The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Garlic Bread Recipe That’ll Make You a Carb-Worshipping Convert
Sometimes, all it takes is the smell of warm garlic butter to turn your whole day around. You know what I mean—that intoxicating, buttery, crispy-edged, garlicky aroma that turns even the most disciplined eaters into full-blown carb addicts. Garlic bread is one of those rare creations that’s both ridiculously simple and borderline magical.
This recipe? Oh, it’s not just garlic bread—it’s the garlic bread. The kind you whip up when you want to impress someone, or just treat yourself because it’s Tuesday and you’ve earned it. No frills, no fluff. Just straight-up golden, garlicky bliss. And I’ll walk you through every toasty, buttery step.
Recipe Snapshot
| Category | Details |
| Yield | 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) |
| Serving Size | 1–2 slices per person |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Calories per Serving | ~210 |
| Primary Cooking Method | Baking |
| Occasion | Everyday, Potluck, Party |
| Diet Type | Vegetarian |
Calories are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Garlic Bread Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
1
slicePrep time
10
minutesCooking time
15
minutesCalories
210
kcalGarlic bread is the MVP of any dinner table—it’s golden, crispy on the outside, soft and steamy on the inside, and loaded with buttery garlic flavor that hits just right. This version? It’s bold, rich, and homemade to perfection. The crunch, the melt, the aroma—each bite will make you question why you ever settled for store-bought. Get ready to ruin yourself for all other garlic breads.
Ingredients
- For the Garlic Butter Spread
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- For the Bread Base
1 large loaf of French bread or Italian bread (about 12–16 inches long), sliced horizontally
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for brushing the crust)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat Like a Pro
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This saves cleanup and keeps things breezy. - Slice That Beautiful Loaf
Grab your bread knife and slice the loaf horizontally to expose those fluffy interiors. Lay both halves cut-side up, like garlic bread royalty awaiting their crown. - Mix the Garlic Butter Magic
In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. This is your flavor bomb. Don’t taste it with a spoon—you might eat it all before it hits the bread. - Spread Like You Mean It
Using a spoon or spatula, coat the open sides of the bread evenly with your garlic butter. If you want golden crusty edges, brush the outer crust with a bit of olive oil. - Bake It Till It’s Gold
Place the buttered halves on your baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until everything’s melty and the edges are just starting to turn golden. - Optional Cheese Finish (Highly Recommended)
Sprinkle the Parmesan over the bread if using, then broil for 1–2 minutes. Watch it like it owes you money—it goes from perfect to burnt fast. - Rest, Slice, and Serve
Let the bread cool slightly to lock in the butter, then slice into 1–2 inch pieces. Serve warm and bask in the cheesy garlic goodness.
Extra Tips & Flavor Boosters: Because You Deserve Better Bread
- Use room-temperature butter for smoother, easier spreading.
- Add roasted garlic for a mellow, caramelized twist.
- Mix in a little mayo with the butter for added creaminess and browning.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the bread—it’s gentler and less messy.
- Garnish with extra herbs and a pinch of flaky salt right before serving.
- Want a crispier bite? Toast the bread slightly before adding the garlic butter.
- Don’t have fresh bread? Slightly stale bread actually toasts up beautifully.
Kitchen Gear Checklist: What You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Bread knife
- Cutting board
- Oven
Substitution Solutions: Easy Swaps for Every Preference
Need to make some changes? No problem. Here are some easy swaps that keep the flavor while fitting your diet or pantry:
Make It Vegan
Use plant-based butter or olive oil in place of dairy butter. For cheese? Opt for vegan Parmesan or skip it entirely.
Make It Gluten-Free
Grab a sturdy gluten-free loaf. The kind that can stand up to heavy butter slathering without crumbling into sadness.
Out of Fresh Garlic?
Use 1 tsp garlic powder per 2 cloves or try roasted garlic for a softer, sweeter kick.
Switch Up the Herbs
No fresh parsley? Use basil, oregano, or dried Italian seasoning—just dial it back to avoid overpowering.
Cheese, Please—Or Not
Parmesan not your thing? Try mozzarella, Pecorino, or skip cheese altogether. The bread’s still baller without it.
Garlic bread is for everyone—these tweaks prove it.
Prep It Ahead: Make-Ahead Tips That Actually Work
Want to get ahead of your garlic bread game? Here’s how to prep without losing flavor:
Mix and Chill the Butter – Make the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then let it soften before spreading.
Butter It Early – You can fully assemble the bread (butter and all), wrap it tightly in foil, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze for Later – Assemble the bread, freeze it unbaked, then bake straight from frozen at 375°F for about 18–20 minutes. Great for surprise guests or late-night cravings.
With these tricks, garlic bread becomes your secret weapon—ready when you are.
Leftovers & Freezer Magic: How to Store Garlic Bread Like a Pro
Short-Term Storage:
Keep leftover garlic bread covered at room temperature for 1–2 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm and toasty again.
Freezer Instructions (Unbaked):
After spreading the garlic butter onto the bread, place the halves in a freezer-safe bag or wrap in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 3–5 minutes to the bake time.
Freezer Instructions (Baked):
Wrap baked garlic bread tightly in foil and freeze for up to 4 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. Or, bake directly from frozen—just leave it wrapped in foil and bake at 350°F for 28–32 minutes until heated through.
With these storing hacks, garlic bread isn’t just a once-and-done deal. It’s your secret dinner weapon on demand!
Garlic Bread FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Can I make garlic bread ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble it a day ahead and store it wrapped in foil in the fridge. Bake just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.
What’s the best bread to use?
French bread or Italian bread works best—they’re sturdy, airy, and slice beautifully. Avoid super-soft sandwich loaves; they’ll go soggy fast.
Can I add cheese to it?
Yes! Parmesan, mozzarella, or Pecorino work great. Sprinkle on before broiling for a gooey, golden finish.
Can I freeze garlic bread?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap tightly and follow the baking tips in our freezer section.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
No worries—use garlic powder or roasted garlic for a different but still delicious flavor.
Nutritional Information: Know What You’re Biting Into
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for one slice (based on a 10-slice yield):
- Calories: ~210
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 4g
These numbers can shift slightly depending on your ingredients, especially if you go heavy on the cheese or use different types of bread. It’s garlic bread—it’s not here to judge, just to bring joy.
Final Slice: Why This Garlic Bread Deserves a Spot at Your Table
If comfort food had a mascot, garlic bread would be wearing the crown and throwing carbs like confetti. It’s the kind of side that turns a simple dinner into a crave-worthy feast—and this homemade version? It’s crispy, garlicky, melt-in-your-mouth amazing with every single bite.
Whether you’re pairing it with a saucy pasta, serving it as an appetizer, or just sneaking slices straight from the tray (we’ve all been there), this garlic bread delivers every time. It’s reliable, customizable, and dangerously delicious. Save this one, bookmark it, print it out—just make sure you keep it close. Because once you’ve made garlic bread this good, there’s no going back.
