Garlic bread is a beloved side dish made from bread (usually a baguette or Italian loaf) brushed with garlic-infused butter or oil, often with parsley and sometimes cheese, then baked or broiled until golden and crisp. It is a staple in Italian-American cuisine and pairs with pasta, soups, and salads. This recipe gives you a classic version with a full nutrition breakdown, so you know exactly what is in each serving.
Ingredients
- 1 large baguette (about 16 inches / 40 cm long, 450 g)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 1/2 tbsp / 12 g)
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt until well combined. If using Parmesan, stir it in now.
- Slice the baguette in half lengthwise to create two long halves. Place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both cut surfaces, covering the bread completely.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are golden and the butter is melted and bubbling. For a crisper top, switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then slice into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces and serve warm.
Tips
- Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder: Fresh garlic gives a pungent, aromatic flavor; powder is milder and can taste dusty. If substituting, use 1/2 tsp garlic powder per clove.
- Soften butter properly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave in 5-second bursts until soft but not melted. Melted butter will soak into the bread instead of staying on top.
- Don’t over-broil: The line between golden and burnt is thin. Keep the oven door open and watch constantly when broiling.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the garlic butter and spread it on the bread up to a day in advance; store in the fridge, then bake when ready.
Serving Suggestions
Serve garlic bread hot alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or any pasta with marinara or Alfredo sauce. It also works well with minestrone soup, a crisp Caesar salad, or as a side to grilled chicken or steak. For a lighter option, serve with a tomato-based soup or a green salad.
Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella on top of the butter before baking; bake until melted and bubbly.
- Herb Garlic Bread: Add 1 tsp dried oregano or basil to the butter mixture for an Italian twist.
- Whole Wheat Garlic Bread: Use a whole wheat baguette for more fiber; nutrition values will change slightly.
- Vegan Garlic Bread: Replace butter with 1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil or vegan butter, and skip the Parmesan.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp. You can also reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the bread soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in one serving of this garlic bread?
Each serving (1/8 of the loaf, about 56 g) has approximately 180 calories, 9 g fat, 20 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein. This is based on using 1/2 cup butter and no Parmesan; adding cheese adds about 20 calories per serving.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, replace the butter with 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil. The bread will be slightly less rich and have a fruity flavor. Nutritionally, olive oil has the same calories as butter but less saturated fat.
Is garlic bread healthy?
Garlic bread is a source of carbohydrates and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation. It provides some protein and a small amount of calcium if cheese is added. To make it more nutritious, use whole-grain bread and reduce the butter to 1/4 cup (60 ml) or use a light spread.
Can I freeze garlic bread?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked garlic bread for up to 3 months. Assemble the bread with butter, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Baked garlic bread can also be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
Why is my garlic bread soggy?
Sogginess usually happens when the butter is too melted or the bread is not baked long enough. Make sure the butter is softened, not liquid, and bake until the edges are crispy. Also, avoid stacking hot slices immediately after baking; let them cool slightly on a rack.
Can I make garlic bread without an oven?
Yes, you can use a toaster oven, air fryer, or grill. For a toaster oven, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes. For an air fryer, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes. On a grill, place the bread cut-side down over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until toasted.
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