There’s just something magical about homemade garlic bread. The warm aroma of buttery garlic wafting from the oven, the golden crispy crust, and that tender, melt-in-your-mouth center—it’s irresistible! Whether you’re serving it as a comforting side to your favorite pasta, dunking it in a bowl of hearty soup, or enjoying it all on its own as a snack, this easy garlic bread recipe will win over everyone at the table.
Made with a crusty loaf of bread and a simple yet flavorful garlic butter spread, this recipe is foolproof, quick, and endlessly customizable. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat!
Let’s dive in and learn exactly how to make the best garlic bread ever.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
To make this garlic bread, you’ll only need a handful of pantry staples—but don’t be fooled by the simplicity. These ingredients work together beautifully to deliver big flavor in every bite.
- Bread: French or Italian bread works best. Look for a fresh, crusty loaf about 12 inches long. A good garlic bread starts with great bread—something sturdy on the outside and soft inside.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is the star here. It gives the most robust flavor, but if you’re short on time, garlic paste or roasted garlic also works.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and brightness, but dried parsley will do in a pinch.
- Italian Seasoning: Totally optional, but adds a lovely herby depth to the butter mixture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for that salty, nutty finish. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.
- Salt & Pepper: Just enough to balance and enhance the other flavors.
- Mozzarella Cheese: If you’re making cheesy garlic bread (and honestly, why wouldn’t you?), shredded mozzarella gives you that gooey, stretchy deliciousness everyone loves.
Instructions
You’ll love how easy this is! From start to finish, you’re just 20 minutes away from warm, golden garlic bread perfection.
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Slice the Bread
Grab your loaf and cut it in half lengthwise. You’ll have two long halves, each perfect for soaking up all that garlicky butter.
Mix the Garlic Butter
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and everything is well incorporated.
Spread the Butter
Using a butter knife or spatula, generously spread the garlic butter over the cut sides of the bread. Be generous—this is where all the flavor lives!
Add the Cheese (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)
If you’re in the mood for cheesy garlic bread, now’s the time to sprinkle that shredded mozzarella evenly over both halves.
Bake
Place the bread on your prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 8–10 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are golden brown and a center that’s soft and buttery.
Broil for Crispiness
Want to take it up a notch? Pop the bread under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to get that bubbly, golden cheese and extra crispy top. Just keep a close eye—things can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
Slice and Serve
Let the garlic bread cool for a minute before slicing into 1- to 2-inch pieces. Serve it warm and watch it disappear fast!
Tips and Tricks
- Use day-old bread if you want extra crispiness. Slightly stale bread holds up better to the butter without becoming soggy.
- Try roasted garlic for a mellow, caramelized flavor. Simply mash roasted garlic cloves into the butter mixture.
- Mix up the herbs: Add basil, oregano, thyme, or chives to personalize the flavor to your liking.
- Add a spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just enough heat to balance the richness of the butter.
- Use garlic powder in a pinch: If you’re out of fresh garlic, use ½ teaspoon garlic powder per clove.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread goes with just about everything, but here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- With pasta: Serve alongside spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna for the ultimate comfort meal.
- With soup: Dunk it into creamy tomato soup, minestrone, or chicken noodle for cozy vibes.
- As an appetizer: Pair with marinara sauce for dipping at your next gathering.
- With salads: It’s a crunchy, buttery contrast to crisp green salads or Caesar salads.
- On its own: Honestly, this garlic bread is so good, you might not need anything else.
Storage Instructions
If you somehow end up with leftovers (doubtful!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
Refrigerator
Wrap cooled garlic bread in foil or place in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
To freeze, prep the garlic bread with the butter mixture (and cheese if using), wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, bake directly from frozen—just add 5–7 extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving unless you don’t mind soft, chewy bread. The oven keeps it nice and crisp.
Variations to Try
This basic garlic bread recipe is so versatile. Here are a few fun spins you can try:
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Add mozzarella, provolone, or even a sprinkle of cheddar to turn this into the ultimate cheese-lover’s dream.
Herb Garlic Bread
Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil to the butter spread for a fragrant, earthy touch.
Spicy Garlic Bread
Add red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce to the butter for a little heat.
Garlic Bread Sticks
Swap the loaf for breadsticks or a baguette. Cut into sticks before baking for easy snacking.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Short on oven space? Pop slices into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Make-Ahead Garlic Bread
Perfect for busy nights or entertaining! Just prepare the bread with the butter and store it in the fridge (up to 24 hours) or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying it—this easy garlic bread recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, crispy, buttery, and packed with bold garlic flavor. Best of all? It takes just minutes to prepare and tastes like something straight from your favorite Italian restaurant.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or sneaking bites straight off the pan (no judgment here), this garlic bread is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. So grab that loaf of bread, fire up the oven, and treat yourself to the homemade garlic bread of your dreams!
The Best Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 12 inches)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for cheesy garlic bread)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise to create two long halves.
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread.
- Optional: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread for cheesy garlic bread.
- Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden and the bread is slightly crispy.
- Optional: Turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Let the bread cool for a minute, then slice into 1-2 inch pieces. Serve warm.
