Ultimate Garlic Bread from Scratch
Buttery, herby, and loaded with garlic, this homemade garlic bread is perfectly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and incredibly simple to whip up. It's also freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead and then bake it fresh whenever you want it.
- Prep10 min
- Cook18 min
- Total30 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings4
This garlic bread is the ultimate side dish for pasta, soups, salads, or just about anything. Made with a crusty loaf, a rich garlic butter spread, and a touch of parsley, it comes together in minutes. Feel free to add parmesan for an extra savory kick or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
The recipe is very flexible: you can use any crusty bread you like, such as ciabatta or artisan bread. It's also perfect for making ahead—simply prepare the butter and spread it on the bread, then wrap and freeze. When you're ready, bake straight from the freezer (add a few extra minutes).
Ingredients
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place both halves of bread, cut side up, on the lined baking sheet.
- Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, parsley, garlic, salt, and parmesan cheese (if using) together on medium-high speed until completely combined and smooth. If your butter is soft enough, you can simply use a fork to mash it all together.
- Spread the garlic butter in an even layer on top of the slices of bread.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are crispy and golden brown. Feel free to extend this time by a couple minutes for a crispier exterior.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes until cool enough to handle, then transfer the garlic bread to a cutting board. If using, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes. Using a serrated bread knife, slice the bread into pieces and serve warm.
- Cover leftover bread tightly and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
💡 Tips
- For a crispier result, bake the garlic bread a couple minutes longer, watching carefully.
- To make ahead, spread the butter on the bread, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of dried oregano or thyme to the butter.
Inspired by a recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction