Garlic bread made with fresh bread and loaded with butter, garlic cloves and fresh chopped parsley is the perfect addition to any meal!
This garlic bread recipe is simple and quick and will add boatloads of flavor to whatever meal you’re making. We like making homemade garlic bread with spinach artichoke pasta, cafeteria noodles, or Guinness stew!
Garlic Bread
Garlic Bread
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 Ready in just 15 minutes.
📌 Only 4 simple ingredients.
📌 A simple side dish perfect for any meal.
Garlic Bread Ingredients
- Bread – Loaf of French or Italian bread.
- Butter – Salted butter, softened.
- Garlic – Fresh cloves, minced.
- Parsley – Freshly chopped.
How do you make the best garlic bread? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, cut the loaf of bread in half and set one half aside for another day. Cut the other half in half lengthwise.
⭐ Next, mix together the butter, garlic and parsley.
⭐ Then, spread the mixture evenly along the cut side of both pieces of bread.
⭐ Finally, bake in the oven until the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can garlic bread be made ahead of time?
You can prep it up to a day ahead of time (mix the butter and spread it over your loaf), but it’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven, so don’t bake it until right before you’re ready to serve.
What kind of bread to use for garlic bread?
Either a loaf of Italian bread or a loaf of French bread will work perfect for this recipe! Check out your local bakery or make the French bread from scratch with my easy french bread recipe. You can also mix it up a little and try making this with our sourdough bread recipe!
Can garlic powder be used instead of minced garlic?
You can use garlic powder but you’ll find the flavor is not as potent when using dried herbs and spices. It will still be delicious though!
If using garlic powder, use 1-2 teaspoons based on the amount of garlic flavor you want.
Storage and leftovers
How long does garlic bread last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer to crisp the crust back up.
Can I freeze garlic bread?
Yes! This is a great freezing recipe. Spread the butter mixture on the loaf of bread and place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. You can heat in the oven straight from the freezer like store bought garlic bread, just add a few minutes to make sure it cooks all the way through.
Tips and tricks
✅ Add some freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan to the top before baking to make it garlic cheese bread.
✅ If desired, place the garlic bread under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp up the top.
✅ Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or oregano leaves to add extra flavor.
✅ Stir a tablespoon of pesto into the buttery mix for a flip on taste!
Frequently asked questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter for garlic bread?
While butter is recommended for its rich flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, dried parsley can be used if fresh parsley is not available. Use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried parsley as a substitute for fresh.
What can I do if my garlic bread turns out too crispy?
If your garlic bread is too crispy, you can brush it with a bit of olive oil or melted butter after baking to add moisture and soften it slightly.
Can I add other herbs to the butter mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to customize the flavor of your garlic bread.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen garlic bread?
For reheating frozen garlic bread, preheat the oven and bake it directly from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes to ensure it cooks through and becomes crispy.
What to enjoy with homemade garlic bread (serving suggestions)
We love garlic bread and this homemade version with our easy french bread recipe is the perfect addition to all our soup and pasta meals. Try serving it with rotel pasta, pasta puttanesca, or lasagna soup.
Other awesome bread recipes to try
- Christmas bagels
- Cheesy pull apart bread
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Monkey bread recipe
- The BEST homemade scones
- See all our easy bread recipes!
Tools we love
- Baker’s Half Sheet – This is the baking sheet we use in the cooking video. Another favvvvvorite. I have four or maybe six of them.
- Silicon baking mat – Nothing sticks to these, I swear by them!
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How to Make Garlic Bread
Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian or French bread
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- 3 to 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cut the loaf of bread in half crosswise. Set one of the halves aside to use for something else later. Cut the remaining piece in half lengthwise.
- Mix together the butter, garlic and parsley. Spread the mixture evenly along the cut half of both pieces of bread.
- Bake in a 425℉ oven for 10 minutes, until the edges of the bread are golden and crispy. If desired, place under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch very closely to avoid burning.
- Cut into 6 equal sized pieces.
Notes
Nutrition
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Garlic Bread
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Janelle says
We made this on spaghetti night and OH MY GOODNESS it was tasty. Thanks!!
Gina says
LOVE LOVE LOVE – I had a hard time sharing. Will def make a double batch next time.
Beth says
I made this last night to go with our spaghetti, and it was the perfect combo. Using minced garlic instead of garlic powder really kicks up that great garlic flavor.
Sandra says
This is the only way I’m making my garlic bread from now on! Very easy to make and really good!
Catalina says
I made your Garlic Bread recipe last night to go with our pasta dinner, and it was the best I’ve ever had! The garlic flavor was just right – not too overpowering, and the bread was perfectly toasted!
Tisha says
Garlic bread is great side dish! Especially for pasta night!
Erin says
It is really good! I’m definitely making this again!