Homemade Garlic Bread

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There’s just something undeniably comforting about the golden crunch of Homemade Garlic Bread fresh out of the oven. The aroma alone, with its buttery garlic richness, can draw everyone into the kitchen before it even hits the table. Whether you’re serving it with a hearty pasta dish, dipping it into soup, or enjoying it all on its own, garlic bread is a universally loved side that elevates any meal.

This version isn’t just your average loaf slathered in butter. It’s made with attention to detail—a perfect balance of fresh garlic, softened butter, a hint of parsley, and a lightly crisped texture that shatters slightly with each bite. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely worth mastering.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Garlic Bread

• Crispy and Buttery: Each slice delivers a satisfying crunch and melts in your mouth with garlic-butter goodness.
• Quick to Make: With just a few ingredients and under 20 minutes, this side dish comes together effortlessly.
• Customizable: You can add cheese, swap herbs, or even spice it up with a bit of red pepper.
• Perfect Companion: Complements pasta, soups, salads, and grilled dishes.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and store some for future garlic cravings.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the garlic-butter magic, make sure you have everything set up for a smooth prep.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Bread Knife: A serrated knife is key to slicing through crusty bread cleanly without tearing it.
• Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a small bowl to mix your garlic, butter, and herbs.
• Microplane or Garlic Press: These help you finely grate or press garlic so it blends evenly into the butter.
• Pastry Brush or Spatula: Useful for spreading the butter mixture evenly across the bread slices.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking tray helps crisp the bread to golden perfection.
• Oven or Toaster Oven: Broiling gives that perfect crispy top layer with a soft inside.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Garlic Bread

• French Bread or Baguette: The sturdy structure and chewy texture make it the ideal base for holding all that garlicky butter. Look for something crusty on the outside and soft inside.
• Unsalted Butter (softened): This is your flavor carrier—softened so it spreads easily and infuses the bread with rich, creamy goodness.
• Fresh Garlic (minced or grated): The heart of the recipe. Fresh garlic adds that pungent, savory kick that defines garlic bread.
• Fresh Parsley (chopped): Adds a pop of color and freshness to balance out the richness.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
• Optional: Parmesan or Mozzarella Cheese: If you’re in the mood for a cheesy upgrade, these melt beautifully and add extra flavor.

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How To Make the Homemade Garlic Bread

Step 1: Slice the Bread

Cut your French bread or baguette in half horizontally, then into thick slices if preferred. Keep the base intact if you want pull-apart style.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Combine well until you get a smooth, spreadable mixture.

Step 3: Spread the Goodness

Use a pastry brush or spatula to spread the garlic butter mixture generously over each slice of bread. Make sure the butter reaches the edges for full flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)

If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the buttered side. Mozzarella for that melty pull, or Parmesan for a sharp bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Then broil for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Remove from the oven and serve immediately while it’s still warm and the butter is melted into the bread. Enjoy the irresistible aroma and flavor!

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Best Way to Serve and Store Homemade Garlic Bread

Homemade Garlic Bread is at its peak when served hot and fresh from the oven. It pairs beautifully with pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese, creamy fettuccine alfredo, or even a hearty lasagna. It’s also a fantastic companion to soups such as tomato basil, broccoli cheddar, or Italian wedding soup. Want to turn it into an appetizer? Slice into smaller pieces and serve with a marinara dipping sauce.

If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), wrap them in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop the foil-wrapped slices into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. For a crisper texture, open the foil for the last few minutes. Garlic bread also freezes beautifully—just assemble and freeze before baking, then bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Use fresh garlic and make sure it’s well incorporated into the butter mixture. Baking at moderate heat (375°F) and only broiling briefly helps avoid bitterness from burnt garlic.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, in a pinch. Use about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder per 2 tablespoons of butter. It won’t have the same punch as fresh garlic but still delivers great flavor.

What bread works best for garlic bread?

French bread and baguettes are ideal due to their crusty exterior and soft interior. You can also use ciabatta or sourdough for different textures.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based butter alternative and skip the cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese if preferred.

Is it okay to freeze garlic bread?

Yes! Garlic bread freezes well. Prepare it up to the baking step, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen with just a few extra minutes added.

How do I make it extra crispy?

Broil the garlic bread at the end for 1-2 minutes and serve it immediately. Make sure your oven rack is in the upper third for optimal crisping.

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Want More Bread Side Ideas?

If this Homemade Garlic Bread won your heart, here are more comforting, crave-worthy side dishes to pair with your meals:

• Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions for a rustic, hearty bite.
• Roasted Parmesan Green Beans that add a crisp, savory contrast.
• Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza for a Mediterranean-inspired flatbread experience.
• Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for a full, indulgent dinner.
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps to keep the garlic theme rolling!

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Homemade Garlic Bread to your Pinterest board so you can always find it when you need a reliable side dish.

Looking for more easy, flavor-packed inspiration? Come hang out with me on Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate where I share daily recipes you can make with confidence.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go full cheesy? Try a sourdough version? I love seeing your twists on these classics. Questions welcome too — let’s make your next garlic bread even better!

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