Description
This homemade garlic bread is bursting with fresh herbs, loads of savory garlic, and perfectly toasted edges. Ready in just 20 minutes, it uses fresh parsley and the option for melty cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing side that pairs beautifully with pasta or any comfort food.
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 pound Italian loaf or French loaf
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (can use salted as well)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Optional Cheese Topping
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Additional chopped fresh parsley
- Chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Slice your Italian or French loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Garlic Butter – In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and you have a fragrant, spreadable garlic butter.
- Spread on Bread – Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread halves, making sure to reach all the edges for maximum flavor.
- Bake – Place the bread in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until it begins to turn lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Add Cheese (Optional) – If you’d like your garlic bread extra cheesy, sprinkle parmesan or mozzarella over the top during the last 2 minutes of baking; return to the oven just until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Crisp to Finish – For a crispier texture, continue to bake for an additional 3–5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the bread is as golden and crunchy as you like.
- Garnish & Serve – Remove from the oven, sprinkle extra parsley and chives over the hot bread, then slice and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For even more flavor, roast the garlic before mixing it with butter.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness, especially if adding cheese.
- Enjoy leftovers by reheating in a toaster oven for a few minutes.
- This recipe is easily doubled for a large crowd.
- Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 loaf
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
