Great Garlic Bread Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the aromatic, toasty magic of Great Garlic Bread coming straight from your oven – it’s the kind of side dish that steals the show every single time. This recipe turns humble pantry staples into warm, golden slices bursting with buttery garlic flavor, a touch of fresh herbs, and (if you like) a hint of cheesy, savory goodness. Whether it crowns Italian night or simply brightens a soup-and-salad supper, Great Garlic Bread is that irresistible comfort food you’ll find yourself baking again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Great Garlic Bread lies in its short list of simple, high-impact ingredients. Each element adds its own irresistible bit of flavor, color, or crunch – and when they come together, the results are truly magic.
- French or Italian bread: Choose a loaf with a good crust and soft interior – this is the perfect vehicle for your garlic butter to shine.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Allows you to control the seasoning and ensures the perfect creamy spread that soaks into every bit of bread.
- Fresh garlic cloves (minced): Essential for that bold, true garlic punch – fresh is always best, so skip the pre-minced if you can.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Brings in color and a subtle, bright herby lift to balance the richness.
- Salt: Highlights all the other flavors, so don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that makes the garlic flavor truly pop.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little background heat with their garlic bread – add to taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For extra savory depth and a bit of crusty, cheesy finish on top.
How to Make Great Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Bread
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready by the time you’re done prepping. Grab your French or Italian loaf and slice it in half lengthwise. Lay both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet – you want a big surface area for all that glorious garlic butter!
Step 2: Mix Up the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter with the minced fresh garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and (if you like things feisty) a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mash everything together until it’s beautifully blended, with the parsley and garlic speckling the butter.
Step 3: Slather the Bread
Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves of the bread, making sure every nook and cranny is covered with garlicky goodness. If you’re craving a little extra indulgence, now’s the moment to sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for that classic cheesy twist.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let the bread bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn beautifully golden and the surface to bubble just a little. For folks who love extra crunch, broil the bread on high for 1–2 more minutes, but watch closely so all your hard work doesn’t burn!
Step 5: Slice and Savor
As soon as the Great Garlic Bread is out of the oven, slice it into thick, generous pieces, and serve while it’s warm and fragrant. That first bite, with the melty butter and punchy garlic, is heaven!
How to Serve Great Garlic Bread
Garnishes
Give your Great Garlic Bread a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or more Parmesan right before serving for a fresh, eye-catching finish and a boost of flavor. If you’re feeling playful, a little lemon zest or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt make a lovely surprise.
Side Dishes
This bread is the ultimate sidekick to everything from a simple salad or pasta night to a big, hearty soup. It’s particularly dreamy alongside creamy tomato soup, spaghetti and meatballs, or even as an anchor on an antipasto platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Take Great Garlic Bread up a notch by turning slices into crostini – top with bruschetta mix or a smear of whipped ricotta. For parties, cut smaller “fingers” for dippable, shareable bites, or serve in a bread basket lined with a funky napkin for a homey, restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Great Garlic Bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. While it may lose a bit of its initial crunch, a quick reheat will bring it back close to its original glory.
Freezing
Great Garlic Bread can absolutely be prepped ahead and frozen! Assemble and butter your bread as usual, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze. When you’re ready, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes – it’s a total life-saver for busy nights.
Reheating
To resurrect leftover slices, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. For a bit of crispness, open the foil for the last few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as that tends to make the bread chewy instead of crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder instead of fresh cloves?
While you can use pre-minced garlic or a pinch of garlic powder in a pinch, fresh minced garlic truly makes your Great Garlic Bread unforgettable. The flavor is so much brighter and more aromatic!
Is it okay to use salted butter?
If salted butter is all you have, it works great – simply reduce or skip the added salt to avoid going overboard. Taste your butter mixture before spreading to make sure the salt level is just right.
What’s the best way to keep the bread from getting soggy?
Spread the butter evenly but don’t make it too thick, and bake the bread cut-side up directly on a hot baking sheet so it gets nice and toasted on the bottom. Broiling at the end gives a little extra insurance for crispness.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just grab an extra loaf (or two) and multiply the garlic butter and toppings accordingly. This recipe scales up easily, and Great Garlic Bread disappears quickly at parties and potlucks.
How do I make cheesy garlic bread?
To turn your Great Garlic Bread into a cheesy treat, add a generous layer of grated mozzarella before baking, then finish with Parmesan. It’s melty, stretchy, and utterly irresistible.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Great Garlic Bread from scratch, give it a try – it’s a small effort for a huge reward, and you’ll find yourself craving those mouthwatering aromas again and again. You have every reason to bake, share, and love this magical, golden classic!
Print
Great Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible aroma and flavor of Great Garlic Bread. This easy-to-make classic features a perfect blend of garlic, herbs, and butter on crispy French or Italian bread. It’s a side dish that complements any meal and will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Bread: Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Spread Butter: Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves of the bread. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- For cheesy garlic bread, add shredded mozzarella before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
