Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
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.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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