The Best Garlic Bread You’ll Ever Eat Recipe

Introduction

Garlic bread is a beloved classic that pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, or salads. This recipe delivers the best garlic bread you’ll ever eat—crispy on the edges, buttery, and bursting with fresh garlic flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian loaf or French loaf
• 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (can also use salted)*
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• Optional: ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese OR ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• For garnishing: Extra parsley and chives

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and place it cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and sea salt until well mixed. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
3. Step 3: Bake the bread for 10-15 minutes until the edges start to turn golden brown. If adding cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 2 minutes of baking to melt. For crispier garlic bread, continue baking an additional 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra parsley and chives if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature butter to make spreading easier and ensure an even coating.
• Try mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
• Switch up the cheese by using a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for extra flavor.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based spread.

Storage

Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350-degree F oven for 5-10 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep it from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make garlic bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter spread in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake the bread just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What type of bread works best for garlic bread?

Italian or French loaves are ideal because they have a sturdy crust and a soft interior that soaks up the garlic butter nicely. Avoid very soft bread like sandwich loaf, as it may become soggy.

The Best Garlic Bread You’ll Ever Eat Recipe

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5 from 111 reviews

A classic and irresistible garlic bread recipe featuring a crusty Italian or French loaf slathered with a flavorful blend of softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and sea salt. This easy-to-make garlic bread is baked to golden perfection with optional cheese toppings like parmesan or mozzarella for extra indulgence, perfect as a side or appetizer.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian loaf or French loaf
• 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (can also use salted)
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt

Optional Cheese Toppings

• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• OR
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Garnishing

• Extra parsley
• Chives

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for an easy cleanup. Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place the cut sides facing up on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, finely minced garlic, fresh chopped parsley, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a uniform garlic butter spread.
3. Spread Garlic Butter on Bread: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread, making sure each half is generously covered for full flavor.
4. Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet with the bread in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges of the bread begin to turn golden brown.
5. Add Cheese (Optional): If you wish to add cheese, sprinkle either parmesan or mozzarella on the bread during the last 2 minutes of baking to allow it to melt perfectly without burning.
6. Optional Crisping: For a crispier texture, bake the bread an additional 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully to reach your desired golden and crunchiness level.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven, garnish with extra fresh parsley and chives for a fresh aroma and appealing presentation. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

• You can substitute the Italian or French loaf with a baguette for smaller servings.
• Using salted butter will reduce or eliminate the need for additional sea salt based on taste preference.
• For a dairy-free option, replace butter with vegan butter and omit cheese.
• Adjust garlic quantity according to your preference for more or less intense garlic flavor.
• If you prefer a softer garlic bread, reduce baking time slightly.
• Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning the garlic or cheese.

Keywords: garlic bread, garlic butter bread, Italian bread, side dish, baked bread, easy garlic bread, cheesy garlic bread