Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe

This homemade Garlic Bread is buttery and packs a garlicky punch that’s tough to resist. Perfect with your favorite pasta or just to nibble on by itself, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

How to Make The Best Garlic Bread with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Here’s a no-fuss guide to creating the best homemade garlic bread you’ve ever had.

Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This perfect toasting temp will give your garlic bread that golden edge with a soft, buttery center.

Prep Your Bread

Take a French loaf and slice it up. You don’t want them too thin or too thick; just right means they’ll hold all that garlicky butter goodness without getting soggy or too crispy.

Make the Garlic Paste

Put some fresh garlic cloves on a wooden board and sprinkle on some sea salt. Use the flat side of your knife to press down and crush it into a paste. This little trick lets the salt granules break down the garlic, releasing all that flavor.

Mix Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, dissolve some garlic powder in water to make sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, mix it into melted butter along with your fresh garlic paste. Stir it up till everything’s nicely combined.

Spread and Bake

Lay out your bread slices on a baking sheet. Slather them with your garlic butter mixture, spreading it all the way to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and toasty.

Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the bread for a pop of color and freshness. This adds a lovely herby touch that complements the garlic perfectly.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Here are some pro tips to make sure your bread comes out perfect every time:

• Butter: Opt for real butter instead of margarine. It gives a richer flavor and melts better into the bread.
• Bread: French bread is ideal, but Italian bread, baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough also work great. They all have a nice crust and plenty of soft interior to soak up the garlic butter. Try this if you want to opt for a low carb bread.
• Fresh and Powdered Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the paste to get that pungent, unmistakable garlic punch. Garlic powder is great for even distribution but can’t beat the fresh stuff for flavor.
• Make Cheesy Garlic Bread: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese on top before baking for a cheesy upgrade. It adds a deliciously melty texture and rich flavor to the garlic bread.
• Check Your Oven: All ovens are different, so start checking your bread around the 10-minute mark to avoid burning.
• Broil for Extra Crunch: If you love a crunchier top, pop the bread under the broiler for a minute or two at the end—just keep an eye on it!
• Spread to the Edges: Make sure you spread the garlic butter all the way to the edges of each slice to prevent dry spots.
• Can I make garlic bread without an oven? Absolutely! You can toast garlic bread in a skillet over medium heat. Just butter your bread, add the garlic mix, and cover with a lid to trap the heat. Flip once to get both sides crispy. You can also make garlic bread in an air fryer! Just follow the instructions in the recipe card but check the bread after 5 minutes.

How to Store Leftover Garlic Bread

Here’s how to keep your garlic bread tasting fresh and delicious:

• Cool: Let your garlic bread cool completely before wrapping it up. 
• Wrap It Up: Use aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep the bread airtight. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate: Pop it in the fridge if you’re planning to eat it within a couple of days. Just reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
• Freeze: Garlic bread freezes really well. Wrap individual slices or a whole loaf tightly in foil, then put it in a freezer bag. It’ll last for about 3 months. Reheat from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the oven time.

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Ready to make some killer homemade garlic bread without breaking the bank? Here are three savvy tips to keep your wallet happy while you cook:

1. Buy Bread in Bulk: Look for sales and stock up on French loaves. You can freeze them until you’re ready to use.
2. Make Your Own Bread: If you have the time, baking your bread can be cheaper and more rewarding.
3. Generic Brands Work: Often, store-brand ingredients like garlic powder or butter are just as good as name brands but cheaper.

What to Serve with Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is pretty much the Swiss Army knife of side dishes—it goes with almost anything! Here are some perfect pairings to make your meal a hit.

Pasta Night

Nothing beats the classic combo of garlic bread with pasta. Whether it’s a hearty Bolognese, a creamy Tuscan pasta, a simple Carbonara, or ravioli lasagna, garlic bread is there to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Soup’s On

Garlic bread makes a fantastic partner for soup. Try it with a rich tomato bisque, a chunky chicken noodle soup, or a smooth butternut squash soup. The bread adds a satisfying crunch and soaks up all the flavorful broth.

Comforting Chili

For a cozy night in, serve your garlic bread alongside a big bowl of chili. The bread is perfect for dunking and adds a nice texture contrast to the hearty, spiced chili. Plus, the garlic flavor works wonders with the bold tastes of the dish.

More Side Dish Recipes You Will Love

• Zucchini Bread
• Italian Salami Pasta Salad
• Creamy Broccoli Salad
• Best Onion Rings
• Buffalo Chicken Salad