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–+ servings
Easy Garlic Bread Recipe

The Best Garlic Bread Recipe

If you’re sitting down to enjoy pasta, soup, or a delicious salad, garlic bread is perhaps the most fitting partner for your meal. This simple yet flavorful accompaniment has a way of elevating any dish into something special. 
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: The Best Garlic Bread Recipe
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 150kcal
Author: Rebecca Novak

Equipment

  • Oven

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened (salted butter can be used as well)
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano adds a subtle earthy flavor
  • 1 pound Italian or French loaf

Optional:

  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Garnishing:

  • A pinch of red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat
  • Extra parsley and chives for a fresh finishing touch

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the stage for baking the bread to perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, sea salt, and dried oregano. Blend well until all ingredients are fully integrated. This mix will be the magical spread that flavors your bread.

Step 3: Slice the Bread

  • Take your Italian or French loaf and slice it in half lengthwise. Alternatively, you can cut it into smaller pieces if you prefer individual servings.

Step 4: Spread the Mixture

  • Generously slather the garlic butter mixture onto both cut sides of the bread. This is where the flavor really starts to develop, so don’t be skimpy!

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

  • If you’re feeling cheesy, sprinkle the grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the top of the buttered sides. This will create a delicious, gooey layer when baked.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

  • Wrap the halves in aluminum foil. Place them on a baking sheet and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges are crisp and the cheese (if using) is bubbly.

Step 7: Broil for Extra Crispiness

  • For an extra crunch, switch your oven to broil. Unwrap the bread and place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching it carefully to avoid burning. The top should turn golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

  • Remove the bread from the oven, sprinkle some additional parsley and red pepper flakes, and then slice into serving sizes. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Notes

Here are five tips to keep in mind when making the best garlic bread:
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic creates a more robust flavor than pre-minced varieties found in jars.
  • Don’t Skip the Butter: Butter not only adds flavor but ensures a crispy texture. Olive oil can also be a substitute for a healthier twist.
  • Wrap the Bread: Wrapping the bread in foil traps steam, helping the interior stay soft while the exterior crisps up.
  • Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like basil or thyme for a unique flavor.
  • Serve Immediately: Garlic bread is best fresh out of the oven. Try to serve it warm for the best experience.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!