This classic Homemade Garlic Bread transforms an ordinary loaf into a mouthwatering side dish that complements virtually any meal. Combining the perfect balance of butter, fresh garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, flavorful interior that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients
• Perfectly customizable to suit your taste preferences—add more garlic for extra punch or adjust herbs to your liking
• Makes an impressive side dish that elevates simple meals like pasta, soups, or salads
• Uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
• Consistently delivers restaurant-quality results that outshine store-bought versions

Ingredients

• Baguette or French Loaf: Choose a fresh, high-quality loaf with a crispy crust and soft interior. Italian bread or ciabatta can work as delicious alternatives.
• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our garlic spread. Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness of the final product. Make sure it’s properly softened for easy spreading.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide the signature flavor. For a milder taste, roast the garlic beforehand; for stronger flavor, add an extra clove or two.
• Dried Herbs: A combination of basil and oregano creates that classic Italian flavor profile. Fresh herbs can be substituted at a 3:1 ratio (3 tablespoons fresh to 1 teaspoon dried).
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty dimension. Use freshly grated for best results, or substitute with Romano or Asiago cheese for variation.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Adjust according to your preference and dietary needs.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create that perfect golden crust. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.

Variations

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Transform this classic recipe by adding more cheese. After spreading the garlic butter mixture, top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, provolone, or an Italian cheese blend. Bake as directed until the cheese is melted and bubbling, with golden brown spots appearing.

Herb and Garlic Focaccia Style

Instead of a baguette, use a focaccia bread as your base. Poke several small indentations in the bread with your fingertips before applying the garlic butter. Add extra fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to the butter mixture for a garden-fresh flavor profile.

Spicy Garlic Bread

Add some heat to your garlic bread by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or finely diced jalapeños to the butter mixture. For a smoky variation, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Garlic Butter

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when your bread goes in. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-incorporated spread with even distribution of all ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare and Spread

Slice your baguette or French loaf lengthwise, creating two equal halves with flat surfaces. Using a spatula or butter knife, generously spread the garlic butter mixture across the cut surfaces of both bread halves. Ensure even coverage from edge to edge to guarantee flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Bake and Finish

Place your prepared bread halves on a baking sheet, with the buttered sides facing up. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn golden brown. For that extra touch of crispiness and color, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes, then slice into serving portions.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Allow butter to reach room temperature naturally for easier mixing and spreading rather than microwaving, which can cause uneven softening
• Mince garlic as finely as possible for better distribution and to prevent overwhelming bites of raw garlic
• For maximum flavor, prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld
• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup
• If your bread is very fresh and soft, consider slightly toasting the cut sides before adding the garlic butter to prevent sogginess
• Watch carefully during the broiling stage – the difference between perfectly golden and burnt can be just seconds

How to Serve

Serve your homemade garlic bread warm, sliced into 2-inch portions for easy handling. It makes the perfect accompaniment to Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo. The bread is also excellent alongside soups like minestrone or tomato bisque, where it can be used for dipping.

For a complete meal presentation, place the sliced garlic bread in a cloth-lined basket to keep it warm. Consider serving with a small dish of extra virgin olive oil for dipping, or a side of marinara sauce for a pizza-like experience. For casual gatherings, pair with a charcuterie board featuring Italian cured meats, olives, and various cheeses.

Make Ahead

This garlic bread recipe offers excellent make-ahead options. The garlic butter mixture can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to soften at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before spreading for easier application.

For partially prepared make-ahead garlic bread, spread the mixture on the bread, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply place the foil-wrapped bread directly in the oven, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Fully baked garlic bread can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap cooled bread tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?

Yes, jarred garlic can be used as a time-saving alternative. Use approximately 1/2 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic for each fresh clove called for in the recipe. However, fresh garlic will provide a more vibrant flavor, so it’s recommended when possible.

How do I keep my garlic bread from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure your bread is not too fresh (day-old bread works well), avoid over-applying the butter mixture, and ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. For extra insurance against sogginess, you can lightly toast the cut sides of the bread before applying the garlic butter.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based butter alternative and either omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The herbs, garlic, and olive oil will still provide plenty of flavor.

How can I tell when my garlic bread is perfectly done?

The perfect garlic bread should have golden-brown edges, a slightly crispy surface, and a soft interior. If you tap the crust, it should sound slightly hollow. The butter should be completely melted and bubbling around the edges, and your kitchen should be filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic and herbs.

Conclusion

This Homemade Garlic Bread recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, transforming simple ingredients into an irresistible side dish. The combination of butter, garlic, herbs, and cheese creates a perfect harmony of flavors that complements countless meals. Whether you’re serving a casual family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this garlic bread is sure to impress. With the easy variations and make-ahead options, you can customize this versatile recipe to suit any occasion. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a requested family favorite!

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