This homemade garlic bread recipe is easy to make and SO delicious. The crispy, buttery slices are topped with flavorful garlic and fresh herbs.
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What’s better than homemade garlic bread? If you ask me, not much. Crisp around the edges, soft and buttery in the middle, and packed with rich flavor from garlic and herbs, this Italian-American staple is comforting and delicious. It’s also very easy to make.
I’m sharing my best garlic bread recipe below, along with tips for storing it and making it ahead. If you’re used to eating garlic bread from the grocery store, get ready—this homemade version is on another level. Serve it as a side dish with your favorite pasta recipes, or devour it warm from the baking sheet. This garlic bread recipe is irresistible…I won’t judge!
What You Need to Make The Best Garlic Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make this garlic bread recipe:
- Bread, of course! Look for a good baguette or soft French bread. A nice Italian loaf works well too!
- Garlic butter – I make this simple spread with softened butter, fresh garlic, parsley, and salt. It’s perfect for infusing the bread with buttery garlic flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – For savory, cheesy flavor.
- Flaky sea salt – It helps season the bread and gives the topping a nice crunch.
- Chopped fresh parsley – For fresh flavor and pretty flecks of green. Chives are also great here!
- And red pepper flakes – Optional, for heat.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make Garlic Bread
If you’re learning how to make garlic bread for the first time, you won’t believe how easy it is! You can find the complete recipe at the bottom of this post, but for now, here’s a quick overview of how it goes:
Start by making the garlic butter.In a small bowl, stir together a stick of unsalted softened butter, a tablespoon of chopped parsley or chives, 2 grated garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
Then, prepare the bread.Use a serrated knife to slice the loaf in half lengthwise. Generously slather the cut sides with the garlic butter mixture.
Next, bake.Place the bread cut side up on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until the butter is melted, about 8 minutes.
Turn on the broiler and broil the bread until the edges are golden brown and crisp, 2 to 5 minutes.
Finally, season and serve!Remove the bread from the oven, and top it with the Parmesan, more parsley, flaky sea salt, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Slice it into 3-inch chunks, and devour it hot, either on its own or as a side dish.
Enjoy!
Storage Tips
This recipe disappears fast in our house. If you have leftovers, I’ll be impressed!
If you do, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day.
To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, for about 10 minutes. A few minutes in an air fryer or toaster oven would also do the trick!
Freezing
You can also freeze homemade garlic bread before baking it.
- Slather the garlic butter onto the bread.
- Cut the bread into pieces that will fit in an airtight container or large freezer bag in a single layer.
- Seal them in the container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Bake the bread directly from frozen (it might need a few extra minutes in the oven). Sprinkle with cheese and more herbs after baking. Then, slice and serve!
What to Serve with Homemade Garlic Bread
This easy homemade garlic bread is a quick, delicious side dish!
Serve it with a simply cooked protein and roasted broccoli for a weeknight dinner, or pair it with your favorite Italian recipes. I love it with these:
- Vegan Meatballs
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
- Stuffed Shells
- Easy Baked Ziti
- Eggplant Lasagna
- Pasta e fa*gioli
What do you like to serve with garlic bread? Let me know in the comments!
Garlic Bread
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
Serves 4
The BEST garlic bread recipe! It's crisp, buttery, and easy to make. Fresh garlic, herbs, and cheese fill it with rich, savory flavor. You're going to want seconds—trust me!
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) loaf French bread, or Italian bread or baguette
- Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Flaky sea salt
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange an oven rack in the top third of the oven.
Use a serrated knife to slice the bread in half lengthwise. Slather the cut sides with the garlic butter. Place the bread, cut side up, on the baking sheet.
Place on the high oven rack and bake for 8 minutes, then broil for 2 to 5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown around the edges. Sprinkle with the Parmesan, flaky sea salt, parsley, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Slice and serve hot.
FAQs
Garlic bread's benefits depend on the type of bread used to make it. Wheat garlic bread is loaded with healthy fibre and nutrients that regulate blood sugar levels and boost metabolism. Most garlic bread recipes are high in fat, but a few minor adjustments can make this tasty appetizer very healthy.
Why is garlic bread so good? ›
Garlic bread is an incredibly delicious and flavorful combination of butter, garlic, and bread. The combination of butter and garlic creates a unique flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet. The butter helps to bring out the garlic and the bread is the perfect vehicle for the combination.
What are the best ways to eat garlic bread? ›
What to serve with Garlic Bread
- Spaghetti Bolognese, a slow cooked Shredded Beef Ragu or any other pasta.
- Dunk in soup! ...
- A quick homemade pizza.
- Schnitzel, marinated pork chops or sticky baked pork chops.
- On the side of a big salad – make a meal of it!
OVEN: Wrap leftover Garlic Bread in foil and place on a baking sheet – you can do this whether it's sliced or a whole loaf. If the bread is sliced, keep it in a single layer in the foil.
What is the difference between garlic bread and garlic toast? ›
Garlic bread (also called garlic toast) consists of bread (usually a baguette, sour dough, or bread such as ciabatta), topped with garlic and occasionally olive oil or butter and may include additional herbs, such as oregano or chives. It is then either grilled until toasted or baked in a conventional or bread oven.
Is garlic bread good for blood pressure? ›
**Cardiovascular Health**: Some studies suggest that garlic may have a positive impact on heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Is it OK to eat garlic bread everyday? ›
True to form, moderation is key. Enjoying the occasional slice of traditional indulgent garlic bread is perfectly fine — good even, for the soul. Just balance it out with more nutritious choices for the rest of your meals that day, like a fiber-full salad. Consider it a special treat, not an everyday side.
What happens if you eat too much garlic bread? ›
High Calorie and Fat Content: Garlic bread is often made with ingredients like butter or margarine, which are high in calories and saturated fats. Overconsumption of high-calorie and high-fat foods can contribute to weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Do real Italians eat garlic bread? ›
Garlic Bread
The Italians do eat garlic rubbed on toasted bread – with olive oil, not butter – and call it bruschetta. But they will toast an Italian bread such as ciabatta, not a French baguette, as has become popular in the UK and America.
What are the cons of garlic bread? ›
In addition to this, Healthline cautions, “There are some downsides to garlic, such as bad breath. There are also some people who are allergic to it. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications, talk with your doctor before increasing your garlic intake.”
While we might know bruschetta as the toasted bread topped with garlicky chopped tomatoes that was often offered as an appetizer on many restaurant menus in the 1990s (via Cook In/Dine Out), in Italy, "bruschetta" typically refers to a thick slice of bread that's simply toasted, rubbed with cut garlic, doused in good ...
How do you get rid of garlic breath after eating garlic bread? ›
If you're having a particularly garlic-heavy meal, eat apples for dessert or chew on fresh mint leaves. One study indicated that the chemical makeup of raw or heated apples, lettuce, and mint helped deodorize garlic breath. Hot green tea and lemon juice may also help.
Is garlic bread good for stomach? ›
Improved Digestion: Garlic has been used traditionally to aid digestion. Including garlic bread as part of a meal could potentially contribute to better digestion, although the overall impact may vary from person to person.
Can I eat overnight garlic bread? ›
As a safety precaution, it's recommended not to consume garlic bread or any perishable food that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours. This is especially important if the environment is warm or humid, as these conditions can further promote bacterial growth.
Does garlic bread go with everything? ›
Buttery, Toasty Garlic Bread Goes With Everything. Eat this bread with pasta, soup, salad, or anything that needs a garlicky, buttery touch.
What can I do with store bought garlic bread? ›
What are some good things to add to store-bought garlic bread? - Quora. Parmesan cheese: Grate some fresh parmesan cheese over the garlic bread before baking for an extra cheesy and savory flavor. Herbs: Add some dried herbs, such as oregano, basil, or parsley, to the garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor.
When should I eat garlic bread? ›
The different textures of garlic bread make it satisfying to eat. It can be served with pasta, soup, salad, or even alone. It's also a great appetiser or snack. This makes it a perfect food for any occasion.
