Easy garlic bread with fresh parsley and buttery garlic is a quick side dish for pasta, soups, and salads. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this classic bread recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, Italian-inspired meals, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) salted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 14-ounce French baguette
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a half-sheet baking tray with foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well with a fork until evenly blended.
- Prepare the Baguette
- Slice the French baguette lengthwise using a serrated knife and place cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Bake and Broil
- Bake in the center of the oven for 8 minutes.
- Move the bread under the broiler (about 5 inches / 12 cm from the heat) for 1–2 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve
- Cut into slices and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy garlic bread is crispy on the outside, buttery and garlicky on the inside, and comes together in minutes. Perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or salads, it’s a simple recipe that elevates any meal.
Tips
- Use softened butter for easy spreading.
- Mince garlic finely to distribute flavor evenly.
- Watch closely under the broiler to avoid burning.
- For extra crispiness, bake a few extra minutes before broiling.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before broiling.
- Herbs: Substitute parsley with basil, oregano, or thyme.
- Bread: Use Italian bread, ciabatta, or sourdough instead of a baguette.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with plant-based margarine or olive oil spread.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, spread the garlic butter on the bread and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze garlic bread?
Yes, wrap tightly in foil and freeze. Reheat in the oven before serving.
How do I make it extra crispy?
Broil for an extra minute or two and slice the bread thinner for more crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve garlic bread alongside pasta dishes, lasagna, soups, salads, or grilled meats. It also works as a base for bruschetta or appetizers topped with tomatoes and herbs.
Easy Garlic Bread
12
servings10
minutes10
minutesIngredients
½ cup (1 stick / 115g) salted butter, softened
4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 14-ounce French baguette
Directions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a half-sheet baking tray with foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well with a fork until evenly blended.
- Prepare the Baguette
- Slice the French baguette lengthwise using a serrated knife and place cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Bake and Broil
- Bake in the center of the oven for 8 minutes.
- Move the bread under the broiler (about 5 inches / 12 cm from the heat) for 1–2 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve
- Cut into slices and serve warm.
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