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Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe

4.9 from 85 reviews

This homemade garlic bread recipe features a crusty loaf slathered with a flavorful blend of softened butter, fresh garlic, parsley, and optional parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or salads, this easy-to-make garlic bread is crisp on the outside and soft inside, making it an irresistible addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 12-ounce (340g) loaf of crusty bread, sliced in half horizontally

Garlic Butter Spread

  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 teaspoons finely minced fresh garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or 1/8 teaspoon fine salt)
  • optional: 1/3 cup (27g) freshly grated parmesan cheese

Garnish (optional)

  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Place both halves of the bread on the baking sheet with the cut side facing up.
  2. Prepare the garlic butter: In a medium bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, sea salt, and grated parmesan cheese (if using) together on medium-high speed until completely smooth and combined. Alternatively, if your butter is very soft, mash the ingredients together thoroughly using a fork.
  3. Spread the butter mixture: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter over the cut sides of each bread half, ensuring thorough coverage to infuse maximum flavor.
  4. Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bread for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the edges of the bread turn crispy and golden brown. If you prefer a crunchier texture, extend the baking time by a few additional minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  5. Cool and slice: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet until it is cool enough to handle. Optionally sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Use a serrated bread knife to slice the bread into serving pieces while warm.
  6. Store leftovers: Wrap leftover garlic bread tightly and store at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • For best results, use very soft butter to easily blend the garlic and herbs.
  • You can customize the garlic intensity by adjusting the amount of fresh garlic.
  • If you prefer, skip the parmesan for a dairy-free option.
  • To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
  • Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor, although dried parsley can suffice in a pinch (reduce quantity accordingly).

Keywords: garlic bread, homemade garlic bread, easy garlic bread, baked garlic bread, garlic butter bread, side dish, Italian side, parmesan garlic bread