Homemade Garlic Bread

There’s something downright irresistible about the smell of garlic bread drifting through a warm kitchen—rich butter soaking into golden slices, fresh garlic sizzling in the oven, and the promise of that first, perfect bite calling you to the table. It’s one of those aromas that’ll have folks drifting in from every corner of the house. 

Growing up, a warm loaf of homemade garlic bread wasn’t just a side dish—it was a full-blown event. And let me tell you, once you’ve had it made from scratch, you’ll never reach for the store-bought stuff again. This recipe brings buttery flavor, crispy edges, and soft, steamy centers to the dinner table in no time flat—and it all starts with a good loaf and a little love.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• It’s Easy and Foolproof: This easy garlic bread recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together in under 30 minutes—no fuss, no fancy tools, just good flavor.
• Full of Bold, Buttery Flavor: Made with real butter, fresh garlic, and a handful of Parmesan, it’s got a rich flavor that stands out even next to the heartiest pasta dish.
• Nostalgic and Comforting: It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you of family dinners, laughter over a bowl of spaghetti, and sneaking back into the kitchen for just one more slice.
• Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside: The edges get beautifully golden while the center stays tender, just how garlic bread should be.

---

Equipment List:

• Serrated Knife – For cleanly slicing through your loaf without squishing it.
• Medium Mixing Bowl – To blend your garlic butter mixture smoothly.
• Garlic Press or Microplane – For finely mincing fresh garlic.
• Large Baking Sheet – Gives you room to lay out the bread halves evenly.
• Parchment Paper (optional) – Makes cleanup quick and easy.

---

Ingredients (Without Amounts):

• French Bread – A bakery loaf with a crisp crust and soft interior works best.
• Salted Butter – Softened to room temperature for easy spreading.
• Fresh Garlic – Minced for the strongest garlic flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese – Grated adds nutty, salty depth.
• Fresh Parsley – Chopped for color and a fresh, herby note.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 400°F and let it preheat while you prepare everything else. A hot oven is key to crisp edges and a golden finish.

Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

• In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley.
• Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended.

Slice the Bread and Add the Butter

• Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, like you’re opening a book.
• Generously spread the garlic butter mixture across the cut sides of both bread halves.

Slice and Arrange for Baking

• Slice each half into sticks about 2 inches wide—but keep them together like a puzzle.
• Place the pieces cut side up on a large baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup.

Bake to Perfection

Serve warm right out of the oven, and watch them disappear.

Bake on the middle oven rack for 10–15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the top is just crisp.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Visit my Amazon Store for everything you need to cook up a storm, bake delicious treats, and whip up your favorite beverages!

Chef Secrets & Pro Tips:

• Use high-quality real butter—you’ll taste the difference. If using unsalted, just add a pinch of salt.
• For a stronger garlic flavor, use 3 cloves instead of 2, or let the butter mixture sit for 15 minutes before spreading to infuse.
• Want a crispier garlic bread? Broil the bread for the last 1–2 minutes—but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
• Trying for softer garlic bread? Wrap it in foil before baking to keep the moisture in.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, or swap in fresh basil for parsley if it’s what you’ve got.

---

Serving Suggestions:

• Perfect with any pasta dish—especially tomato-based sauces like Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Spaghetti, Chicken Parmesan, or Homemade Swedish Meatballs.
• Pair with a hearty soup like Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or Creamy Italian White Bean Soup.
• Great with a big salad for a lighter meal—think Caesar Salad or Italian Side Salad.
• Serve as an appetizer with marinara dipping sauce or alongside antipasto.

---

FAQs:

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, substitute ½ teaspoon garlic powder per clove of garlic. It won’t be as punchy, but it’ll still taste great.

What kind of bread works best?
A French loaf, Baguette, Ciabatta, or Italian bread with a soft interior and sturdy crust is ideal. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread for this.

Can I add cheese on top?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, provolone, or more Parmesan can be sprinkled on top for a cheesy garlic bread variation.

How do I keep garlic bread from getting soggy?
Bake it cut side up, and don’t overdo the butter. A quick broil at the end helps, too.

---

Storage & Reheating Tips:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place bread on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
• To freeze, butter and slice the bread, then lay flat on a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag.
• Bake frozen bread at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until hot and golden.

---

If you’ve made it this far, you must be hungry—or at least planning to be. This easy homemade garlic bread recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, and once you’ve tasted it fresh from your oven, there’s no going back to the freezer aisle. So pull up a chair, grab a slice, and enjoy a little extra warmth at your dinner table tonight.

Want more cozy recipes and porch-swing stories in your inbox?
Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly recipes, kitchen tips, and a little taste of Texas, wherever you are.

More Tasty Sidekicks You’ll Want at Every Meal

Every great main dish deserves a standout sidekick, and these comforting, flavor-packed favorites are here to round out your table in the best way. Whether you're planning a Sunday supper, a holiday feast, or just looking to jazz up your weeknight dinner, these sides are sure to steal a little spotlight.