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This garlic bread is a total crowd-pleaser and comes together in a flash. Slather some butter, fresh garlic, and herbs over a loaf, toss it in the oven, and suddenly dinner feels special. Whether you're craving a late-night snack or pairing it with pasta, it hits that cozy, comfort-food spot every time.
The first time I made this was for an unexpected hangout, and now it’s my quick fix whenever I’m short on time but want to make something homemade. The smell drifting out of the oven brings everyone running.
Delicious Ingredients
- Optional Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkle some on top if you like it extra savory. Grate it yourself for that intense, melty bite.
- Black pepper: A bit freshly cracked adds that nice warmth in the background.
- Salt: Just a touch to make all the other flavors pop.
- Fresh parsley: Makes every bite taste fresh. Go for bunches that are bright and green.
- Fresh garlic: Mince it for punchy flavor and that good kitchen smell. Pick bulbs that feel heavy for their size.
- Unsalted butter: Let it soften—it'll blend and spread way easier. Fresh, quality butter makes all the difference.
- French or Italian bread: Pick a loaf that’s crusty on the outside but pillowy inside. That’s the ticket for great texture.
Easy Step-by-Step
- Finish and Serve:
- Straight from the oven, slice the bread thick. Serve it up right away so it’s soft and buttery inside.
- Bake the Bread:
- Lay bread cut side up on a sheet pan. Pop it in at three seventy five Fahrenheit (one ninety Celsius) for ten to twelve minutes, until the edges get golden and the middle is warm.
- Add Parmesan Cheese:
- If you’re feeling cheesy, shower grated Parmesan evenly over the top—it’ll bubble and brown perfectly.
- Spread the Mixture:
- Dab lots of your garlic butter onto each open half, making sure you cover every inch right to the crust.
- Mix the Garlic Butter:
- In a bowl, mash together soft butter, garlic, parsley, pepper, and salt until everything’s speckled through evenly.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Cut your loaf lengthwise (a serrated knife gives you a neat edge). This gives you the best surface for all that garlicky magic.
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I always grab parsley for this bread—it pops against the buttery slices and brightens up the whole plate. My daughter never misses snack time when this is baking. She’s always asking to snag those crunchy corner pieces first.
Storing Ideas
Leftovers? Wrap them up in foil and stash in the fridge. Crisp them back up in the oven at three fifty, or for faster results, toss slices into the air fryer. Skip the microwave—it’ll turn things mushy.
Swap Options
No garlic on hand? Garlic powder works, just go light since it’s stronger. Out of parsley? Shake in some dried Italian herbs. Dairy-free? Plant-based butter works just fine for those versions too.
Ways to Enjoy
This garlic bread is a classic with saucy spaghetti or tomato soup and also perfect for soaking up leftover salad dressing. Sometimes I toss bite-sized pieces onto a cheese board, and they’re always gone in minutes.
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A Little Background
What we call garlic bread actually started with Italian American cooks riffing off Italian crostini and bruschetta. In my family, it’s a staple whenever we do pasta—it turns even simple food into a celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which bread should I pick?
Go for a chewy French or Italian loaf—it gets nice and crispy on the outside but stays soft inside.
- → Fresh garlic’s out, can I use garlic powder?
Absolutely, garlic powder works too. It gives a lighter garlic bite if that's your thing.
- → How do I make this bread super crunchy?
Once it’s baked, just broil it for about 1 or 2 minutes. That does the trick for maximum crunch.
- → Do I have to use Parmesan?
Nah, you can leave it out. But Parmesan dials up the savory taste if you add some.
- → What’s the best way to store and warm up leftovers?
Pop your extras in something airtight. To crisp it back up, just reheat in your oven or toss in the air fryer.
- → What should I eat this bread with?
This bread loves hanging out with soup, greens, or a big plate of pasta.