Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Bread is a classic, crispy, buttery side made with toasted bread slices generously spread with garlic butter and fresh herbs. Perfect alongside pasta, soups, or salads, this easy-to-make bread adds a fragrant, savory touch to any meal.
Ingredients
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1 French bread or Italian baguette
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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½ tsp salt
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Slice bread loaf horizontally or into individual slices.
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In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt.
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Spread garlic butter mixture evenly over bread slices.
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Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
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Place bread on baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy at edges.
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For extra crispiness, broil 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
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Serve warm.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes for heat.Use herb butter with rosemary or thyme for variation.Top with shredded mozzarella for cheesy garlic bread.Substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter version.Store leftovers in airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days; reheat in oven to restore crispness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Bread is quick to prepare, wonderfully aromatic, and delivers a perfect balance of crunchy crust and soft, flavorful interior. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and loved by all ages, making it a staple accompaniment for countless dishes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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French bread or Italian baguette
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Unsalted butter (softened)
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Garlic (minced or garlic powder)
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Fresh parsley (chopped)
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Salt
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Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Slice bread loaf horizontally or into individual slices.
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In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
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Spread garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread slices.
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Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
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Place bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy around the edges.
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For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
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Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 12 minutes
Variations
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Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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Use herb butter with rosemary or thyme.
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Top with shredded mozzarella for cheesy garlic bread.
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Substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, adjust quantity for desired flavor.
What bread works best?
French, Italian baguettes, or sourdough are ideal.
Can I prepare garlic bread ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate; bake when ready.
How do I prevent garlic bread from burning?
Bake at moderate temperature and watch closely when broiling.
Can I freeze garlic bread?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen.
Can I make vegan garlic bread?
Use plant-based butter substitutes.
How do I make garlic bread softer?
Use less baking time and cover with foil while baking.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, mozzarella or Parmesan works well.
Is garlic bread gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread to make it gluten-free.
How do I store garlic bread?
Wrap in foil or place in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Garlic Bread is an easy, flavorful side that elevates any meal with its crispy texture and rich garlic butter taste. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, it’s a beloved classic that complements pasta, soups, and salads perfectly.
