Description
This homemade garlic bread recipe features a crusty loaf generously spread with a flavorful garlic butter mixture, baked to golden perfection. Easy to make and perfect as a side for pasta or soups, this classic comfort food can be enhanced with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Bread
- 12-ounce (340g) loaf of crusty bread, sliced in half horizontally
Garlic Butter
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 4 teaspoons finely minced fresh garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or 1/8 teaspoon fine salt)
- optional: 1/3 cup (27g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Place both halves of the bread on the baking sheet with the cut sides facing up.
- Make garlic butter: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and Parmesan cheese (if using) together on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and completely combined. Alternatively, if the butter is very soft, you can mix everything thoroughly with a fork.
- Spread garlic butter on bread: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread halves, making sure to cover all the surface for maximum flavor.
- Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are crisp and golden brown. If you prefer a crunchier crust, bake an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the garlic bread cool on the sheet for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle. Optionally, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Use a serrated knife to slice the bread into pieces and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Softened butter is essential for easy mixing and smooth spread; leave butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Feel free to add Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor or omit for a dairy-free option.
- For a more intense garlic flavor, increase the garlic quantity up to 5 cloves if desired.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright, herbal note; dried parsley can be substituted but use about 1 teaspoon instead.
- Serve garlic bread immediately for the best texture, as it may become soggy if stored.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
