Garlic Bread
Short Catchy Intro
So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. Garlic bread to the rescue. It is fast, ridiculously satisfying, and solves the problem of "what should I eat with my pasta" and "what should I eat instead of my feelings" all at once. Want it crunchy on the outside and soft and garlicky inside The good news is you can have both without breaking a sweat.
Want to try a speedy air fryer take later Click here for an air fryer twist that still gets everyone cheering air fryer garlic bread
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This recipe takes basic ingredients and turns them into something that makes people stop mid conversation and stare at the bread like it is a tiny masterpiece. It is stupidly simple. You do a little mixing, some spreading, and let the oven do the heavy lifting. It is idiot proof even I did not mess it up.
It works for weeknight dinners and last minute hosting because it honestly takes minutes to prep. Need to impress someone quickly Toss this in the oven and boom you are a gourmet in training. Want it extra herby or cheesy No problem. This is a flexible little champion.
Ingredients Youll Need
- 1 loaf of crusty bread
- 1/2 cup softened salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Yes that is all. Keep it simple and do not overcomplicate things. If you love cheese skip to Alternatives and Substitutions and go wild.
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Keep it hot so the bread crisps up properly.
- In a bowl mix softened butter with minced garlic chopped parsley and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste a little if you must its your kitchen.
- Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both halves. Press it in so every bite gets garlic.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and toasted. Do not wander off to do homework or laundry for too long.
- For extra crispiness broil for an additional 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. This is where it goes from nice to legendary.
- Remove from the oven let cool slightly then slice and serve warm. The steam will settle and your fingers will not melt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven rookie mistake. The oven needs to be ready to crisp that crust.
- Using cold butter and hoping for even spread No no No. Soften the butter first or you will get clumps of garlic butter and an uneven bake.
- Letting the broiler run while you scroll through your phone This is how toast becomes coal. Stand guard for the last 60 to 120 seconds.
- Overloading with garlic if you plan to see people afterward Or go all in if you are hosting a garlic themed party. Know your audience.
- Cutting the loaf before cooling at all Slice while warm but not molten hot unless you enjoy a butter spill scenario.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Want to switch things up No problem here are a few swaps that work well and do not require a culinary degree.
- Butter alternatives Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy free version. Drizzle generously and rub it in with a fork. IMO olive oil gives a lovely Mediterranean vibe.
- Herb swaps No parsley Try basil oregano or chives. Each gives a different mood to the bread. Basil is sweet and fresh while oregano feels classic Italian.
- If you want cheese Add shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan on top before the last minute of baking for gooey deliciousness. Make sure to broil briefly to get golden spots.
- For a veggie twist Add finely chopped roasted red pepper or thin slices of zucchini on top for texture and color. Speaking of zucchini if you want a fun bake that blends garlic with veggies check out this quirky take cheddar and zucchini bread
- Use margarine technically works but butter gives the real deal flavor so do not shortchange the experience.
My personal favorite is butter with a little olive oil mixed in for spreadability and flavor. If you want the perfect crust make sure the oven is hot and the bread sits directly on the baking sheet no foil tenting.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Q Will this work with a soft sandwich loaf
A Sure but it will not get as crunchy on the outside. If you want crunch consider using a baguette or sourdough loaf.
Q Can I use margarine instead of butter
A Well technically yes but why hurt your soul like that If you must choose a plant based option go for vegan butter that actually tastes decent.
Q How do I store leftovers
A Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back the crisp.
Q Can I make this ahead of time
A Yep mix the garlic butter and store it in the fridge for up to three days then spread and bake when ready. You can also freeze the pre buttered loaf wrapped tightly and bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes.
Q Is raw garlic a problem for some people at night
A Raw garlic can be strong so if you or company hate bad breath try reducing the raw garlic or roast the garlic first for a milder softer flavor.
Q How do I make it extra garlicky without being overpowering
A Roast a whole head of garlic then mash it into the butter This gives sweet mellow garlic flavor that spreads like a dream.
Q Any tips for making it vegan
A Use vegan butter or olive oil and skip the cheese or use a plant based shredded cheese that melts well.
Final Thoughts
This garlic bread recipe is your new kitchen sidekick. It is fast flexible and basically impossible to hate. Whether you are pairing it with pasta salad soup or eating it as a standalone snack you will walk away victorious. Practice makes perfect so do a test loaf and tweak the garlic and herbs to match your taste.
Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You have earned it
Conclusion
Want more garlic bread inspiration Try this take for extra indulgence here is a great variant to compare with The Best Garlic Bread Youll Ever Eat from Ambitious Kitchen The Best Garlic Bread Youll Ever Eat If you love classic homestyle versions check out Great Garlic Bread over at Allrecipes Great Garlic Bread Recipe For lighter herb forward options Love and Lemons has a lovely riff on garlic bread see Best Garlic Bread Recipe – Love and Lemons Best Garlic Bread Recipe – Love and Lemons If you want a solid step by step homestyle approach Spend With Pennies gives a reliable method see Homemade Garlic Bread Homemade Garlic Bread
Happy baking and may your garlic not offend anyone unless you plan it to
Print
Classic Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious garlic bread recipe that combines crusty bread with a rich garlic butter spread for a perfect side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of crusty bread
- 1/2 cup softened salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both halves.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and toasted.
- For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
For a cheesy garlic bread, consider adding shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan near the end of baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: garlic bread, side dish, Italian, quick recipe, easy
