Who isn’t a fan of garlic bread? Everyone loves garlic bread. French bread is always an incredible snack, but it takes on an otherworldly quality when toasted with a fantastic butter and garlic combo.
While around two servings is the best quantity to consume in a single sitting, most people can’t get enough of it and end up eating way more.
I’m not ashamed to admit that we grab far more than my fair share anytime I make this recipe for my family on pasta nights. You’ll understand why if you give the recipe a try for yourself.
What bread should I use?
Garlic bread can technically be made using any type of bread. I’ve discovered that making it with a French loaf of bread or another quality baguette is best because it gives a nice contrast between a crisp outside and a soft crumb on the interior. You can also make fantastic garlic bread using a country-style artisan loaf, sourdough, or thick slices of bread. Avoid flavored bread since it will clash with the garlic.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
While fresh garlic has always had the best flavor, chopped or crushed garlic is becoming more readily available in grocery shops. Some grocery stores will mince it for you, and we have discovered that this method is just as effective as mincing it yourself.
Although chopped or crushed garlic provided in a jar has a milder flavor, you may use it in any recipe that calls for minced garlic.
Recipe ingredients
- One large loaf ciabatta (Italian bread) or baguette (French bread)
- 3 tbsp. roasted garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs, minced (oregano, basil, rosemary, parsley)
- 4 tbsp. melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 tsp table salt
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- One sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Cooking instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Using a serrated knife, cut the bread in half lengthwise.
- Combine the roasted herbs, butter, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and put aside.
- Distribute the garlic mixture into each loaf with a spoon. Wrap the loaf with aluminum foil. Arrange the wrapped bread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the bread entirely absorbs the garlic herb aromas.
- At this point, pull it from the oven and let the foil cool for a few minutes before removing it.
- Serve immediately after slicing the bread into strips. Alternatively, before cutting, cover with Mozzarella cheese and return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted. After that, slice and serve!
Recipe variations
Garlic lemon bread
A delicious alternative to the traditional garlic bread recipe is lemon and herb. The lemony and herby flavor pairs beautifully with a side of salt butter, or if you are looking for something presentable, this bread is great on its own!
Cheese variation
I’m a big cheese fan, so I went all cheesy with this dish, but if you don’t want to use it, skip the Parmesan from the butter blend and leave out the mozzarella.
Alternatively, if you like a mildly cheesy version, substitute Parmesan for the mozzarella.
Pairing dishes
Garlic bread is an excellent dish for any time of day, and this traditional dish can be paired with a variety of dishes. The garlic bread is easy to make, making it ideal for cooking and eating when you are in a hurry or need something that is not too fussy.
There are several types of garlic bread, from the simple unsalted dough that forms flatbreads or rolls to more complex versions with tomato sauce and cheese spread over them before baking in an oven.
Garlic bread goes well with lighter flavored foods like vegetables, salads, and fish fillets, making it perfect for those who love the Mediterranean diet.
Storage instructions
Garlic bread leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within three days in an airtight container (I often use a resealable plastic bag).
Wrap the entire loaf of garlic bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost on the counter or in a foil-wrapped oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees.
Nutritional value
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
- Calories: 297
- Calories from Fat: 108
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 534mg
- Cholesterol: 23mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Potassium: 68mg
- Protein: 10g
- Calcium: 78mg
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Vitamin A: 266IU
- Iron: 1mg
Final thoughts
This is a basic, easy-to-make recipe for garlic bread perfect for a side dish or snack. To get the latest updates on our recipes and tips, make sure to bookmark our page and check in for daily updates!