Description
Hey friends, Beau here! Garlic hitting warm butter = instant joy. This homemade garlic bread isn’t just a side—it’s a snack, meal, party hero, and comfort food all in one. Forget foil-wrapped frozen sticks; this is crispy outside, pillowy inside, garlicky perfection.
Ingredients
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1 loaf French or Italian bread – crisp crust, soft interior
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – room temp for easy spreading
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced – fresh is key
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – or basil, chives, or 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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¼ tsp salt – omit if using salted butter
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Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella for cheesy goodness
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
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Oven: 375°F (190°C)
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Line baking sheet with foil or parchment
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Slice loaf lengthwise into two even halves
2. Make Garlic Butter
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Mix butter, garlic, parsley, and salt in a bowl until smooth
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Optional: use hand mixer on low for 30 seconds for extra fluffy butter
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Taste & adjust garlic or salt
3. Slather on Bread
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Place cut-side up on baking sheet
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Spread garlic butter evenly to edges
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Sprinkle cheese, if using
4. Bake
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Bake 10–12 minutes until butter is melted, edges golden, cheese bubbly
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Optional: broil 1–2 minutes for a crispy, pizzeria-style crust (watch carefully)
5. Slice & Serve
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Rest 1 minute, slice into 1-inch pieces
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Serve immediately, warm and fragrant
Serving Ideas
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Classic: With pasta, lasagna, or soup
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Appetizer: Cut smaller, serve as crostini with marinara
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Meal Upgrade: Add pepperoni or meatballs + cheese for a garlic bread pizza or sandwich
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Presentation Tip: Sprinkle fresh parsley or flaky sea salt after baking
Notes
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Burnt garlic: Keep butter thick, avoid over-broiling; sauté garlic 30 sec in butter if worried
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Soggy bread: Use softened, not melted butter; pre-toast very fresh or soft bread
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Make ahead: Assemble & refrigerate 24 hrs or freeze 2 months; bake from frozen +5–10 min
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Reheat: Toaster oven or air fryer 350°F 3–4 min; oven 375°F 5–7 min; avoid microwave