Crusty Garlic Bread

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Craving something warm, buttery, and crisp with a punch of garlic? Crusty Garlic Bread is the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight. Whether you’re serving up a rich pasta dinner or a cozy bowl of soup, this golden delight always delivers the perfect crunch and flavor combo.

This version is all about balance: crunchy edges, a soft interior, and that irresistible blend of garlic, butter, and herbs. It’s simple, fast, and elevates any meal with its rustic charm. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into garlicky bliss, let’s prep the essentials. You’ll need:

• Bread Knife: A good serrated knife ensures clean slices through crusty bread without tearing the soft middle.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the garlic butter mixture evenly.
• Pastry Brush or Spoon: A pastry brush gives you more control to spread the garlic butter into every crevice.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper or foil, this ensures even crisping.
• Oven or Toaster Oven: Reliable, even heat is the secret to achieving that perfectly browned edge without burning.

Each tool helps maintain the texture integrity and flavor layering of your bread, turning a few basic ingredients into something crave-worthy.

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Ingredients for the Crusty Garlic Bread

• Crusty Bread (like a French baguette or ciabatta): This is your blank canvas. A firm exterior gives the crunch, while the airy interior soaks up all that garlic butter.
• Unsalted Butter: Melts into every nook and brings rich flavor. Unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
• Fresh Garlic: The undeniable hero. Freshly minced cloves are far superior to pre-minced for punchy aroma and bite.
• Parsley (fresh, finely chopped): Brings color and a mild herbal lift.
• Olive Oil: Helps the butter spread further and adds a rustic depth.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the flavors.

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How To Make the Crusty Garlic Bread

Step 1: Slice the Bread

Cut the loaf into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Don’t cut all the way through if you want a pull-apart style.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend well until smooth.

Step 3: Apply Generously

Use a pastry brush or spoon to spread the garlic butter mixture onto each slice. Get into all the cracks if you kept the loaf connected.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the bread on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve hot from the oven while the butter is still bubbling.

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Serving and Storing Your Crusty Garlic Bread

This bread is best served piping hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with spaghetti, lasagna, soups, or grilled proteins for maximum impact. For storing leftovers, wrap in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to crisp it back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that crunch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep garlic bread crispy?

Avoid covering it with foil after baking. If storing, reheat in the oven, not the microwave, to bring back the crunch.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

You can, but fresh garlic gives a better punch and aroma. If using powder, reduce the amount to avoid bitterness.

What bread works best?

A day-old baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta works best. You want a firm crust with a soft but open crumb.

Can I freeze garlic bread?

Yes! Wrap tightly in foil, freeze, and bake from frozen at 375°F for about 15 minutes.

What if I don’t have parsley?

You can swap it with oregano, basil, or chives depending on what flavor direction you’d like.

Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely. Swap butter for vegan butter or olive oil, and make sure your bread is dairy-free.

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Want More Garlic Bread and Savory Side Ideas?

If you love savory sides with a garlicky twist, don’t miss the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta — it’s a dreamy comfort dinner.

You might also enjoy the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni, where garlic bread becomes a perfect scoop for creamy sauce.

Craving something to sip alongside? Try the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, ideal for dipping.

Or go for something bold like the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe where garlic bread tones down the heat with buttery relief.

Another top pick? Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta — simple, hearty, and a natural garlic bread companion.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your side dish or dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use ciabatta or go bold with sourdough? Add some chili flakes for heat? Leave a comment below.

For more recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest: LadyPlate Pinterest.

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