Introduction

Oh, garlic bread! Just the smell of it baking in the oven can bring back so many happy memories, can’t it? From family dinners to casual get-togethers, this delicious staple has a way of making every meal feel extra special. And the best part? You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up a batch that will have everyone begging for the recipe. This garlic bread is so incredibly simple and quick, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it from the store. Get ready to impress yourself (and everyone you share it with)!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish!
Easy: Seriously, even a beginner can nail this.
Giftable: Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a neighborly treat.
Crowd-pleasing: It’s a universally loved side that pairs with almost anything.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to garlic bread bliss. Here’s what you’ll need:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature: Using softened butter makes it so much easier to mix and spread!
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives, plus more for garnish: Fresh herbs add a lovely pop of color and flavor. Parsley is classic, but chives add a delightful mild oniony note.
2 garlic cloves, grated: Grating the garlic instead of mincing helps release its flavor more effectively and distributes it evenly.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Just enough to enhance all those yummy flavors.
1 (15-ounce) loaf French bread, Italian bread, or baguette: Choose your favorite! A good crusty bread is key.
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: For that irresistible salty, nutty finish.
Flaky sea salt: A little sprinkle at the end adds a lovely texture and visual appeal.
Red pepper flakes, optional: If you like a tiny bit of heat, these are your best friend!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get our hands a little buttery and make some magic happen!

Preheat your oven: Get your oven warmed up to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes up beautifully golden.
Mix the magic butter: In a small bowl, combine your softened butter, the chopped fresh parsley (or chives!), the grated garlic, and that ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Give it a good mix until everything is well incorporated. It should look like a creamy, herby dream!
Prep your bread: Now, grab your loaf of bread. You can slice it in half horizontally, like a classic submarine sandwich, or cut it into individual slices if you prefer. I sometimes go with individual slices if I know everyone wants their own perfect piece.
Butter it up: Take your delicious garlic butter mixture and spread it evenly over the cut surfaces of the bread. Make sure you get it all the way to the edges for maximum flavor!
Cheese, please! Sprinkle that grated Parmesan cheese generously over the buttered bread. Oh yeah, that’s the good stuff.
Bake to perfection: Carefully place the bread, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Slide it into your preheated oven.
Watch the transformation: Bake for about 8-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for that beautiful golden brown color and toasty aroma, with the butter all melted and bubbly.
Out of the oven: Once it’s perfectly golden, carefully remove it from the oven.
The finishing touches: Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Garnish and serve: Finally, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or chives on top for that extra burst of freshness and visual appeal. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!

Substitutions & Additions

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is! Feel free to play around and make it your own.

Herbs: If you don’t have parsley or chives, try dried Italian seasoning or even a little rosemary.
Cheese: Mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses can be lovely additions.
Spice: For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the butter mixture.
Garlic: If you’re a true garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
Olive Oil: For a lighter twist, you can substitute some of the butter with olive oil.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks can make this garlic bread even more amazing:

Room Temperature Butter is Key: This is non-negotiable! It makes spreading the butter so much easier and ensures a more even coating. If you forget to leave it out, you can gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds at a time, but be careful not to melt it completely.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close watch during the last few minutes of baking. Burnt garlic bread is a sad thing, and this bakes quickly!
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the garlic butter mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just let it soften a bit at room temperature before spreading.
For Crispier Bread: If you like a really crispy bottom, you can toast the bread halves lightly before adding the garlic butter.

How to Store It

Leftover garlic bread (if there even is any!) can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it well and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or a toaster oven for the best texture.

FAQs

Here are a few questions you might have:

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic? Yes, you can! Start with about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and adjust to your taste. However, fresh garlic really does give the best flavor.
What can I serve this garlic bread with? Almost anything! It’s perfect with pasta dishes, soups, stews, salads, grilled meats, or just on its own as a delicious snack!
Can I make this ahead of time? You can mix the garlic butter ahead and store it in the fridge. Then, just butter and bake when you’re ready.

Easy Garlic Bread

A simple and delicious homemade garlic bread recipe that's perfect as a go-to side dish for any meal. It's fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Servings 8 slices

Equipment

Small bowl
Baking Sheet

Ingredients

Garlic Butter Mixture

0.5 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives finely chopped, plus more for garnish
2 garlic cloves grated
0.5 teaspoon sea salt

Bread and Toppings

1 (15-ounce) loaf French bread, Italian bread, or baguette Choose your favorite!
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
flaky sea salt for sprinkling
red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped fresh parsley (or chives), grated garlic, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Mix until well incorporated.
Slice the bread in half horizontally, or cut into individual slices.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut surfaces of the bread.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the buttered bread.
Place the bread, cut-side up, on a baking sheet.
Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Carefully remove from the oven.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and optional red pepper flakes.
Garnish with extra fresh parsley or chives and serve warm.

Notes

Room temperature butter is key for easy spreading. Don't overbake. Can prepare garlic butter mixture ahead of time.