The Best Garlic Bread You’ll Ever Eat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic bread is the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, buttery and soft on the inside, and packed with rich, savory garlic flavor. Perfect as a side dish for pasta, soups, or even on its own, this recipe elevates a classic into something truly irresistible. The secret lies in the perfect balance of herbs, butter, and fresh garlic spread generously on crusty bread and toasted to perfection.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

French or Italian breadunsalted butterfresh garlic (minced)parsley (fresh, finely chopped)olive oilsaltblack peppergrated Parmesan cheesemozzarella cheese (optional)red pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.

Slice the bread in half horizontally and place it cut-side up on the baking sheet.

In a bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over each half of the bread.

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered surface.

Add shredded mozzarella cheese if you want extra cheesy garlic bread.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the butter is melted and the bread edges are starting to crisp.

For a golden finish, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.

Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and cut into slices before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 slices.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 10-12 minutesBroil time: 1-2 minutesTotal time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter, mellow flavor.

Add chopped chives or green onions for an herbal twist.

Make it spicy by mixing in red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.

Use a baguette for smaller, crispier slices.

Try a vegan version with plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese.

storage/reheating

Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.For a crispier texture, unwrap for the final 2 minutes of reheating.Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, though fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder per clove as a substitute.

What type of bread is best?

Crusty bread like French or Italian loaves works best to hold up to the buttery topping.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and butter the bread in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake.

Is it okay to freeze garlic bread?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 375°F until heated through.

How do I avoid soggy garlic bread?

Use crusty bread, don’t over-butter, and broil briefly to crisp it up at the end.

Can I make it without cheese?

Absolutely—it’s still delicious with just garlic butter and herbs.

How can I make it extra garlicky?

Add more minced garlic or top with a bit of garlic salt before baking.

What herbs go well with garlic bread?

Parsley is classic, but basil, oregano, or thyme work beautifully too.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Yes, but fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor and aroma.

Is this garlic bread kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love the buttery flavor and cheesy topping.

Conclusion

The Best Garlic Bread You’ll Ever Eat lives up to its name with every bite—crispy, buttery, garlicky perfection. Whether served at a family dinner or a party, it’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast. Try it once, and you’ll never want to settle for store-bought again.

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