchen because it’s incredibly easy, fast, and tastes far better than anything store-bought. You only need a handful of simple ingredients, but the payoff is huge. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, soup, or just enjoying it on its own, this garlic bread will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Bread

This garlic bread is everything you want in a side: crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with garlicky, buttery flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve at a dinner party. You can whip it up in under 15 minutes, and it’s endlessly customizable—perfect for anyone who loves to tweak recipes to make them their own.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

A classic French or Italian loaf works best. You want something with a good crust but soft enough inside to soak up the garlic butter without becoming soggy. Day-old bread is actually ideal—it holds up better to the butter and bakes to a perfect crisp.

Options for Substitutions

• Butter: You can swap out regular butter for a vegan alternative or olive oil if you’re dairy-free.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers the boldest flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
• Parsley: If you don’t have fresh parsley, use dried or try basil or oregano for a twist.
• Bread: Try sourdough, ciabatta, or even a baguette for variation in texture.
• Cheese: Want a cheesy version? Sprinkle mozzarella or Parmesan over the top before baking.

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Ingredients for this Garlic Bread

• French or Italian Bread: The foundation. It should be crusty on the outside and soft inside, ideal for soaking up the butter without turning soggy.
• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter spreads evenly and melts beautifully into the bread, adding richness.
• Fresh Garlic: Finely minced or crushed garlic is the key flavor. The more fresh, the better the taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and a fresh, herby balance to the richness of the butter.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the butter and garlic.
• Optional: Grated Parmesan or Mozzarella: For a cheesy, golden crust that adds extra indulgence.

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Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the bread bakes evenly and the butter melts into all the right places without burning.

Step 2: Prep the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix it well until everything is evenly distributed. If you want to go cheesy, add some grated Parmesan or mozzarella to this mix.

Step 3: Slice the Bread

Cut the loaf in half lengthwise, or into 1 to 2-inch thick slices if you prefer individual pieces. You can also slice partially, keeping the bottom intact, to make pull-apart style garlic bread.

Step 4: Spread the Butter Generously

Using a spoon or spatula, slather the garlic butter mixture generously over each slice. Make sure you reach the edges and coat every inch for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Place the bread on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the bread is warm and the edges are lightly crisp. For a toastier finish, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove from oven and let it cool for a minute. Slice if needed and serve warm while the butter is still melty and fragrant. It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

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How Long to Prepare the Garlic Bread

Prep Time: Making garlic bread from scratch is surprisingly quick. Mixing the butter and garlic takes about 5 minutes, and slicing and spreading the mixture onto the bread adds another 5 minutes. If your butter is already softened, it’s even faster.

Bake Time: The bread takes around 10 to 12 minutes in the oven to get golden and crispy. Add an extra minute or two under the broiler for that irresistible crunch on top. In total, you’re looking at about 15-20 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread

• Use room temperature butter—it spreads more evenly and prevents tearing the bread.
• Fresh garlic makes a huge difference. Mince it finely to avoid biting into large chunks.
• Don’t skip the salt—it enhances the overall flavor of the garlic butter.
• For extra crispy bread, broil for a minute or two at the end.
• Use foil on your baking sheet to avoid mess and make cleanup easy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Burning the Garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked. Keep an eye on the bread, especially under the broiler.
• Using Cold Butter: It won’t spread well and may leave dry patches.
• Too Much Moisture: Don’t overload the bread with butter, or it’ll become soggy.
• Skipping Preheat: A preheated oven is crucial for proper texture.
• Cutting Too Early: Let the bread rest for a minute after baking to avoid tearing.

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What to Serve With Garlic Bread?

1. Spaghetti Bolognese

The classic pairing—garlic bread is perfect for scooping up rich, meaty sauce.

2. Creamy Tomato Soup

Dip slices into the warm, tangy soup for a comforting combo.

3. Caesar Salad

A great texture contrast with the crispness of the salad and crunch of the bread.

4. Grilled Chicken Alfredo

Creamy pasta dishes pair wonderfully with garlicky, buttery bread.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Garlic bread works as a side for a simple, healthy dinner.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store leftover garlic bread in foil or an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crisp.

Freezing: You can freeze garlic bread after it’s assembled but before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Reheating: Always reheat in the oven or toaster oven to retain texture. Microwaving will make it soft and rubbery.

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Estimated Nutrition (per slice)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Sugar: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make garlic bread without an oven?

You can use a stovetop skillet. Just place the buttered side down on medium heat until it’s golden and crisp.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for every clove, but fresh garlic gives better flavor.

How can I make it spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture.

Can I prepare garlic bread in advance?

Absolutely! You can prep and refrigerate it a day ahead. Just bake when ready to serve.

Is it okay to use salted butter?

Yes, just skip the added salt in the garlic butter mix to avoid over-salting.

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Conclusion

Homemade garlic bread is one of those simple pleasures that never gets old. It’s quick to make, versatile to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this easy recipe guarantees buttery, garlicky perfection in every bite. With just a few ingredients and a bit of love, you’ll have the ultimate side dish ready in no time.

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