This garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick to any Italian meal, soup, or salad. Made with crusty French or Italian bread, slathered in a rich garlic butter infused with fresh herbs, and baked until golden and fragrant, it’s a simple yet unforgettable dish. Whether you’re serving it alongside spaghetti, dipping it into marinara, or enjoying it on its own, this garlic bread is guaranteed to steal the show. You can even customize it with cheese, chili flakes, or roasted garlic for extra flair.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread (about 16 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added richness)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella for cheesy garlic bread
- Optional garnish: extra parsley, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and olive oil (if using). Mix until smooth and well blended. The butter should be soft enough to spread easily.
3. Slice the Bread
Cut the loaf in half lengthwise. If you prefer individual pieces, you can slice the bread into 1-inch thick slices, but keep them attached at the base for a pull-apart effect.
4. Spread the Butter
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.
5. Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’re making cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle Parmesan or mozzarella over the buttered bread.
6. Bake
Place the bread, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the bread is heated through.
7. Broil for Crispiness
Turn on the broiler and broil the bread for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the edges are golden brown and crispy. This step adds that irresistible crunch.
8. Slice and Serve
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm. Garnish with extra parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo.
- Soup Companion: Great with tomato soup, minestrone, or creamy mushroom soup.
- Appetizer Idea: Cut into small squares and serve with marinara or garlic aioli for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Roasted Garlic Upgrade: Roast a head of garlic and mash it into the butter for a sweeter, deeper garlic flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the garlic butter in advance and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezer Friendly: Assemble the bread, wrap in foil, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.
This garlic bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—crispy, buttery, and packed with flavor. Want to try a stuffed garlic bread or a pull-apart version next?