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Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe

4.5 from 281 reviews

This Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe offers a deliciously crispy and buttery crusty bread perfect as a side or appetizer. Made with fresh garlic, parsley, and optional parmesan cheese, it’s baked to golden perfection, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Bread

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

Garnish (optional)

  • pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Place both halves of the bread, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Prepare garlic butter: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, chopped fresh 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, use a fork to mash and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Spread the garlic butter: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread halves, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
  4. Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16–18 minutes. Bake until the edges of the bread turn crispy and golden brown. For a crunchier crust, you may extend the baking time by a couple of minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  5. Cool and garnish: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes until it is cool enough to handle. If desired, sprinkle the surface with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for added heat and flavor.
  6. Slice and serve: Transfer the garlic bread to a cutting board. Using a serrated bread knife, slice the loaf into individual pieces. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
  7. Storage: Cover any leftover garlic bread tightly and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Softened butter is essential for easy mixing and spreading; avoid melted butter.
  • For a stronger garlic flavor, add an additional clove of garlic.
  • Using a serrated knife prevents squashing the bread when slicing.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a savory depth to the garlic butter.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat and are optional based on preference.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture; reheating can be done in an oven or toaster oven to crisp the bread again.

Keywords: garlic bread, homemade garlic bread, garlic butter bread, easy side dish, Italian bread, crispy garlic bread