The Fluffiest Buttery Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe Ever

Crisp, golden garlic bread can elevate any meal with its irresistible aroma and rich, buttery flavor.

Crusty edges promise a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth.

Home kitchens buzz with excitement when this classic side dish emerges from the oven.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with just a few careful steps.

Fresh garlic infuses each slice with deep, robust notes that dance across your palate.

Warm, fragrant slices invite you to break bread and savor every delectable bite.

You’ll want to make extra – trust me, these disappear fast.

Why Buttery Garlic Bread Is Everyone’s Favorite Sidekick

• Savor Simplicity: This garlic bread recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the garlic intensity, herbs, and crispiness to match personal preferences, creating a personalized side dish that suits any meal.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this delicious bread in minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings, family dinners, or as a complementary side to pasta, soups, and salads.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Transforms a simple loaf into a mouthwatering treat that works beautifully as an appetizer, side dish, or standalone snack for both casual and slightly fancy occasions.

The Flavor-Filled Stuff That Makes Garlic Bread Shine

• French Bread, Italian Bread: Soft, long loaf that provides the perfect foundation for garlic bread.

• Butter: Creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps create a golden, crispy texture.
• Olive Oil: Enhances butter's spreadability and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Garlic: Fresh ingredient that provides intense, aromatic flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides additional consistent garlic flavor throughout the bread.

• Parsley, Salt: Fresh herbs and seasoning that brighten and balance the rich butter mixture.

How to Make Buttery Garlic Bread That’s Never Dry

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for some delicious bread magic.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Butter Blend

• Softened butter
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Garlic powder
• Chopped fresh parsley
• A pinch of salt

Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, aromatic mixture with tiny butter bits scattered throughout.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

Slice your bread loaf into two equal 12-inch sections. Carefully split each section open lengthwise, creating a perfect surface for spreading.

Step 4: Spread the Garlic Goodness

Lay the bread pieces open-faced on a baking sheet. Generously coat the inner surfaces with your tantalizing garlic butter blend, making sure every inch is covered.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, watching for those golden, crispy edges.

Want softer bread? Pull it out earlier.

Craving extra crunch? Let it bake a bit longer.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove the bread from the oven. Cut into 2-inch slices and serve piping hot, letting the irresistible garlic aroma fill the room.

Simple Garlic Bread Tips for Big Flavor

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother spreading across bread surfaces.
• Select fresh, high-quality bread like French or Italian loaves for best texture and flavor absorption.
• Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the garlic butter's complexity and create unique taste profiles.
• For a lighter version, replace half the butter with olive oil to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Garlic Bread Variations to Keep Things Interesting

• Herb Haven Bread: Replace parsley with a mix of rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic Mediterranean-style garlic bread that brings robust herbal notes to your table.
• Cheesy Garlic Explosion: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the garlic butter before baking, creating a melty, golden-brown cheese crust that elevates the classic recipe.
• Spicy Kick Bread: Add red pepper flakes and a dash of cayenne to the butter mixture for a zesty version that delivers a warm, spicy punch with every bite.
• Italian Ranch Fusion: Mix ranch seasoning powder into the butter blend and top with grated pecorino romano cheese for a tangy, creamy garlic bread experience that blends American and Italian flavors.

Tasty Meals to Pair with Buttery Garlic Bread

• Pair Zesty Marinara Dip: Create a rich tomato-based marinara sauce with fresh basil and a splash of red wine for dunking each crispy garlic bread slice.
• Complement Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese that matches the garlic bread's robust flavor profile and cuts through its richness.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the bread's buttery intensity and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Enhance Italian Antipasto Platter: Arrange cured meats like prosciutto, olives, artichoke hearts, and fresh mozzarella alongside the garlic bread for a complete appetizer experience.

The Smart Way to Store Homemade Garlic Bread

• Refrigerate: Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil to prevent moisture and preserve texture.
• Freeze: Place cooled garlic bread slices in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven Method: Thaw frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight. Unwrap and place on a baking sheet. Warm at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.
• Toaster Oven Quick Reheat: Slide bread slices into the toaster oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning and ensure a crisp, golden surface.

All Your Garlic Bread Questions—Answered

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various bread types like French bread, ciabatta, or sourdough. Just ensure the bread is fresh and has a sturdy texture that can hold the garlic butter.

• Is it possible to make this garlic bread ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, spread the butter on the bread and pop it in the oven.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture for an extra kick of heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference.

Buttery Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade garlic bread delivers irresistible comfort straight from Italian kitchens, melding crisp golden edges with rich herb-infused butter. Warm, fragrant slices promise delectable moments shared around hungry tables, inviting friends and family to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 loaf french or italian bread (approximately 24 centimeters/9.5 inches long)
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter, room temperature
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Additional Liquid:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for toasting the bread.
2. Create a fragrant garlic butter mixture by thoroughly blending softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt until uniformly combined.
3. Slice the bread loaf into two equal 12-inch sections, then carefully split each piece open lengthwise to maximize surface area for seasoning.
4. Arrange the bread halves with cut sides facing upward on a clean baking sheet, ensuring full exposure.
5. Generously distribute the prepared garlic butter mixture across the bread’s interior surfaces, ensuring even coverage from edge to edge.
6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast for 10-15 minutes, monitoring the edges for a golden-brown and crispy transformation.
7. Adjust baking time based on desired texture: shorter for softer bread, longer for extra crispiness.
8. Remove from oven and slice into 2-inch wide portions, serving immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Customize butter blend by experimenting with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for unique flavor profiles.
• Select high-quality crusty bread like French baguette or sourdough for maximum texture and crunch.
• Lower sodium option by reducing salt and using unsalted butter, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Vegan adaptation possible by substituting dairy butter with plant-based margarine or olive oil spread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg