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Unleash the garlicky goodness in 20 minutes with this easy garlic bread recipe that elevates any meal!
Restaurant Style Bread at Home!
Craving a simple and satisfying side dish or appetizer? Look no further than this classic garlic bread recipe! In just minutes, you can transform a loaf of crusty bread into a golden masterpiece.
Combine softened butter with fresh garlic, herbs, and a sprinkle of cheese to create a flavorful spread. We make this all the time, and especially love to enjoy this alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads for an irresistible accompaniment.
Why We Love It:
- Fast and flavorful. Whip up this garlic bread recipe in just 20 minutes for a satisfying side dish or appetizer.
- Simple ingredients. All you need is bread, butter, garlic, and a touch of magic (okay, maybe some herbs and cheese).
- Elevates any meal. Enjoy the warm, garlicky goodness alongside Easy Pasta Recipes, Crockpot Soup Recipes, Easy Salad Recipes, or savor it on its own for a delightful bite.
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 8 minutes
COOK TIME: 12 minutes
- 1 French Bread loaf or Italian Bread, halved lengthwise – Choose crusty loaves of bread that are 1-2 days old. Ciabatta, baguettes, or Sourdough Bread can also be used.
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter – How to Soften Butter Quickly. Up to a tablespoon of olive oil added to the butter mixture can add a touch of richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – learn How to Mince Garlic or use pre-minced garlic from a jar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – or 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley – or 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional) – or Parmesan Cheese, Provolone, Gruyere, Fontina
How to Make Garlic Bread
- PREP. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup softened butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
- BAKE. Spread butter mixture on the open side of both pieces of bread. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese (optional). Place butter side up onto a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, then remove and place oven rack 6 inches from the heat source and turn to broil. Add bread back in and broil for about 1-2 minutes, or until slightly browned. Be sure to keep an eye on the bread so it does not burn.
- Slice bread and serve warm.
PRO TIP: BeST WAY TO CUT GARLIC BREAD
- Use a serrated knife to avoid tearing the bread
- Cut the loaf in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture on each side.
- Either bake the bread and then slice it, or slice the bread before baking.
Complete the Meal
- Main dish: Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti, White Sauce Penne Pasta, Chicken Tetrazzini
- Desserts: Italian Cookies, Panna Cotta, Cream Puff Cake
- More bread: Olive Garden Breadsticks, Garlic Knots, Focaccia Bread
More collections: Italian Side Dishes, Easy Side Dishes, 5 Ingredient Recipes
Garlic Bread Recipe
Unleash the garlicky goodness in 20 minutes with this easy, cheesy garlic bread recipe that elevates any meal!
Equipment
- bread knife
Ingredients
- 1 French bread loaf, or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, optional – do not need to use
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, dried oregano and dried parsley.
- Spread butter mixture on the open side of both pieces of bread. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Place butter side up onto a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, then remove and place oven rack 6 inches from the heat source and turn to broil. Add bread back in and broil for about 1-2 minutes, or until slightly browned. Be sure to keep an eye on the bread so it does not burn.
- Slice bread and serve warm.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1g, Calories: 282kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 42mg, Sodium: 480mg, Potassium: 81mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 454IU, Vitamin C: 0.4mg, Calcium: 106mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
How do I Add Extra Flavor to Homemade Garlic Bread?
- Use fresh herbs. Use 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs
- Increase the garlic flavor by adding more fresh garlic or sprinkling on some garlic powder.
- Cheese. Top with different flavors of cheese to easily change up the bread
- Spice. Sprinkle on red pepper flakes
Can I make Garlic Bread Wrapped in Foil?
- Wrapping the bread in foil is a great way to produce soft warm slices.
- Butter and season the bread and then press the halves back together. Wrap the entire loaf with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until the butter is melted and the bread is warm throughout.
Prevent Soggy Bread?
- Slightly stale bread absorbs the garlic butter better without getting soggy.
- Do not leave warm bread wrapped in foil or a container as the steam creates moisture and soggy bread.
Make Ahead of Time?
- Store. Prepare the garlic bread a few hours in advance. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent it from drying out, but avoid airtight containers as that can trap moisture and make the bread soggy.
- Freeze. Butter and season the bread up to 2 weeks ahead of time. (Do not add cheese until right before baking). Press the halves back together, wrap the entire loaf with plastic wrap, and then with aluminum foil. Thaw and add optional cheese, before baking.
How to Store Leftover Garlic Bread?
- If you plan to eat the garlic bread within a day or two, store it at room temperature. Wrap it loosely in aluminum foil or a clean kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. Avoid storing it in an airtight container, as this can trap moisture and make the bread soggy.
How to Freeze?
- For longer storage, let the bread cool completely then wrap each slice or half-loaf of garlic bread tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bread in a freezer bag or airtight container for added protection. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to a week. Thaw before reheating.
Reheat Garlic Bread?
- For softer bread, wrap the leftover slices in foil and heat them in a 350°F oven.
- For a crispier texture, place the slices on a baking sheet and rewarm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
