Description
This Easy Garlic Bread is the ultimate side dish that brings the comfort of a restaurant bread basket right to your home table. With a crispy crust, a soft, buttery center, and a punchy garlic herb spread, it is simple to make but impossibly hard to resist. Whether served alongside a hearty pasta dish or enjoyed on its own as a savory snack, this golden, toasted loaf is a classic crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
The Base
- 1 pound Italian loaf or French loaf
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt (omit if using salted butter)
Optional Cheesy Topping
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- OR 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Extra chopped fresh parsley
- Chopped fresh chives
Instructions
Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Slice
Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise to create two long, open boats. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut sides facing up.
Make Garlic Butter
In a medium bowl, mash together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and sea salt until smooth and well combined.
Spread
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut surfaces of the bread. Ensure you cover the surface all the way to the edges.
Bake
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and toasty and the butter has fully melted into the crumb.
Cheesy Option
If adding cheese, remove the bread from the oven after the 10-minute mark. Sprinkle with Parmesan or Mozzarella, then return to the oven for 2–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Remove from the oven. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Slice crosswise into thick pieces and serve warm.
Notes
Soft vs. Crispy: If you prefer a soft, steamed garlic bread rather than crispy toast, spread the butter on the bread, put the two halves back together, wrap the entire loaf in foil, and bake for 15–20 minutes.
Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature. If it is cold, it will tear the soft bread when you try to spread it.
Make Ahead / Freezer: You can prepare the bread with the butter spread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it unbaked. Bake straight from frozen (add a few extra minutes to the cooking time).
Broil for Gold: For an extra golden top (especially if using cheese), switch the oven to Broil for the last minute of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning the garlic.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: homemade garlic bread, easy side dish, garlic butter recipe, cheesy garlic bread, french bread pizza side, italian dinner sides, 20 minute recipes