The aroma of freshly baked garlic bread wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. Golden, crispy edges hugging a soft, buttery center await your first bite, and it promises to be a flavor explosion of garlicky goodness that you’ll crave time and time again.
Every time I whip up my garlic bread recipe, it feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. Whether served alongside spaghetti on a family movie night or enjoyed solo with a side of marinara for dipping, this dish instantly transforms ordinary moments into delightful memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic bread recipe is easy to prepare, taking just 15 minutes from prep to table
- The flavor is rich and savory, with the perfect balance of garlic and butter
- Its golden-brown crust makes it visually appealing and irresistible
- Perfect as a side for pasta dishes or as a snack on its own
I still remember the time my friends came over for game night; they devoured the entire loaf in minutes and demanded an encore!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Baguette or Italian Bread: Choose a fresh loaf for the best texture; crusty outside meets soft inside equals perfection.
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter to ensure easy spreading; it melts into every nook and cranny.
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Fresh Garlic: Mince fresh cloves for maximum flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties if you want that authentic taste.
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Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds vibrant color and freshness to balance the richness of the butter.
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Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; season to taste based on your preference.
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Parmesan Cheese (optional): For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking; trust me, it’s worth it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your garlic bread bakes evenly and gets that perfect crispy texture.
Prepare Your Bread: Slice your baguette or Italian bread in half lengthwise. Place both halves on a baking sheet cut-side up for optimal toasting.
Create Your Garlic Butter Mixture: In a bowl, mix softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt until well combined. The aroma should be heavenly!
Spread Generously: Use a spatula or knife to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each half of the bread. Don’t be shy—get all that buttery goodness in there!
Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re feeling fancy (or just really hungry), sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the buttered bread for an irresistible cheesy finish.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t turn into charcoal!
With just these simple steps, you’ll have homemade garlic bread that’s sure to impress! Enjoy it fresh out of the oven while it’s warm and gooey.
You Must Know
- This garlic bread recipe will have your taste buds dancing
- Freshly baked, with that irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- Perfect as a side for pasta or just on its own, this dish is all about indulgence and comfort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your garlic butter while preheating the oven to 375°F. Spread it generously on the bread and wrap in foil for optimal baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular butter for herb-infused butter. Adding cheese like mozzarella can elevate the flavor significantly.
Storing & Reheating
To store, wrap leftovers tightly in foil and keep in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warm and crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect garlic bread, use fresh garlic instead of powder for better flavor
- Keep an eye on cooking time; overbaking can lead to dryness
- A sprinkle of parsley adds a beautiful color and freshness to the finished dish
I remember the first time I made this garlic bread recipe for my family. They practically swooned with delight, asking what magic I had conjured up in the kitchen!
FAQ
What type of bread works best for garlic bread?
French or Italian loaves provide the perfect texture and crust for this delicious recipe.
Can I make garlic bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it in advance, then wrap and refrigerate before baking when ready.
How do I make garlic bread spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your garlic butter mixture for extra kick.
Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Garlic bread is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a perfect blend of crispy, buttery goodness with a robust garlic flavor. This quick and easy recipe transforms a simple loaf of bread into a crowd-pleasing side dish or snack in just 15 minutes. Whether paired with pasta or enjoyed on its own with marinara for dipping, this homemade garlic bread will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 large baguette or Italian bread loaf
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the baguette or Italian bread in half lengthwise and place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt until well mixed.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over each half of the bread.
- If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (56g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
