Description
This Homemade Garlic Bread recipe is a simple and delicious side that transforms a crusty loaf of bread with a flavorful garlic herb butter spread. Softened butter, fresh garlic, and parsley come together to create a savory topping that’s baked until golden and crispy. Optional parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of richness, making this garlic bread perfect for pairing with pasta, salads, or enjoying on its own.
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
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place both halves of the bread, cut side up, on the lined baking sheet to prepare for spreading the garlic butter.
- Make Garlic Butter: Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and parmesan cheese (if using) on medium-high speed until fully combined and smooth. Alternatively, if the butter is soft enough, you can mash everything together thoroughly with a fork.
- Spread the Butter: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread halves, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the garlic buttered bread in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. For a crunchier texture, you can bake a couple of minutes longer as desired.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bread cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so it firms up a little and is easier to handle. Transfer to a cutting board, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if using, then slice the bread with a serrated bread knife. Serve warm.
- Store Leftovers: Cover any leftover garlic bread tightly and store it at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can customize the garlic bread by adding or omitting parmesan cheese according to taste.
- For a spicier kick, crushed red pepper flakes are a great optional garnish.
- Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing and spreading.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the bread without crushing it.
- Leftover garlic bread is best reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
Keywords: garlic bread, homemade garlic bread, easy garlic bread recipe, baked garlic bread, garlic herb butter, side dish, Italian bread