Garlic Bread
Crisp-edged, buttery garlic bread is simple to make at home and easy to adjust to your taste. Serve it with pasta, soup, salad, or anything that could use a warm, savory side.
Total
22 min
Servings
6 servings
Level
Easy
Garlic bread is the kind of side dish that makes a simple meal feel more complete. It needs only a few ingredients: bread, butter, garlic, herbs, and a little salt.
This version uses a split loaf of Italian or French bread, spread with garlicky butter and baked until the edges are crisp. A short broil at the end gives the top a little color, but you can skip it if you prefer softer garlic bread.
Use fresh garlic for the strongest flavor, or roasted garlic if you want it mellow and sweet. Either way, the method is quick and friendly for weeknight cooking.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
8 items · 6 servings
- 1 large loaf Italian or French bread, about 14 to 16 ounces
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, optional, for a crisper top
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Heat the oven
Place a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
2. Slice the bread
Cut the loaf in half lengthwise, like you are opening a book. Set both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Mix the garlic butter
In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. If the butter is too firm to spread, let it sit at room temperature for a few more minutes. Softened butter should give easily when pressed, but it should not be melted.
4. Spread to the edges
Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Go all the way to the edges so the whole surface browns and tastes seasoned. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if using, and drizzle lightly with olive oil for extra crispness.
5. Bake until warm and crisp
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the butter is melted and the edges are lightly crisp. The center should be hot and fragrant.
6. Broil for color
For a toastier top, switch the oven to broil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely, because garlic bread can burn fast under the broiler.
7. Slice and serve
Let the bread cool for 1 minute, then cut it into thick pieces. Serve warm, while the edges are crisp and the butter is still glossy.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Mix the garlic butter up to 3 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it soften before spreading.
- Assemble ahead: Spread the butter on the bread, wrap the loaf tightly, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 2 to 3 minutes if needed.
- Storage: Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. An air fryer also works well at 325°F for 3 to 5 minutes. The microwave will warm it, but the bread will turn soft.
- Bread swaps: Use a baguette for smaller, crispier pieces, or a soft Italian loaf for a more classic texture. Sourdough works too, but its tangy flavor will stand out.
- Garlic options: Fresh garlic gives a bold bite. Roasted garlic tastes sweeter and milder. Garlic powder can work in a pinch; use 1 teaspoon in place of the fresh garlic cloves.
Cook's note
If your garlic tastes sharp or harsh, grate it finely and let it sit in the butter for 5 minutes before spreading. For a milder flavor, warm the butter and garlic together in a small pan over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, then cool slightly before adding the parsley.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I use salted butter for garlic bread?
Yes. Use salted butter if that is what you have, but reduce or skip the added salt. Taste the butter mixture before spreading it on the bread.
Why did my garlic bread burn?
It was likely too close to the broiler or left under it too long. Broiling is very fast, so keep the oven door slightly open if your oven allows it and check every 20 to 30 seconds.
Can I make garlic bread without parsley?
Yes. Parsley adds freshness and color, but the bread will still taste good without it. You can also use a small amount of dried oregano, basil, or chives.
Can I freeze garlic bread?
Yes. Spread the garlic butter on the bread, place the halves together or keep them open-faced, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, then broil briefly if you want more color.
What should I serve with garlic bread?
Garlic bread is great with pasta, lasagna, tomato soup, minestrone, chili, roast chicken, or a big green salad. It also makes a quick snack with marinara sauce for dipping.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
6 servings
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat19 g
- 24%
- Saturated Fat11 g
- 54%
- Cholesterol44 mg
- 15%
- Sodium183 mg
- 8%
- Total Carbohydrate3.2 g
- 1%
- Dietary Fiber0.2 g
- 1%
- Total Sugars0.3 g
- Protein2.3 g
- 5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimated from the ingredient list; actual amounts vary with brands, portion sizes, and substitutions.
05Keep cooking
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