Great Garlic Bread Recipe
If there’s one side dish that steals the show every single time, it’s Great Garlic Bread. Picture warm, crusty bread with a golden, buttery top, speckled with flecks of parsley and plenty of irresistible garlicky goodness. Each bite is crunchy at the edges and soft in the center, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser whether it’s served with pasta, salad, or just alone as a snack. This recipe is unfussy but so rewarding, and I can’t wait to share all my favorite tips with you for making Great Garlic Bread that’ll disappear in minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great Garlic Bread shines because of how simple yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one brings something crucial to the table, from the bread’s texture to the lush flavor of the butter and garlic, and even the optional cheesy kick. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- French or Italian bread: A fresh, crusty loaf is the canvas for all that garlicky, buttery goodness; opt for one that’s about 16 inches long for ideal size and softness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The backbone of the garlic mixture, softened butter makes for easy mixing and helps soak every crumb with savory richness.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor—neither too mild nor overpowering if finely minced and well-distributed.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): This fresh herb adds a bright pop of color and cuts through the richness of the butter beautifully.
- Salt: Just enough to balance and amplify all the flavors, making the bread even more craveable.
- Black pepper: A subtle grounding note that keeps the garlic bread from tasting flat.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a savory, salty depth and a just-crisped golden top, if you wish.
- Shredded mozzarella (optional): Turn things up to “cheesy pull-apart” territory for those who can’t resist melty cheese on top.
How to Make Great Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prep That Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your loaf of French or Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise. Lay both halves cut side up on a baking sheet—think of these as your blank canvas, ready and waiting for that savory garlic butter.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
Next, in a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix until it’s completely combined. This is also the time to sneak a little taste—just to make sure your garlic-to-butter ratio set you up for Great Garlic Bread perfection.
Step 3: Slather and Top
Time to get generous! Spread that gorgeous garlic butter over every inch of bread, making sure you reach all the edges for maximum flavor. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some grated Parmesan and/or a handful of shredded mozzarella on top. The cheese melts into little pockets of happiness and takes this bread to the next level.
Step 4: Bake (and Broil!)
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for a golden hue around the edges and melty butter all over. For those who love a bit of crispy texture, finish under the broiler for one or two minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t go from golden to burnt in the blink of an eye!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once your Great Garlic Bread is fragrant and slightly sizzling, let it cool for just a minute before slicing. Then, serve up those irresistible pieces while still warm—the ultimate finishing touch to any meal!
How to Serve Great Garlic Bread
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really make Great Garlic Bread pop. Try a sprinkling of extra chopped parsley for vibrant color, or a final dusting of Parmesan for a salty, umami finish. Crushed red pepper flakes can add a little heat for spice lovers, while a drizzle of good olive oil brings a hint of richness.
Side Dishes
Great Garlic Bread is a classic partner for Italian favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, but don’t stop there. Serve it alongside hearty soups, crisp salads, or even as the anchor of a cheese and charcuterie board. It’s also amazing with barbecue, creamy dips, or as the foundation of a quick open-faced sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family-style dinners, cut your Great Garlic Bread into bite-sized cubes for a passable appetizer. You can even wrap individual pieces in parchment and serve in a bread basket for a rustic, personal touch. For a twist, layer slices with extra cheese and bake them vertically in a loaf pan—pull-apart style, guaranteed to wow everyone!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Great Garlic Bread (it’s rare, but it happens!), let it cool fully and then wrap tightly in foil. Store at room temperature for a day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. This will help keep the bread from drying out and losing its lovely texture.
Freezing
Great Garlic Bread also freezes beautifully. After spreading on the garlic butter (and cheese, if using), wrap the bread halves tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time—no need to thaw.
Reheating
To bring leftover Great Garlic Bread back to life, reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Skip the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the bread soggy rather than crisp. For slices, a quick pass under the broiler can return that just-baked crunch.
FAQs
Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder instead of fresh?
Fresh garlic definitely brings the best flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can substitute with pre-minced garlic (in a pinch) or even garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon for 3 cloves). Just know that the intensity of flavor might mellow out a bit.
Do I have to use both cheeses, or can I leave them out?
Cheese is totally optional! The bread is still packed with flavor without it. But if you love a cheesy pull, go ahead and add mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a blend of your favorites to transform your Great Garlic Bread into a melty marvel.
Can I use different herbs besides parsley?
Definitely! Chopped basil, chives, or thyme are all wonderful in Great Garlic Bread and bring their own unique flavor notes. Feel free to play around based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
How do I make Great Garlic Bread extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, don’t skip the final broil. Just a minute or two under a hot broiler gives you deliciously crunchy edges. You can also toast the bread lightly before spreading on the butter mixture for another textural boost.
Is it possible to make Great Garlic Bread vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based butter and skip the cheese, or use vegan-friendly cheese options if you’d like. The essential flavor and experience of Great Garlic Bread remain just as mouthwatering.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried making Great Garlic Bread at home, now’s the perfect time to discover just how easy and rewarding it is. Whether you serve it with dinner, at a party, or all on its own, it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, bite after wonderful bite. You won’t regret giving this one a spot in your regular kitchen lineup!
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Great Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of this Great Garlic Bread recipe. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with savory garlic butter, it’s a side dish that will elevate any meal.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 16 inches)
Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (softened)
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the bread: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread the butter: Spread the garlic butter evenly over each half of the bread. Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and butter is melted. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For roasted garlic flavor, use roasted garlic cloves instead of raw.
- You can prepare the butter mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
