Quick Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe: Crispy Golden Goodness

Warm, golden slices of garlic bread with crispy garlic bread edges invite comfort and nostalgia at every bite.

Aromatic herbs and melted butter dance across the surface, promising pure deliciousness.

Perfectly toasted bread transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible side dish.

Crunchy on the outside and soft inside, this classic recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Fresh garlic and herbs create a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen.

Serve these delectable slices alongside pasta, soups, or enjoy them as a standalone snack that everyone will love.

You won’t be able to resist reaching for another slice of this crowd-pleasing favorite.

Tools To Make The Best Garlic Bread

• Baking Sheet: Essential for evenly baking and crisping the garlic bread.
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining butter and seasonings smoothly.
• Knife: Needed to slice bread lengthwise and cut into serving pieces.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing bread.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and cheese.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, for grating fresh Parmesan or mozzarella.
• Spatula or Butter Knife: Ideal for spreading garlic butter evenly on bread.

How You Make The Best Garlic Bread

• Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

• Split Your Bread

Take your bread loaf and slice it lengthwise into two perfect halves, creating a delicious canvas for flavor.

• Create Magical Garlic Spread

In a mixing bowl, blend softened butter with finely chopped garlic, fragrant herbs, a sprinkle of cheese, and a dash of seasoning. Whip everything together until smooth and dreamy.

• Dress Your Bread

Lavishly coat both bread halves with your garlic magic mixture. For extra indulgence, shower the surface with shredded cheese.

• Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide your bread into the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and crispy. For an extra wow factor, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes to create a bubbling, bronzed top.

• Slice And Serve

Let the bread rest briefly, then cut into mouth-watering pieces. Pair with pasta, soups, or enjoy as a standalone treat with marinara sauce for dipping.

Garlic Bread Tips You’ll Want To Know

• Flavor-Boosting Garlic Bread Secrets: Start with day-old bread for extra crispiness, as slightly stale bread absorbs butter better and creates a crunchier texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a plant-based version that's equally delicious and satisfies dietary restrictions.
• Herb Heaven: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chives to create unique flavor profiles that complement different main dishes and add complexity to your garlic bread.
• Texture Tricks: For ultra-crispy edges, open-face the bread during baking and keep the cut sides facing up, ensuring maximum golden-brown crunchiness without soggy centers.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter for those who love a subtle kick of heat in their bread.

Ways To Serve The Best Garlic Bread

• Pasta Party Companion: Slice garlic bread into perfect dipping strips and serve alongside classic spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo for a delightful meal enhancement.
• Game Night Starter: Cut into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli dipping sauces for crowd-pleasing appetizers during sports events or movie nights.
• Soup's Best Friend: Pair warm, crispy garlic bread with creamy tomato soup, hearty minestrone, or comforting chicken noodle soup to add a crunchy texture and rich flavor dimension.
• Salad Side Kick: Break garlic bread into rustic crouton-style pieces and sprinkle over fresh green salads for an unexpected and delicious crunch that elevates your leafy greens.

How To Keep The Best Garlic Bread Fresh

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover garlic bread wrapped tightly in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 180C (350F) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and warmth.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen garlic bread maintains quality for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Butter Batch Preparation: Mix extra garlic butter and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This ready-to-use spread works perfectly for future bread or recipe needs.
• Portion Control Strategy: Cut bread into smaller sections before storing, allowing easier reheating and preventing waste. This method helps maintain fresh flavor and texture when serving smaller groups or enjoying leftovers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You Need For The Best Garlic Bread

• Crusty French Baguette: Sturdy bread that provides the perfect crispy foundation for garlic goodness.
• Italian Bread: Soft interior with a delightful crust that absorbs flavors magnificently.

• Unsalted Butter: Creamy base that allows precise seasoning control.
• Fresh Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that delivers robust, punchy flavor.
• Parsley: Bright green herb adding freshness and visual appeal.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs creating depth and Mediterranean warmth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, tangy element that enhances overall richness.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer that balances all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Subtle heat and complexity to the butter mixture.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy topping that creates irresistible golden crust.

Crispy Garlic Bread

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade garlic bread brings classic Italian comfort directly to kitchen tables. Crusty sourdough slathered with herbed butter creates irresistible flavor you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 12 inches)
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Bread Preparation: Position the loaf horizontally on a cutting surface and slice lengthwise using a sharp serrated knife, creating two equal rectangular portions.
2. Flavor Infusion: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with finely chopped garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and ground pepper. Whip into a smooth, fragrant spread that promises intense flavor.
3. Butter and Cheese Application: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture across each bread half, ensuring complete coverage. Liberally sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the surface for a molten, decadent finish.
4. Baking Process: Place prepared bread halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 200C for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp.
5. Final Browning: Activate the broiler for a quick 1-2 minute burst, carefully monitoring to achieve a bubbling, caramelized top without burning.
6. Serving Preparation: Allow bread to rest briefly, then slice into elegant 1-2 inch segments. Plate as an accompaniment to pasta, soups, or as a standalone appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is genuinely softened, not melted, for the perfect spreadable consistency that blends seamlessly with herbs and garlic.
• Garlic Intensity Control: Finely mince garlic for even distribution and adjust quantity based on personal preference, ranging from mild to bold garlic flavor.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Shred mozzarella freshly for optimal melting and avoid pre-packaged shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Broiler Vigilance: Watch carefully during the final 1-2 minutes under the broiler, as seconds can transform golden-brown perfection into burnt disaster, requiring constant monitoring.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg