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Close-up of four slices of garlic bread garnished with chopped parsley and coarse sea salt, resting on a wooden surface.

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.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: garlic bread
Servings: 6
Calories: 260kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

  • 1 big French loaf
  • ¼ cup butter softened
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt flakes

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F).
  • Cut the French loaf in slices.
    1 big French loaf
  • Place the garlic cloves in a wood table and top with sea salt, use a sharp knife to press it down against the table, repeat this a few times, it’ll form a paste.
    2 garlic cloves, Salt flakes
  • Mix the garlic powder with water.
    2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons water
  • Combine the butter with the fresh and dried garlic. Spread over the bread and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
    ¼ cup butter
  • Top with fresh parsley.
    ¼ cup fresh parsley

Notes

  • 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.
  • 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.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 466mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 447IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 3mg
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