Garlic bread is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, soups, and salads. It’s made by spreading a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs over bread, then baking or toasting it until crispy and golden. This recipe has roots in Italian cuisine but has become a beloved comfort food worldwide. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a casual party, garlic bread is always a hit. Let’s dive into how to make the perfect garlic bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with that rich garlic flavor.
Quick Facts
| Course | Side Dish |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4 |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10 minutes |
| Calories | Approximately 180 per serving |
Equipment Needed
Making garlic bread is simple, but having the right tools helps a lot. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Oven or Toaster Oven: For baking or toasting the bread evenly.
- Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Tray: To place the bread slices while baking.
- Mixing Bowl: To mix garlic butter and herbs.
- Knife: For slicing the bread and mincing garlic.
- Cutting Board: For chopping ingredients.
- Butter Knife or Spoon: To spread the garlic butter evenly.
- Aluminum Foil (optional): For wrapping bread if you prefer softer bread.
These basic kitchen tools make the process easy and smooth. No fancy gadgets needed!
Ingredients
To make classic garlic bread, gather these ingredients:
- 1 loaf of Italian or French bread (about 12 inches)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise or into 1-inch thick slices.
- Mix butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl until combined.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread slices.
- If you like, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- For extra crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven, slice if not already, and serve warm.
Essential Note:
Use softened butter, not melted, to ensure even spreading and a rich flavor. Mince garlic finely so it blends well and doesn’t leave large chunks. Keep a close eye when broiling to prevent burning. If you prefer softer bread, wrap it loosely in foil before baking.
