The best homemade garlic bread

Homemade Garlic Bread is the ultimate side dish—golden and crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with buttery, garlicky flavor. Whether you pair it with pasta, soup, or simply enjoy it on its own, this recipe is quick, customizable, and even freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic bread strikes the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The garlic butter soaks into the bread for rich taste, while the oven crisps the edges to perfection. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, yet feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy. With options to add parmesan, herbs, or spice, you can adapt it to suit any meal. Plus, it stores and freezes well, so you can always have a loaf ready to go.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• loaf of crusty bread (about 12 ounces), sliced in half horizontally

• unsalted butter, softened

• fresh parsley, finely chopped

• fresh garlic, finely minced

• flaky sea salt (or fine salt)

• optional: freshly grated parmesan cheese

• optional garnish: crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place both bread halves, cut side up, on the baking sheet.

2. In a bowl, combine butter, parsley, garlic, salt, and parmesan (if using). Mix until smooth and well blended.

3. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the bread halves.

4. Bake for 16–18 minutes, until the bread edges are crispy and golden. For extra crunch, bake a few minutes longer.

5. Let cool slightly, then slice with a serrated knife. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 loaf of garlic bread (about 8–10 slices).
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy garlic bread: Add extra parmesan or top with mozzarella before baking for a gooey twist.

• Herb mix: Replace parsley with an Italian seasoning blend or fresh basil.

• Spicy kick: Mix red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne directly into the garlic butter.

• Garlic knots: Spread the garlic butter on bread dough, twist into knots, and bake.

• Vegan version: Use dairy-free butter and skip the cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled garlic bread tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Assemble the bread with garlic butter, wrap tightly with parchment and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

What’s the best bread to use for garlic bread?

A crusty loaf like ciabatta, French bread, Italian bread, or a baguette works best.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to prevent it from being too salty.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Yes, use 2 teaspoons dried parsley or 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking, or make the garlic butter up to 3 weeks in advance.

How can I make it extra crispy?

Bake a few minutes longer or broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.

Can I make garlic bread without cheese?

Absolutely, the butter, garlic, and parsley provide plenty of flavor.

How do I soften butter quickly?

Leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave in 5-second bursts until spreadable.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Substitute with ½ teaspoon garlic powder per clove.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different—richer with butter, lighter with oil.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use two loaves of bread.

Conclusion

Homemade Garlic Bread is a timeless, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. With its buttery garlic spread, crispy crust, and soft center, it pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, and salads. Whether you make it classic, cheesy, or spicy, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

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