The Best Garlic Bread You’ll Ever Eat Recipe
This recipe for the best garlic bread you’ll ever eat features a perfectly crispy and golden Italian or French loaf smothered with a flavorful garlic butter spread, fresh parsley, and an optional cheesy finish. Easy to prepare and bake, this garlic bread is ideal as a side for pasta, soups, or as a tasty appetizer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Basic Garlic Bread
- 1 pound Italian loaf or French loaf
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (can also use salted)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Optional Cheese Toppings
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese OR
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Garnishing
- Extra parsley
- Chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the Italian or French loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the garlic butter spread: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, and sea salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Apply the spread: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread halves, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Add cheese (optional): If using parmesan or mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it over the bread in the last 2 minutes of baking to let it melt nicely.
- Optional crisping: For crispier garlic bread, bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes after adding cheese or after the initial baking, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the bread is golden to your liking.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with extra parsley and chives for a fresh finish, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness; adjust sea salt to your taste.
- Fresh garlic provides the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic for maximum freshness.
- Choose between parmesan or mozzarella based on desired flavor and texture.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute butter with a plant-based spread.
- Parchment paper or foil helps in easy cleanup but is optional.
- Keep an eye on the bread during crisping to avoid burning.
