Homemade garlic bread takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish and delivers far more flavor than store-bought frozen loaves. A fresh French or Italian loaf is brushed with a rich garlic butter blended with Italian herbs, garlic salt, and optional cheeses and parsley. It’s an ideal side for soups, salads, and pasta, or a satisfying snack on its own.
Garlic Bread Recipe
This version builds on the simple classic by combining freshly minced garlic with garlic salt for depth, adding Italian seasoning for savory herb notes, and finishing with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley when desired. The result is crisp at the edges, tender inside, and deeply garlicky without being overwhelming. It’s easy to customize — add more cheese for a richer, gooey finish or skip the cheese for a lighter, dairy-free option.
What kind of bread should I use for garlic bread?
Choose a loaf with a slightly crisp crust and a soft interior. French or Italian loaves work best. Avoid thin baguettes if you want thicker slices with a soft center; a standard French or Italian loaf gives the ideal balance of crunchy crust and tender crumb. Bakery loaves from the grocery store are perfect, just look for one that’s fresh and not overly dense.
How To Make Garlic Bread
Preheat. Set your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and place the cut sides up on a rimmed baking sheet.
Mix. In a medium bowl, combine finely minced garlic, softened butter, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, shredded Parmesan (optional), and chopped parsley (optional). Stir until smooth and evenly blended so every bite will have garlic and herb flavor.
Spread. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture across the cut surfaces of the bread, covering to the edges so the flavor reaches each slice.
Bake. Bake on the middle rack for 10 minutes. If you prefer a crispier, browned top, switch your oven to Broil and broil for 2–5 minutes until it reaches your desired level of golden brown. Watch closely while broiling to avoid burning.
Serve. Remove from the oven, sprinkle additional Parmesan and parsley if desired, slice into serving pieces, and enjoy warm.
Storing Leftover Bread
Store leftovers for 3–4 days in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. To reheat, place the slices in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through and crisped. Reheating in the oven preserves texture better than the microwave.
Ingredients Notes for Garlic Bread
- Bread – French or Italian loaf with a crisp exterior and soft interior is ideal.
- Garlic – Use at least 5 cloves finely minced; add more if you love bold garlic flavor.
- Butter – Salted butter works well here; if using unsalted, taste the mix and adjust seasoning. Butter should be softened but not melted so it spreads evenly.
- Italian Seasoning – A store-bought blend is convenient, or use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Garlic Salt – Enhances the garlic flavor and adds seasoning; adjust quantity to your taste and sodium preference.
- Parmesan – Freshly shredded Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish. Omit for a dairy-free version, or combine with cheddar for extra cheesiness.
- Parsley – Optional garnish that brightens the flavor and adds color.
Ingredients (serves about 10)
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced (or more to taste)
- 1 cup salted butter, very soft
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the bread in half lengthwise and place cut side up on a baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, stir together minced garlic, softened butter, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, Parmesan, and parsley until fully combined.
- Spread the butter mixture evenly over each half of the bread, covering the surface to the edges.
- Bake for 10 minutes. If you want a crispier top, switch to Broil and broil 2–5 minutes until golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove, slice, garnish with extra cheese or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Storage: Keep garlic bread in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes for best texture.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 166 kcal; Carbohydrates: 1 g; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 12 g; Sodium: 279 mg. Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a general guide.
Enjoy your homemade garlic bread warm alongside your favorite soups, salads, or pasta dishes. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing side that elevates any meal with minimal effort.
~Nichole