Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery slices of baguette slathered with a rich garlic and herb spread, baked until golden brown. The perfect irresistible side for pasta, soups, or any Italian-American meal.
For 6 servings
5 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Oven and Bread
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Using a serrated knife, slice the baguette into 1-inch thick slices. You can slice all the way through for individual pieces or only 3/4 of the way through for a pull-apart loaf.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Garlic Butter Spread
- b.In a medium bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, freshly minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- c.If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- d.Mix with a fork or spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth, creamy paste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Garlic Bread
- b.Place the bread slices on a large baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.
- c.Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bread. If making a pull-apart loaf, spread the butter between each cut.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake to Golden Perfection
- b.Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- c.Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the butter is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy.
- d.For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch it very closely to prevent burning.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Warm
- b.Remove the garlic bread from the oven.
- c.Let it cool for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use high-quality, room temperature butter. Softened butter spreads easily and soaks into the bread perfectly, unlike melted butter which can make it greasy.
- 2Fresh garlic is key. The flavor of freshly minced garlic is far superior to pre-minced jarred garlic or garlic powder.
- 3For softer, chewier garlic bread, wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil before baking. Unwrap for the last 3-4 minutes to crisp up the top.
- 4Don't be shy with the spread! A generous layer ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- 5To save time, you can prepare the garlic butter spread up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it soften before using.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the unsalted butter with a high-quality vegan butter and substitute the Parmesan cheese with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
gluten freeGluten free
Use your favorite gluten-free baguette. Ensure all other ingredients, especially the cheese, are certified gluten-free.
healthyHealthy
Opt for a whole wheat baguette, reduce the butter to 1/4 cup, and increase the fresh parsley for more flavor and nutrients.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, substitute the fresh minced garlic with 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder for a faster preparation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Contains Allicin
Freshly crushed garlic is a source of allicin, a compound known for its potential immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Source of Vitamin K
Fresh parsley provides Vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting.
Energy from Carbohydrates
The baguette provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy for daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
Garlic bread is typically an indulgence due to the butter and refined bread. However, it can be part of a balanced meal. Using a whole wheat baguette and a moderate amount of butter can make it a healthier option. Garlic itself has several health benefits.