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The BEST Garlic Bread Recipe

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4.2 from 12 reviews

This garlic bread recipe delivers perfectly soft and buttery bread with a flavorful garlic-infused butter spread. It’s easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection with a crispy crust, making it the perfect accompaniment to pasta dishes or a delicious snack on its own.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Bread

  • 1 (14 to 16-ounce) loaf soft French bread (not baguette)

Garlic Butter Spread

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 large cloves garlic (finely minced; about 2 tablespoons minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
  2. Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of French bread in half horizontally. Place the halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet for even toasting.
  3. Make Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter gently. As soon as it melts, add the finely minced garlic and remove the pan from heat. Let the garlic steep in the warm butter for about 3 minutes to infuse the flavors without burning the garlic. Stir in salt and dried parsley flakes to combine evenly.
  4. Coat the Bread: Using a spoon or pastry brush, evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread halves to ensure each bite is full of flavor.
  5. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the bread is heated through.
  6. Broil for Crispiness (Optional): For an extra crispy top, place the bread under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Serve: After broiling, slice the garlic bread and serve it warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use soft French bread for the best texture; avoid baguette as it is too hard.
  • Allow garlic to steep gently in melted butter to avoid a bitter taste from burnt garlic.
  • Broiling is optional but adds a delightful crispiness to the crust.
  • Fresh parsley can be substituted for dried for a fresher herb flavor.
  • For a vegan option, substitute butter with plant-based margarine.