The Best Garlic Bread You’ll Ever Eat

Looking for the best garlic bread recipe that’s crispy on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside? This easy garlic bread is loaded with garlic butter, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of cheese for that perfect savory flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish with pasta, soup, or enjoying it on its own, this garlic bread recipe is a crowd-pleaser!

With just a few simple ingredients like unsalted butter, garlic, and a French or Italian loaf, you’ll have warm, crispy garlic bread on your table in less than 20 minutes. Top it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for an extra indulgent treat. It’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or as an appetizer for your next gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian or French loaf
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened; salted butter works too)
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• Optional:
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Garnishing:

• Extra chopped parsley and chives

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Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and place the halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt until well combined.
4. Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown. If adding cheese, sprinkle it on the bread during the last 2 minutes of baking.
6. For extra crispiness, continue baking for an additional 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure it doesn’t burn.
7. Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with extra parsley and chives before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Toasted: This garlic bread has a crispy exterior with a soft and buttery interior, making it the perfect side dish for pasta or soups.
• Loaded with Flavor: The combination of fresh garlic, butter, and parsley gives this bread an irresistible aroma and savory taste.
• Quick & Easy: With only a few simple ingredients, you can make this garlic bread in under 20 minutes—ideal for last-minute meals or casual dinners.

Tips

• Butter Consistency: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy spreading. If it’s too cold, it won’t spread evenly.
• Watch the Baking Time: If you prefer a crispier texture, you can extend the baking time slightly, but be cautious not to burn the edges.
• Even Spreading: Ensure the garlic butter is spread evenly across the bread for consistent flavor with every bite.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Options: Add shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy garlic bread version. You can also mix in some cheddar cheese for a sharp twist.
• Herb Variations: For a more herbaceous flavor, experiment with adding other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to the butter mixture.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and skip the cheese for a plant-based alternative that still tastes amazing.

FAQs

Q: Can I make garlic bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture and spread it on the bread ahead of time. Wrap the bread tightly in foil and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Q: Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic will work as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the amount to your taste.

Q: Can I freeze garlic bread?
Absolutely! After spreading the garlic butter on the bread, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze. When ready to bake, you can bake it straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving

• Perfect Pairing: Serve this garlic bread as a side to your favorite Italian dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or minestrone soup.
• Dip it in Sauce: Garlic bread also pairs wonderfully with tomato sauce, pesto, or even a creamy alfredo sauce for dipping.
• Ideal for Parties: Make individual-sized portions for a fun, shareable snack at parties or gatherings.

Suggestions

• Customize for Different Flavors: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra depth of flavor.
• Turn It Into a Meal: Add toppings like sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a quick and hearty dish.
• Pair with Wine: This garlic bread pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, for a complete Italian-inspired meal.