If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food side that everyone wants more of, Great Garlic Bread is a must! With golden edges, rich aromatic butter, and layers of real flavor, this isn’t just a way to round out your meal — it’s usually the thing people reach for first. Whether you like yours cheesy or classic, this recipe for Great Garlic Bread lets you whip up bakery-style slices at home in just minutes, taking any meal from simple to spectacular. It’s so easy yet incredibly satisfying, and once you make it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Great Garlic Bread comes together with a handful of essentials, each one chosen to pack every bite with flavor and just the right amount of indulgence. Every ingredient pulls its weight, so don’t skip any unless you’re tailoring it to your taste!
- French or Italian bread: Sturdy, fluffy loaves with a crisp crust are perfect for soaking up the buttery garlic spread and crisping in the oven.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter blends smoothly and ensures every bit of bread is coated with savory richness.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced garlic provides that deep, signature aroma and the bold zestiness we all crave.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Parsley adds bright color and a fresh, herby lift to balance the garlic.
- Salt: Just enough to make all those flavors pop and pull everything together.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a little edge to the spread.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little sparkle of heat in their Great Garlic Bread.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a nutty, savory depth and a bit of crispy golden topping if you love cheese!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): Melts beautifully to turn the bread delightfully gooey — absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Great Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
Start by combining your softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like things on the spicier side. Mixing everything together in a small bowl lets all those fragrant flavors meld, ensuring every spread is packed with garlicky goodness and flecks of bright green herbs.
Step 2: Lay Out and Prep the Bread
Slice your French or Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise, exposing that soft, pillowy interior. Place the halves cut side up on a baking sheet — this gives you a perfect canvas for slathering on the flavorful butter mixture so every inch is covered.
Step 3: Spread and (Optionally) Cheese
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture from edge to edge on both bread halves. For classic Great Garlic Bread, leave it as is, or if you’re going for the cheesy version, sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella all over the top. There’s no such thing as too much cheese in my book!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the buttered bread into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, watching as the butter sizzles and everything turns fragrant. If you want a truly toasty top, move the bread under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye — it goes from golden to deeply browned fast!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Let your incredible creation cool for a minute or two, then slice into generous pieces. The inside will be soft and steamy, the crust crunchy, and the buttery-herb topping pure magic. Serve warm for the full Great Garlic Bread experience!
How to Serve Great Garlic Bread
Garnishes
After baking, you can sprinkle a bit of extra chopped parsley or fresh basil for color and aroma. A pinch of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of good olive oil also gives your Great Garlic Bread a professional, bakery-style finish at home — you eat with your eyes first, after all!
Side Dishes
Great Garlic Bread is extremely versatile. Serve alongside pasta dishes (like classic spaghetti or creamy Alfredo), soups (especially tomato or minestrone), salads, or even roasted vegetables. It’s the best way to make any meal more hearty and fun, plus it’s perfect for soaking up sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Great Garlic Bread into sticks for dipping in marinara, or serve in a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin for a festive touch. You can also hollow out a loaf and fill it with warm spinach dip for an appetizer everyone will dive into!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Great Garlic Bread, wrap it tightly in foil after it’s cooled. It can be kept at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate for up to three days to keep it fresh and ready for a quick snack or dinner side.
Freezing
Great Garlic Bread is wonderfully freezer-friendly! After assembling but before baking, wrap the bread halves in foil and freeze. When you’re ready, just pop them straight into a hot oven and add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, place bread slices in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and the surface gets crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread chewy instead of delightfully crisp.
FAQs
Can I use pre-minced or jarred garlic instead of fresh?
You can, but you’ll taste the difference! Fresh garlic adds that punchy flavor that makes Great Garlic Bread shine. Jarred garlic works in a pinch, though, just use a little extra to boost the flavor.
How can I make Great Garlic Bread dairy-free?
Simply swap in your favorite vegan butter for the regular butter and skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The bread will still be soft, golden, and packed with flavor.
What’s the best bread for Great Garlic Bread?
Choose a French or Italian loaf that’s not too crusty or too soft. A medium-density bread will hold up to all the delicious toppings whether you make it plain or cheesy.
Can I make this in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Assemble your Great Garlic Bread earlier in the day and store it, covered, in the fridge. Bake just before serving to wow everyone with warm, fragrant slices.
Why broil at the end?
Broiling adds that unbeatable golden crunch on top. If you’re using cheese, it bubbles and browns beautifully under the broiler, giving your Great Garlic Bread those bakery-style edges everyone loves!
Final Thoughts
This recipe delivers pure garlic bread bliss every single time, whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself. Try Great Garlic Bread once, and it’ll instantly become the thing you look forward to at every meal — buttery, fresh, and impossible to resist. Grab a loaf and get baking!
Print
Great Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Great Garlic Bread recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that makes a perfect side for any meal. The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese creates a deliciously savory treat that is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise
Garlic Butter:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Topping (optional):
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Spread the garlic butter: Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Add cheese topping: If desired, sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Broil: For an extra toasty top, broil on high for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For even more flavor, rub the cut side of the bread with a raw garlic clove before spreading the butter mixture.
- Use vegan butter and omit cheese for a dairy-free version.
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