If there’s one comfort food that never disappoints, it’s Homemade Garlic Bread. Crispy outside, pillowy inside, fragrant from real garlic and fresh parsley, and just decadent enough to feel like an indulgence, this classic side holds the power to upgrade weeknight pastas and special dinners alike. Whether you want to impress your family or just treat yourself to something warm and buttery, making it from scratch is astonishingly easy and infinitely better than anything frozen or store-bought!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those dreamy recipes where simple ingredients shine brightly. Don’t be tempted to skimp or swap; each part plays a special role in delivering that signature flavor, golden color, and irresistible aroma that makes Homemade Garlic Bread unforgettable.
- French or Italian bread: Choose a fresh loaf with a soft inside and crusty exterior for the best texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Softened butter blends effortlessly and soaks into the bread for that rich, buttery bite.
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): Skip the jarred stuff—fresh garlic is the soul of classic Homemade Garlic Bread, lending punch and warmth.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings vibrant green color and a hint of freshness to cut through the richness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to brighten and balance the butter and garlic.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a savory, cheesy crust when sprinkled on top—highly recommended if you love extra umami!
How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp up the bread, but gentle enough that your garlic butter won’t scorch. Take your loaf of French or Italian bread and carefully slice it in half horizontally. This provides the perfect surface area to pile on all that deliciously fragrant butter spread.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced fresh garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Take a fork or spatula and blend everything until thoroughly mixed. This is where the magic happens—the butter should be flecked with green herbs and studded with tiny pieces of garlic, ready to melt into the bread.
Step 3: Slather on the Flavor
Evenly spread your homemade garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread halves. Be generous: the more, the merrier. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it liberally across the top now for that extra savory finish. This is where Homemade Garlic Bread truly starts to come alive!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the prepared bread halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden and the butter is bubbling. Keep a close eye in the last couple minutes—golden is perfect, burnt is not so much! For an ultra-crispy, slightly toasty top, switch the oven to broil for 1 to 2 more minutes—just don’t stray too far, as it can brown quickly.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the Homemade Garlic Bread is baked to your liking, let it cool slightly so the butter sets a bit. Slice each half into thick or thin pieces, depending on your crowd, and serve while it’s still deliciously warm. There’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh garlic bread wafting through your kitchen!
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Bread
Garnishes
If you want to up the ante, try showering your hot bread with a touch of extra chopped parsley or a pinch of sea salt right after baking. For a delightful zing, a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished bread can awaken all the flavors. And of course, you can never go wrong with more Parmesan!
Side Dishes
Homemade Garlic Bread loves the company of saucy pastas, hearty soups, and crisp salads. Dunk it into tomato soup or creamy mushroom bisque, or pile the slices alongside penne alla vodka, lasagna, or your favorite spaghetti. It even jazzes up a simple Caesar or garden salad, adding crunch and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the bread into bite-sized strips and serve in a bread basket lined with a linen napkin for a rustic look. Or, for family nights, stack slices on a wooden board surrounded by little bowls of olive oil, balsamic glaze, or marinara sauce for dipping. Kids especially love when you cut the bread into fun shapes using cookie cutters—trust me, garlic bread stars are always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have slices left (a rare event!), simply wrap them tightly in foil. Pop the wrapped bread in the fridge, where it’ll keep fresh for up to three days. The foil helps preserve moisture and keeps the bread from drying out.
Freezing
Homemade Garlic Bread freezes remarkably well. After baking and cooling, wrap slices individually or as halves in foil and place in a freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to three months—perfect for grabbing anytime cravings strike or last-minute guests drop by.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the bread and warm it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, keep it wrapped in foil and bake a few minutes longer. Skip the microwave if you can, as the bread loses its inviting crispness.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you absolutely can use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch, but nothing beats the punchy flavor and aroma of fresh garlic in Homemade Garlic Bread. If substituting, use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon garlic powder to taste.
Is it possible to use salted butter?
It’s fine to use salted butter—just reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the bread. Adjust to your personal taste.
How do I make cheesy garlic bread?
If you’re craving a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the buttered bread before baking, or blend some into the garlic butter mixture. Bake as usual for a gooey, melty delight!
Can I make Homemade Garlic Bread vegan?
Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based butter in place of dairy butter, and either skip the cheese or use a vegan Parmesan substitute. The result is every bit as comforting—and totally dairy-free.
Why did my garlic bread turn out soggy?
If your bread was too soft or sliced too thin, it can soak up too much butter. Also, avoid over-buttering or under-baking. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and aim for that perfect golden finish!
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings a table together quite like a basket of warm, Homemade Garlic Bread. It’s approachable yet special, simple but packed with flavor, and always leaves people reaching for another piece. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself and your loved ones to the best garlic bread you’ve ever tasted—you may just find it becomes your new go-to side for every occasion!
Print
Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Garlic Bread recipe is a simple and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes or as an appetizer. With a crispy exterior and a soft, buttery interior infused with garlic and herbs, this garlic bread is sure to be a hit at any meal.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the loaf of bread in half horizontally.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spread Butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Add Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake: Place bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Broil: For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a cheesier version, top with shredded mozzarella before baking.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be a substitute.
- Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
