homemade garlic bread recipe

This homemade garlic bread is made by spreading garlic butter on French bread and baking it until the edges are crispy and the inside is chewy. It’s ready in under 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.

Homemade garlic bread takes just a few extra minutes and has a much better flavor and texture than store-bought. Once you make garlic bread from scratch, you’ll never go back to frozen bread.

Homemade garlic bread pairs perfectly with hearty pasta dishes like lasagna, meatball casserole, baked doziti, or a simple bowl of fresh pasta with a spoon of sugo sauce. It’s equally enjoyable at home with Olive Garden Alfredo sauce, soup, or a crunchy Caesar salad.

homemade garlic bread

Homemade garlic bread is one of those side dishes that almost always tastes better when made from scratch. Preparation takes only a few minutes. Depending on how you bake them, they can be tender, crispy, or somewhere in between.

You can bake it in foil to keep it tender, or finish it under the broiler for a crispy surface. Both methods use the same ingredients, so you can easily adjust the texture depending on what you’re serving.

material

Everything you need to make homemade garlic bread is here.

Bread: French bread is my first choice because it has a large surface area, a soft center, and holds enough dough when baking. Butter: Use real butter for the best flavor. You can use either salted or unsalted dough, but make sure to bring it to room temperature to soften it so it spreads easily. Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives bread a stronger, cleaner garlic flavor than jarred garlic or garlic powder. Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a light herbal flavor. Dried parsley can be used in an emergency. Salt: If using unsalted butter, add a little. Taste before adding garlic butter.

You can also use my garlic butter sauce as a base for this recipe.

Best bread for garlic bread

Almost any hard bread is suitable for garlic bread, but each will give you a slightly different texture. I prefer bread that is soft on the inside and has enough surface area to hold plenty of garlic butter, but any of these options will work.

French Bread: My favorite option. You can enjoy the crispy outside and soft, chewy texture on the inside. Baguette: A good choice if you prefer more dough and smaller slices. Ciabatta: Slightly dense with an open texture that holds the garlic butter well. Sourdough: Adds a mild acidity and pairs particularly well with Parmesan and herbs. Texas Toast: Perfect for individual slices or garlic bread sandwiches. It also goes well with prime rib sandwiches and prime rib dip.

How to make garlic bread

Once the garlic butter is mixed in, the rest will come together in just a few minutes.

prepare bread

Place a rack in the center and preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the bread lengthwise and place both halves, cut side up, on a large baking sheet.

make garlic butter

If using, combine softened butter, fresh garlic, parsley, salt, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Spread the mixture evenly to the edges of the pan.

bake

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until bread is heated through and lightly crispy around the edges.

Bake and enjoy

For a crispier surface, toast the bread for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful as the garlic and butter will brown quickly. Garnish with fresh parsley, slice and serve immediately.

How to make soft or crunchy garlic bread

How you bake it will determine whether your garlic bread will be soft in the center or crispy on the edges.

Soft Garlic Bread: Lay out the buttered bread halves, wrap tightly in foil and bake for about 15 minutes. Crispy Garlic Bread: Bake bread uncovered for 12-15 minutes, then 1-2 minutes. Soft in the center and crispy on the edges: Grill uncovered until cooked through, then lightly sear just before serving.

Garlic bread variations

The basic recipe can be easily adjusted with different cheeses, herbs, and seasonings.

Cheesy Garlic Bread: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the bread during the last few minutes of baking. Garlic Bread with Parmesan: Stir a few tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan into the garlic butter before spreading. Herbed Garlic Bread: Add chopped basil, oregano, chives, or dried Italian seasoning. Roasted Garlic: Combine mashed roasted garlic with fresh garlic for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.

Recipe tips and notes

These simple tips can make the difference between delicious garlic bread and the kind of garlic bread that everyone reaches for first.

Using room temperature butter allows you to roll out the bread without breaking it. Don’t bottle pre-chopped garlic. Fresh garlic has a strong flavor and browns better when baked in the oven. Watch the bread carefully under the broiler. It can go from golden brown to burnt in no time. Make ahead: Assemble the bread a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before eating. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight bag or container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: Wrap bread in foil and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If you want crispy edges, open the foil for the last few minutes. Freezing: Wrap assembled and unbaked bread tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few more minutes if needed.

FAQ

Can I use garlic powder instead of raw garlic?

Yes, but the taste will be milder. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each fresh garlic clove and adjust to taste.

Can I make garlic bread in advance?

yes. Brush the bread with garlic butter, cover tightly and refrigerate for 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

How much garlic bread should I make per person?

If you’re serving garlic bread as a side dish, plan on 2 to 3 slices per adult. One regular French bread will serve about 6 people.