Description
Garlic Bread is a quick side dish that turns any simple meal into a cozy, restaurant-style dinner. Thick slices of crusty bread are slathered with a rich garlic butter spread, baked until golden, and served warm for the perfect easy recipe to round out your favorite dinner ideas. This quick side is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you need comforting food ideas that feel special without any fuss—perfect as a quick breakfast with eggs, an easy dinner partner to pasta, or a crave-worthy snack when you’re in the mood for something garlicky and irresistible.
Ingredients
1 medium loaf French or Italian bread
6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Slice the loaf of French or Italian bread in half lengthwise to create two long pieces with the soft interior facing up.
3. Arrange the bread halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, trimming into smaller sections if needed to fit.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and olive oil, stirring until smooth and well blended.
5. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, then mix until a fragrant, spreadable paste forms.
6. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread, making sure to coat all the way to the edges so every bite is seasoned.
7. If using shredded mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the buttered bread for a cheesy garlic bread variation.
8. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the butter has melted and the edges of the bread are lightly golden.
9. For extra color and crispiness, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely so the top does not burn.
10. Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool for 2–3 minutes so it is easier to slice.
11. Slice the bread into 8–10 pieces, garnish with a little extra chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside pasta, soup, salad, or your favorite main dish.
Notes
Make sure the butter is very soft so it mixes smoothly with the olive oil and seasonings—this helps it spread evenly over the bread without tearing it.
For extra-crispy edges, place the bread on the upper rack of the oven and use the broiler for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
To freeze for later, assemble the bread with the garlic spread, freeze on a tray until firm, then wrap well; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 20
Keywords: garlic bread, easy recipe, quick side, dinner ideas, comfort food, appetizer, bread side, quick breakfast, snack