Let me tell you about one of life’s simplest yet most satisfying pleasures—golden, buttery, garlicky bread with a crust that shatters at first bite. This isn’t just any garlic bread; this is the kind that makes people hover around the kitchen, sneaking pieces before dinner even starts. Whether you’re serving it alongside a steaming bowl of pasta, dunking it into rich soups, or just enjoying it straight off the baking sheet (no judgment here), this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why This Recipe Works
- Garlic butter done right—we’re not just slathering it on; we’re letting the flavors meld for maximum impact.
- Fresh herbs bring brightness to cut through all that rich, garlicky goodness.
- The perfect broil—because no one wants burnt edges when what we’re after is that ideal golden crunch.
Essential Ingredients & Tools
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened—this isn’t the time for cold butter straight from the fridge. Let it soften so it blends like a dream.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced—fresh is non-negotiable here. That jarred stuff? Save it for another day. (½ tsp garlic powder can substitute in a pinch.)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped—it’s not just for color; that little hit of green makes all the difference. (Dried parsley works but lacks vibrancy.)
- ½ tsp salt—because butter and garlic need a little nudge to reach their full potential.
- ¼ tsp black pepper—just enough to keep things interesting.
- 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf—you want something with a sturdy crust that can hold up to all that butter. (Sourdough or ciabatta also work.)
- 2 tbsp olive oil—a light brush before the butter helps keep things crisp, not soggy. (Melted butter can substitute.)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional but highly encouraged)—because cheese makes everything better.
Tools
- Chef’s knife & cutting board—for mincing garlic without tears (well, fewer tears).
- Mixing bowl—where the magic (garlic butter) happens.
- Pastry brush—for an even, generous coating. (A spoon works in a pinch.)
- Baking sheet—lined with foil because nobody likes scrubbing baked-on butter.
- Aluminum foil (optional)—to tent the bread if your broiler runs hot.
Serves: 4 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 18 min
How to Make Crusty Garlic Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Middle rack position is key—it’s the sweet spot for even toasting.
- Prep the bread. Slice your 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf lengthwise so you’ve got two long, butter-ready halves. If you’re feeling fancy, cut it into thick slices instead—great for individual servings. A serrated knife works best here to avoid crushing the bread.
- Make the garlic butter. Mix the ½ cup softened unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This isn’t just downtime; it’s when the garlic infuses the butter, turning it into something truly special. For a mellower flavor, sauté the garlic in the butter for 1 minute first.
- Butter it up. Lightly brush the bread with 2 tbsp olive oil (this keeps the butter from making things soggy), then slather on that garlic butter like you mean it. Get into every nook and cranny. Use the back of a spoon for precision.
- Bake, then broil. Bake for 5 minutes to let the butter melt into the bread, then switch to broil for 2–3 minutes. Watch it like a hawk—this is where the golden, crispy magic happens. Position the rack 6 inches from the heat source to prevent burning.
- Cheese? Yes, please. If you’re adding ¼ cup grated Parmesan, sprinkle it on in the last minute or two of broiling. It’ll melt into salty, umami perfection without burning. For extra decadence, try a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella—add the mozzarella after broiling to keep it gooey.
Pro Technique
For garlic bread that’s next-level good, split the ½ cup unsalted butter into two rounds. Spread half before baking so it soaks into the bread, then add the rest right before broiling. The result? A crispy top with a soft, buttery center.
Keep the rack about 6 inches from the heat source. If your broiler runs hot (we’ve all been there), crack the oven door slightly or tent with foil to avoid a charred disaster. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
Stale bread actually works better here—it soaks up butter without getting soggy. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly before buttering. Avoid pre-sliced loaves—they’re often too thin and lack the structural integrity needed for a crisp-yet-tender bite.
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Leftovers? (Unlikely, but Just in Case) Wrap tightly in foil and keep at room temp for up to 8 hours. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back the crunch. Avoid microwaving—it turns the bread rubbery.
- Freeze for Later Assemble the garlic bread but don’t bake it. Wrap in foil, then plastic, and freeze for up to a month. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, adding cheese in the last few minutes if desired.
- Reviving Stale Bread Sprinkle with water, wrap in foil, and bake at 300°F for 5 minutes. The steam brings it back to life.
Nutrition Profile
- Nutrient | Amount per serving
- Calories | 220
- Fat | 14g
- Protein | 4g
- Carbs | 20g
- Fiber | 1g
Ingredient Variations and Their Impact
- Cheese Lover’s Twist Pecorino Romano for a saltier, sharper kick. Smoked Gouda for a deep, smoky twist.
- Herb Swaps Basil or oregano for an Italian vibe. Lemon zest for a bright, fresh kick.
- Spice It Up Red pepper flakes for heat. Jalapeño (seeds removed) for a milder kick.
- Whole-Grain Option Use a whole-grain baguette and brush with extra olive oil to keep it from drying out.
- Vegan Version Swap butter for vegan butter or olive oil, and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Perfect Pairings
Complementary Dishes
- Tomato Basil Soup: The acidity of tomatoes cuts through the butter, while the soup’s creaminess mirrors the bread’s richness. Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping.
- Creamy Mushroom Bisque: Earthy mushrooms and garlic are a classic duo. The bread’s crunch contrasts the soup’s velvety texture.
Drinks
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its crisp citrus notes balance the butter’s richness.
- Chianti: This light red wine complements garlic’s pungency without overpowering it.
Something Sweet
- Lemon Sorbet: A palate-cleansing finish after the garlic’s intensity.
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: Bittersweet chocolate contrasts the bread’s savory notes.
Crusty Garlic Bread: The Ultimate Comfort Food That Never Fails
Recipe Controls
Make the best Crusty Garlic Bread at home with my easy recipe—crispy outside, soft inside, and loaded with garlic butter. Perfect for pasta night! Get the recipe now.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter
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½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
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4 cloves garlic (minced)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
For the Bread
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1 large French baguette or Italian loaf
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2 tbsp olive oil
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¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).01
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Slice 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf lengthwise or into thick slices.02
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Mix ½ cup softened unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Let sit 5–10 minutes.03
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Brush bread with 2 tbsp olive oil, then spread garlic butter evenly.04
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Bake for 5 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.05
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Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan in the last 1–2 minutes if using.06
