Garlic bread is a beloved side dish made from bread, butter, garlic, and herbs, baked until golden and crisp. It’s a staple in Italian-American cuisine and pairs perfectly with pasta, salads, and soups. The key to perfect garlic bread is baking it at a high temperature so the outside turns crunchy while the inside stays soft and buttery. This recipe delivers that ideal balance every time.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 16 oz / 450 g) Italian or French bread, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Place the bread halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves, covering the entire cut surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the butter is bubbly. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes. Slice into pieces and serve warm.
Tips
- Use quality bread: A crusty loaf like ciabatta, sourdough, or baguette works best. Avoid soft sandwich bread, which won’t crisp up properly.
- Fresh garlic is key: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor. Pre-minced jarred garlic can be used in a pinch, but it’s less potent—add an extra clove if using jarred.
- Don’t over-bake: Watch the bread closely after 8 minutes. Ovens vary, and garlic bread can go from golden to burnt quickly. If you’re adding cheese on top, wait until the last 2 minutes to add it so it melts without burning.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Spread it on the bread just before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve garlic bread alongside classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, or chicken parmesan. It’s also delicious with soups, salads, or as a base for bruschetta. For a heartier meal, top slices with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce for a quick pizza-style appetizer.
Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: After spreading the butter mixture, top with 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese. Bake as directed, adding the cheese for the last 3–4 minutes so it melts without burning.
- Herb Butter: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or basil to the butter mixture for an extra herby flavor.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The result is still deliciously garlicky.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle heat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bread on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread soggy. You can also freeze unbaked garlic bread for up to 3 months: assemble the bread, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I bake garlic bread at? The ideal temperature is 400°F (200°C). This high heat crisps the outside while keeping the inside soft. If you’re in a hurry, you can go up to 425°F (220°C) and reduce the baking time to 6–8 minutes, but watch closely.
How long does garlic bread take in the oven? At 400°F (200°C), garlic bread typically takes 8–10 minutes. If you add cheese, it may need an extra 2–3 minutes. Always check for golden brown edges and a bubbly butter topping.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic? Yes, but use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 2 cloves of fresh garlic. Garlic powder has a milder flavor and won’t provide the same pungent kick, so you might want to add a little extra.
Why is my garlic bread soggy? Sogginess usually happens if you use too much butter or if the bread is too soft. Make sure to use a crusty loaf and don’t over-saturate it with butter. Also, bake at a high enough temperature to drive off moisture.
Can I make garlic bread on a grill? Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium heat, place the bread cut-side down, and grill for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. This works best with a sturdy loaf like sourdough.
Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter? Yes, but butter gives a richer flavor and better browning. If you use margarine, choose a stick variety with at least 60% fat for the best results.
Related
- Japanese Cheesecake Carrington: Fluffy Recipe
- Japanese Cheesecake Austin: Fluffy Recipe
- Japanese Cheesecake Calories: A Full Recipe Guide
More recipes to cook
Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).