Garlic Bread

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Craving that golden, buttery crunch with a punch of garlic and herbs? Garlic Bread is the ultimate sidekick to soups, pastas, or just about any cozy meal. With its crisp edges, soft interior, and savory aroma, it’s more than just a slice of bread – it’s a comforting crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or indulging in a late-night snack, Garlic Bread is a simple but powerful way to elevate your table. This recipe balances garlic intensity, butter richness, and just the right herbs for a bakery-style finish without the fuss.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into this aromatic masterpiece, gather the essentials:

1. Serrated Bread Knife: Essential for slicing through the crust without squishing the bread. A clean, even cut means consistent toasting.

2. Mixing Bowl & Spoon: For blending your butter, garlic, and herbs thoroughly.

3. Baking Sheet: A flat surface to lay out your bread slices evenly for that golden, toasted texture.

4. Pastry Brush (optional): Helps you apply the garlic butter evenly across the slices if you want a more refined spread.

5. Foil (optional): For softer garlic bread versions, wrapping in foil before baking will lock in moisture.

These basic kitchen tools ensure the texture and flavor land just right – crispy, buttery, and fragrant from edge to edge.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Bread

French Bread or Italian Loaf
This forms the base. You want a crusty exterior and a soft, airy center to soak in the butter mixture perfectly.

Unsalted Butter
Butter brings richness and helps toast the bread to golden perfection. Unsalted gives you control over salt levels.

Fresh Garlic
The star of the show. Freshly minced garlic gives an aromatic bite you just can’t get from powder.

Fresh Parsley
Chopped parsley adds freshness and color. It cuts through the butter and brightens the flavor.

Salt
Just a pinch enhances all the other ingredients and balances the richness of the butter.

Optional: Parmesan Cheese or Mozzarella
If you want a cheesy finish, either adds umami and indulgence.

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How To Make the Garlic Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Spread

In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Slice and Spread

Use a serrated knife to cut your bread into slices or halves lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over each piece. Use a spoon or pastry brush for an even coat.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the bread on the baking sheet. For soft garlic bread, wrap in foil and bake for 10-12 minutes. For crispier edges, bake open-faced for 8-10 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes until golden.

Step 5: Optional Cheese Finish

If adding cheese, sprinkle it on after the initial bake and broil for an extra 1-2 minutes until melted and bubbly.

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Serving and Storing Garlic Bread

Garlic Bread is best enjoyed hot out of the oven, sliced into portions, and served alongside pasta dishes like Alfredo or Bolognese, or dipped into hearty soups such as tomato or bean-based varieties.

To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread rubbery.

If you’re planning ahead, you can also freeze garlic bread before baking. Wrap in foil and freeze for up to a month. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep garlic bread from getting soggy?

Make sure your oven is preheated and don’t overload the bread with too much butter. A quick broil at the end also helps crisp it up.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, though the flavor will be milder and less aromatic. Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in place of each garlic clove.

What kind of bread is best?

French baguette or Italian loaf works best due to their crisp crust and airy crumb. Avoid soft sandwich bread.

Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan butter and skip the cheese or opt for plant-based cheese alternatives.

Should I add cheese before or after baking?

Add it after the first bake, then broil briefly to melt it without burning the bread.

How do I reheat garlic bread?

Wrap it in foil and place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. This keeps it moist with a crisp edge.

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Want More Bread-Based Side Ideas?

You might also like the Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheesebombs, a gooey-centered twist on your favorite garlic profile. Or try the Air-Fried Potato Wedges, an ideal partner for dipping into leftover garlic butter.

For a complete meal pairing, check out the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, which soaks up every bit of garlicky goodness. Craving cozy and rich? My Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns any garlic bread into a dunking dream. And if you’re more into salad pairings, the Italian Grinder Salad makes for a refreshing contrast.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add cheese? Go extra garlicky? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others customize it.

For more daily recipes and variations, follow me on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

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