Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- Here's what you’ll need for this garlic bread recipe:
- 1 large French or Italian loaf about 12 inches
- 6 cloves of fresh garlic minced
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until it forms a creamy spread. If you like a cheesy twist, fold in the Parmesan here.
- Step 3: Slice the Bread
- Cut the loaf in half horizontally. You can also slice it into 1-inch thick pieces if you prefer individual servings.
- Step 4: Spread the Goodness
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. For extra indulgence, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and a touch more Parmesan.
- Step 5: Bake or Broil
- For softer garlic bread: Wrap the loaf in foil and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- For crispy edges: Open-face bake the bread (cut side up) for 8–10 minutes. Then broil for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Step 6: Serve Hot
- Let it cool for a minute or two, then slice and serve while warm.
Notes
Tips for the Best Garlic Bread
Use fresh garlic – Pre-minced versions lack the punch of freshly chopped cloves. Don’t skip the olive oil – It helps the butter spread smoothly and enhances flavor. Add herbs – Fresh parsley is traditional, but basil or oregano also works beautifully. Make it cheesy – Mozzarella or Asiago can be added before baking for extra richness.
Use fresh garlic – Pre-minced versions lack the punch of freshly chopped cloves. Don’t skip the olive oil – It helps the butter spread smoothly and enhances flavor. Add herbs – Fresh parsley is traditional, but basil or oregano also works beautifully. Make it cheesy – Mozzarella or Asiago can be added before baking for extra richness.