Garlic bread is a timeless side that complements a wide variety of meals. While store-bought loaves are convenient, this easy homemade garlic bread delivers far better flavor and freshness. It’s simple to make and a noticeable upgrade from frozen or pre-made spreads.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe keeps things honest: a compound butter made with fresh herbs and garlic, spread over bread and baked until golden. The bright herbaceous notes and real garlic are a far cry from the artificial taste of many store-bought options.
It’s flexible too — you can easily adapt the herbs, cheese, or bread to match your preferences. And if you want the ultimate experience, bake your own loaf to serve with it for an unbeatable combination.
Ingredients Needed
For this straightforward garlic bread you’ll need a loaf of Italian or French bread, butter, garlic, fresh herbs, and grated Romano or Parmesan cheese. The recipe card below lists exact amounts and measurements.
How To Make Garlic Bread
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the bread lengthwise. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and grated Romano until smooth.
- Spread the compound butter evenly over each bread half. Place the halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Slice and serve warm.
This method really is foolproof and delivers a superior result compared with processed varieties. Quality butter, fresh garlic, and herbs make a dramatic difference — simple ingredients, big payoff.
Taste the difference for yourself — once you try this version, store-bought garlic bread will feel like a distant memory.
Tips
- For extra browning and crispness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes — watch closely to prevent burning.
- If you use salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
- Use fresh garlic, not bottled minced garlic; fresh garlic offers better aroma and flavor when baked.
- Fresh bread makes a big difference. Use a just-baked loaf from the bakery or make your own for the best texture.
Variations
- Use French bread for a crunchier crust and chewier interior.
- Try different herbs such as rosemary, basil, or oregano, and add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap Romano for Parmesan, mozzarella, or a blend for different melting and flavor profiles.
- Substitute roasted garlic for raw for a sweeter, more caramelized garlic flavor.
FAQs
Yes. Prepare the compound butter in advance and spread it on the bread when you’re ready to bake. Wrap assembled bread in foil and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.
Finish under the broiler for a minute or two, keeping a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. That quick blast adds crispness and color.
Other Delicious Bread Recipes
Italian Bread Recipe
Easy No Knead Overnight Focaccia Bread
Sourdough Bread Recipe
Garlic Bread Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 1/2 cup Butter softened
- 5 cloves Garlic finely minced
- 2 tbsp Parsley fresh, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup Romano cheese grated
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F and slice the bread lengthwise. In a medium bowl, combine butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and grated Romano until evenly mixed.
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Spread the mixture evenly over each bread half. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake about 12 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Remove, slice, and serve hot.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 41g
| Protein: 9g
| Fat: 44g