Garlic Bread

Table of Contents

1. Garlic Bread Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Garlic Bread
4. How To Serve Baked Garlic Bread
5. Why You'll Love This Recipe for Garlic Bread
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

This garlic bread recipe bakes up golden, crispy, and buttery with the perfect amount of fresh garlic and herbs in every bite. You can whip it up fast using simple ingredients you already have at home. Everyone will grab a slice—so make extra because it disappears quick. Serve it with pasta, soup, or enjoy it straight from the oven!

This recipe is super easy to make, and you can follow the simple guide below. We’ve included step-by-step photos and directions so nothing gets missed. Check out our pro tips, tricks, and the most frequently asked questions with clear answers.

This garlicy bread comes out golden, buttery, and crisp around the edges with soft, fluffy slices in the center. Fresh garlic and melted butter soak into every bite, making it taste better than any store-bought loaf.

Serve this easy garlic bread with pasta, soup, or salad at dinner, parties, or any family get-together. Everyone grabs seconds, so bake enough to keep up.

What you'll need to make this homemade garlic bread recipe:

• 16-ounce loaf of French bread
• 1 cup of salted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon of sea salt
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of freshly minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced (plus more for garnish)

Change up this Italian garlic bread by swapping ingredients and adding interesting extras! These easy upgrades turn classic garlic bread into something special. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Parsley: Swap fresh parsley for dried Italian seasoning to give your bread a savory herb flavor.
• Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top for a cheesy version that’s gooey and melty.
• Substitute French Bread: Use a soft Italian loaf instead of French bread for a slightly fluffier texture.
• Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking for extra flavor and a crispy cheese crust.
• Add Garlic Powder: Boost the garlic flavor by adding a dash of garlic powder with the melted butter.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos, easy instructions, and helpful tips and tricks listed below. You’ll make perfect toasted garlic bread in the oven every time. Let’s get started and bake a loaf everyone will love!

FIRST STEP: Slice a loaf of French bread in half lengthwise.

SECOND STEP: Stir together the softened butter, sea salt, minced garlic, and parsley.

THIRD STEP: Using a spatula, spread half of the garlic butter mixture onto the bread. Place the two halves of bread back together and wrap them tightly with aluminum foil.

FOURTH STEP: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 30 minutes.

FIFTH STEP: While the bread is in the oven, melt the rest of the butter mixture in a small saucepan for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.

SIXTH STEP: Check the bread after 30 minutes, making sure the butter is melted, and the bread is hot all the way through.

SEVENTH STEP (optional): If you’d like to toast or crisp the top of the bread, place the two halves face up on a baking sheet and place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes or until toasted.

EIGHTH STEP: Brush or drizzle the melted butter mixture over the toasted bread and sprinkle additional minced parsley over the bread if you would like. 

You can serve garlic bread all year long and for just about any occasion. It works great for dinners, parties, or holiday meals.

• Serve at family dinner: This bread pairs perfectly with warm and cozy meals like pizza spaghetti casserole, lasagna soup, or baked ziti. Kids and grown-ups both love grabbing buttery slices straight from the pan.
• Bring to a potluck: Everyone reaches for garlic bread at a potluck, so it disappears fast. Pair it with crock pot meatballs, baked rigatoni, or chicken cacciatore.
• Add to holiday meals: Make holiday dinners feel even more comforting. Serve it with baked mac and cheese, creamy buffalo chicken pasta, or beef stew.

This homemade garlic bread has stayed a reader favorite for good reason. It’s quick, simple, and turns any meal into something extra special. Readers keep coming back to this recipe because it’s flexible, flavorful, and always hits the spot.

• Easy to Make: You don’t need fancy tools or ingredients—just bread, butter, garlic, and a few minutes to prep.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults both ask for seconds, and it fits right in at dinner, parties, or weekend meals.
• Fresh Ingredients: Real garlic and parsley bring bold flavor that beats anything from the freezer section.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It works for picky eaters, large groups, and everything in between.
• Great Texture: The bread stays crisp on the outside and soft in the middle every single time.

This oven baked garlic bread always earns a spot on the table, and we think it’ll become one of your favorites too!

SECTION: FAQ

Can I use pre-minced garlic for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-minced garlic, but fresh garlic gives your homemade bread a stronger, better flavor.

Do I need to toast the bread before adding garlic butter?
No, skip toasting first. Spread the butter directly on the bread, then bake everything together until golden and crispy.

Can I use salted butter for garlic bread?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but taste before adding extra salt so it doesn’t turn out too salty.

Should I cover the bread with foil while baking?
No, don’t cover it. Bake uncovered so the top turns golden and the edges crisp up.

What kind of bread works best for garlic bread?
French bread works best because it bakes up crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

Do I need to flip the bread while it bakes?
No, keep the bread facing up while it bakes so the top turns golden and stays perfectly crisp.

Can I use a broiler at the end?
Yes, broil the garlic bread for two to three minutes to make the edges even crispier, but watch it closely.

How do I keep the garlic butter from spilling off the bread?
Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly, and keep the butter away from the very edges to avoid mess.

Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the garlic butter earlier in the day and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

What temperature should I bake garlic bread at?
Bake at 425°F so it gets golden on top and stays soft on the inside.

Should I serve garlic bread warm or at room temperature?
Serve warm right out of the oven so the butter stays melted and the bread stays crisp.

Can I slice the garlic bread before baking it?
Yes, slice it first so guests can grab pieces easily, but keep the loaf connected for even baking.

How many servings does one loaf of garlic bread make?
One loaf usually makes about eight slices, which is great for serving a small group or family dinner.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, make two loaves so there’s plenty for everyone without needing to bake in batches.

Should I serve garlic bread with dipping sauces?
You can! Marinara or ranch dressing works great for dipping and makes garlic bread even more fun to serve.

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to store garlic bread the right way. These helpful steps will keep your bread fresh, warm, and ready whenever you need it. Always use airtight containers and reheat gently to keep the perfect texture.

On the counter: Keep leftovers in a large Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Avoid storing it in the fridge.

In the freezer: To prep ahead, freeze the garlic bread after step three before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to six months. Thaw fully before baking as directed.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven by wrapping the loaf in foil and baking at 350°F for ten to fifteen minutes. Skip the microwave, as it makes the bread soggy.