Name: Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf of French bread, sliced in half lengthwise; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleasing side, nothing beats the comforting crunch and irresistible aroma of Homemade Garlic Bread. This recipe transforms an ordinary loaf of French bread into golden, buttery perfection laced with fresh parsley and a delightful garlicky punch. Whether you’re serving it alongside a big bowl of pasta or simply want to indulge in a warm, satisfying snack, this Homemade Garlic Bread promises to steal the show with every toasty, fragrant slice.

Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create something truly special. Each element brings its own unique magic, building layers of flavor and texture that make Homemade Garlic Bread completely unforgettable.

French bread: The pillowy inside and crisp crust make it the perfect base for absorbing all that luscious garlic butter.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter spreads beautifully and delivers rich flavor in every bite.
Fresh garlic cloves: Minced garlic injects that unmistakable, bold flavor Homemade Garlic Bread is loved for.
Fresh parsley: Just a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and a hint of freshness.
Salt: A little salt wakes up all the flavors and balances the richness of the butter.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth that elevates the spread.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For those who love a cheesy, savory finish, a dusting of Parmesan is perfection.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously until everything is thoroughly mixed and the butter is flecked with green and little bits of garlic. This mixture is about to take your bread to superstar status—making every bite incredibly flavorful!

Step 2: Spread the Goodness

Slice your French bread in half lengthwise, so you have two long pieces. Use a spatula or butter knife to generously spread the garlic butter mixture over both cut sides. The goal here is to coat every nook and cranny, ensuring no slice is left behind when it comes to flavor. If you love cheese, this is the time to sprinkle on the Parmesan—it’ll get beautifully golden as it bakes!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the prepared bread halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn golden and the aroma makes everyone in the house wander into the kitchen. Craving extra crunch? Pop the bread under the broiler for 1 or 2 minutes, just until the top gets that perfect crisp. Watch closely—garlic bread goes from golden to burnt in a flash!

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Carefully remove your Homemade Garlic Bread from the oven, let it cool for a minute so you don’t burn your fingers, then slice into thick or thin pieces, depending on your preference. Serve it warm, so all the buttery, garlicky goodness is at its melty best.

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Bread

Garnishes

A few quick garnishes take your Homemade Garlic Bread from simple to eye-catching. Try an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color, or dust with a little more Parmesan right after baking for that gourmet touch. Crushed red pepper flakes give it a gentle heat if you love a little spice.

Side Dishes

This bread is basically best friends with Italian favorites—pair it with spaghetti and meatballs, creamy fettuccine Alfredo, or a hearty minestrone. It also shines alongside hearty stews, crisp salads, or even served as the base for open-faced sandwiches at brunch. Homemade Garlic Bread really complements just about anything!

Creative Ways to Present

For an effortless crowd pleaser, stack slices in a rustic bread basket lined with a napkin to keep them warm. Hosting a party? Cut the bread into little dippable sticks and serve with a side of marinara or homemade pesto. Or, make garlic bread bruschetta by topping with fresh tomatoes and basil for a colorful appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Homemade Garlic Bread, let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or placing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. It holds onto its flavor well, making it perfect for quick, tasty snacks.

Freezing

Homemade Garlic Bread freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling, wrap the bread tightly in foil and then seal in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay fresh for about two months. When you’re ready for garlic bread bliss, just remove what you need—no need to thaw fully before reheating.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat your bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes (add a couple minutes if reheating from frozen). You can also toast individual slices in a skillet or toaster oven. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread chewy rather than crisp.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought garlic instead of fresh garlic?

You can use pre-minced garlic, but for the brightest, most robust flavor, nothing beats fresh cloves. If you want a milder, slightly sweeter flavor, try roasting your garlic first!

What type Side Dish

Classic French bread is ideal for its crusty outside and soft inside, but you can also try Italian bread, ciabatta, or even baguette for different textures. Each one brings a unique spin to Homemade Garlic Bread.

How do I make this garlic bread cheesy?

For extra decadence, add a handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese on top with the Parmesan before baking. It melts into a bubbly, golden layer that takes Homemade Garlic Bread into true comfort food territory.

Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mix your garlic butter spread and keep it in the fridge, covered, for up to a week. It’s great to have on hand for spontaneous bread, veggies, or even grilled meats.

Is Homemade Garlic Bread vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use cheeses and butters that don’t contain animal-derived rennet. Always check the ingredient labels to be sure.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings people together like a basket of Homemade Garlic Bread. It’s simple, speedy, and endlessly delicious—a true staple for everything from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. If you’ve never tried making it from scratch, now’s the perfect moment. Once you taste your own warm, fragrant loaf straight from the oven, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for store-bought. Give this recipe a try and let your kitchen be filled with the wonderful aroma of fresh garlic and butter—happy baking!

Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and flavor of freshly baked Homemade Garlic Bread with this simple and delicious recipe. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, this garlic bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

1 loaf of French bread, sliced in half lengthwise

Garlic Butter:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread the garlic butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and butter is melted. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a crispier texture.
Serve: Slice and serve warm.