The Finest Simple Garlic Bread dish

Simple garlic bread slices topped with parsley.

Forget about those frozen, store-bought garlic breads — let’s whip up something truly special with this simple from-scratch garlic bread recipe! We’re talking thick, crusty bread slathered with garlicky butter and baked to crackly, golden perfection.

Trust us, once you’ve tried this from-scratch garlic bread, you’ll never go back to the frozen stuff again. It’s the reliable side dish for pasta dinners, soups, or just as a savory snack on its own.

Easy garlic bread slices topped with parsley.

The Finest Garlic Bread Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Garlic bread might be the finest side dish of all time! It’s hearty, flavorful, and reliable for soaking up sauces.

Store-bought options are convenient, but it’s so much better when you make from-scratch garlic bread instead! When you use a pre-made bread loaf, it’s super speedy and simple, too.

All you have to do is create an herbed butter, spread it on top, and bake. Within minutes you’ll have the finest garlic bread recipe ever. It’s a natural pairing for pasta, but it’s also a crave-worthy complement to salads, soups, and more!

What is the Difference Between Garlic Bread and Garlic Toast?

The primary differences are in how the two are cut and cooked.

For instance, garlic bread can be sliced accordion style or into two long pieces. Then, it’s brushed with garlic butter and baked in the oven.

Meanwhile, garlic toast is sliced into thick pieces, topped with garlic butter, and toasted under the broiler.

Two halves of a baguette topped with herbed butter.

Simple Ingredients You Need

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details and nutrition information!

Bread – Use a French baguette or an Italian bread loaf. Thick, crusty bread is key to creating the finest from-scratch garlic bread!
Butter – Unsalted butter is finest. Allow it to come to room temperature for simple mixing.
Garlic – Use whole, fresh cloves, and mince them yourself. Trust us. You can taste the difference!
Parsley – Technically optional, fresh parsley adds a refreshing, peppery taste that balances out the heaviness of the fats. Store leftover parsley to use as a flavor enhancer in all your go-to recipes.

Slices of garlic bread on a cutting board next to a knife.

Skip Frozen Varieties, and Make This From-scratch Garlic Bread Instead

Create the herbed butter. Add the softened butter, garlic, and parsley to a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, mix everything until the ingredients are well blended.
Slice the bread. Use a sharp knife to slice the bread in half horizontally, creating two long halves.
Spread. Coat both halves of bread evenly with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle extra parsley on top, if desired.
Bake. Arrange the buttered bread halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a preheated oven. Bake until the bread is lightly toasted and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn!
Cool. Allow the bread to cool slightly, slice it into individual pieces, and enjoy!

What Else Can I Add?

Feel free to let your creativity run wild and customize this garlic bread recipe to your heart’s content! Here are some fantastic additions you can experiment with:

Cheese – Sprinkle fresh Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the butter before baking.
Herbs – Replace the parsley or add to it with herbs like basil or oregano.
Seasonings – Enhance the flavor with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or onion powder.

How to Store and Reheat

This recipe is finest served right away while the bread is still warm. However, leftovers can be stored in a sealable bag or an airtight container at room temperature for one to two days.

Enjoy leftovers at room temperature. Or, warm them in the oven just until heated through.

Can I Freeze This Simple Garlic Bread Recipe?

Yes! Freeze unbaked garlic bread to have on hand for speedy meals.

To do so, spread the butter over the bread halves. Then, arrange the bread in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or sealable bag.

Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, bake as normal, adding a few extra minutes as needed.

Serving Suggestions

There’s no denying that this simple garlic bread recipe is a versatile crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with a wide range of dishes! Here are some of our go-to options to enjoy alongside:

Common Questions about Garlic Bread

What kind of bread works finest for garlic bread?

We love using a good French baguette or Italian bread—they get crackly on the edges but stay tender in the middle.

Can I make garlic bread without butter?

While butter is classic, you can totally make garlic bread without it. Olive oil is a great alternative and adds a nice, earthy flavor. Or do a mix of both for the finest of both worlds.

How do I keep garlic bread from getting soggy?

Spread that buttery garlic mixture all the way to the edges and bake it uncovered at a high temp—this helps the edges crisp up while keeping the center soft.

Do I have to use fresh garlic?

We are 100% Team Fresh Garlic for garlic bread! But, if you have a craving and garlic powder is all you have, you can make the swap.

More Tasty Bread Recipes

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 12 servings

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 20 mins

Skip the store-bought options, and prepare this simple garlic bread recipe with six ingredients and less than 30 minutes instead! Email

Ingredients

1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic minced
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 French baguette or Italian bread loaf

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until you have a well-blended garlic butter spread.1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened, 4 cloves garlic, 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, Salt and black pepper to taste
Slice the baguette or bread loaf in half horizontally, creating two long halves.1 French baguette or Italian bread loaf
Spread the garlic butter generously on the cut sides of both bread halves. Make sure to evenly coat the bread with the flavorful butter mixture.
Place the buttered bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Optional: For added flavor, sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top of the buttered bread.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the garlic butter is melted and aromatic. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Once the garlic bread is nicely toasted and golden brown, remove it from the oven.
Allow it to cool for a minute or two. Then, slice it into individual portions.
Serve the from-scratch garlic bread warm as a tasty side dish for pasta, salads, or any meal of choice.