There’s something magical about the smell of garlic bread wafting through the kitchen—it’s the kind of aroma that brings everyone to the table before you even call them. Crispy, golden edges giving way to a tender, buttery center, all infused with the bold punch of fresh garlic and the bright, herbal lift of parsley. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s the star of the show, whether you’re serving it alongside a steaming bowl of pasta, dunking it into rich marinara, or just tearing into it straight off the baking sheet.
This recipe is my go-to because it nails that perfect balance—garlic that’s assertive but not overwhelming, butter that’s rich but not greasy, and parsley that adds just the right touch of freshness. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. And the best part? It comes together in minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy perfection: A quick blast under the broiler or a hot oven gives you those irresistible crunchy edges while keeping the inside soft and buttery. The high heat ensures the bread crisps quickly without drying out.
- Fresh garlic is non-negotiable: Powdered garlic just can’t compete with the real thing. Mince it finely so every bite is packed with flavor. For a mellower taste, cook the garlic in a bit of butter first to soften its raw bite.
- Butter control: Unsalted butter lets you season to taste, but if salted is all you’ve got, just ease up on the extra salt. Softened butter (not melted) spreads evenly without making the bread soggy.
- Flat-leaf parsley for the win: It’s got a peppery kick that curly parsley lacks, making it the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the butter and garlic.
Why You’ll Love It
- Speed demon: From fridge to table in under 20 minutes—no fuss, no waiting.
- Versatility champion: Pairs with just about anything, from soups to salads to your favorite Italian mains.
- Customizable canvas: Love cheese? Add it. Want a little heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes. This recipe is your playground.
Essential Ingredients & Tools
Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Spread
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Soft butter blends smoothly, so you don’t end up with clumpy garlic bits. If you’re using salted butter, just dial back the added salt.
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is the soul of this dish. In a pinch, ½ tsp garlic powder will do, but it’s not quite the same.
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped – Flat-leaf has more flavor than curly, but if that’s all you’ve got, it’ll still work.
- ½ tsp kosher salt – Enhances all the other flavors. Taste as you go!
- ¼ tsp black pepper – A little warmth to round things out.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – For those who like a subtle kick.
Ingredients for Assembly
- 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf – Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside. Ciabatta or sourdough are great backups.
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – Because everything’s better with cheese. Pecorino Romano is a sharper alternative if you’re feeling fancy.
Tools You’ll Need
- Chef’s knife & cutting board – For mincing garlic and chopping parsley like a pro.
- Mixing bowl – Where the garlic butter magic happens.
- Pastry brush or spoon – To slather that butter evenly.
- Baking sheet – Lined with parchment for easy cleanup (because no one likes scrubbing pans).
- Broiler or oven – High heat is your friend here for maximum crispiness.
Serves: 4 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 7 min
How to Make Garlic Bread with Parsley
- Heat things up: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your broiler to high (500°F/260°C). If you’re broiling, position the rack about 6 inches below the heat source for even browning.
- Make the garlic butter: In a bowl, mix the ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if using) until everything’s well combined. Let it sit for 5 minutes—this lets the garlic infuse the butter for deeper flavor.
- Slice the bread: Cut the 1 large baguette lengthwise for halves or into thick slices for individual servings. A serrated knife works best to avoid squashing the bread. For extra crispiness, toast the cut sides in a dry skillet for a minute before buttering—this step is a game-changer.
- Slather on the butter: Spread the garlic butter generously over the bread. If you want it extra flavorful, lightly score the bread first so the butter seeps into every nook and cranny.
- Bake or broil: Place the bread buttered-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5–7 minutes or broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it—garlic burns fast, and nobody wants bitter bread.
- Cheese it up (optional): Sprinkle 2 tbsp grated Parmesan over the top in the last minute of cooking. For next-level indulgence, add shredded mozzarella and broil until bubbly.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Trust me, this is best eaten warm, when the contrast between the crispy crust and soft interior is at its peak.
Pro Technique
Blooming the Garlic
For a mellower, sweeter garlic flavor, cook the 4 minced garlic cloves in 1 tbsp of the butter over low heat for 1–2 minutes before mixing it into the rest. Just until it’s fragrant—don’t let it brown.
Double-Toasting for Extra Crunch
Toast the bread cut-side down in a dry skillet for a minute before buttering. This removes excess moisture, ensuring your garlic bread stays crispy instead of turning soggy.
Chef’s Wisdom
Butter Temperature is Key
Softened butter (around 65°F/18°C) blends smoothly without separating. Melted butter makes the bread greasy, and cold butter won’t spread evenly. In a hurry? Microwave cold butter in 5-second bursts until just soft.
Fresh Herbs vs. Dried
Fresh parsley is ideal, but if you’re using dried, 1 tsp will do. Mix it into the butter 10 minutes early to let it rehydrate. Skip dried basil or oregano here—they’ll overpower the garlic.
Controlling Garlic Intensity
For a bold, raw garlic kick, grate a clove into the butter after cooking. Raw garlic packs more punch because heat mellows its flavor.
Storage & Freshness Guide
Room Temperature Storage
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to a day. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid the fridge—it dries out the bread.
Freezing for Later
Wrap unbaked buttered bread tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. For pre-baked slices, freeze them on a tray first to prevent sticking.
Reviving Stale Bread
If your garlic bread loses its crunch, spritz it lightly with water and broil for 1–2 minutes. The steam rehydrates the bread while the broiler brings back the crisp crust.
Nutrition Profile
One serving (1 slice) packs:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
Ingredient Variations and Their Impact
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella for gooey goodness. For extra richness, mix in 1 tbsp cream cheese.
Herb-Infused Garlic Bread
Swap parsley for 1 tbsp chopped basil or oregano. Add 1 tsp lemon zest for a bright twist.
Vegan Garlic Bread
Use plant-based butter and 1 tbsp nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. For depth, stir in 1 tsp miso paste.
Spicy Garlic Bread
Mix in 1 tsp harissa paste or smoked paprika. Top with sliced jalapeños before baking for extra heat.
Garlic Knots
Use pizza dough instead of baguette—tie it into knots before buttering. Brush with garlic-infused olive oil after baking for extra shine.
Perfect Pairings
Complementary Dishes
- Marinara Sauce: The tangy tomato cuts through the butter, and the bread’s crispness is perfect for dipping.
- Caesar Salad: Creamy dressing balances the garlic, and the croutons echo the bread’s texture.
Drinks
- Pinot Grigio: Crisp and citrusy, it cleanses the palate between bites.
- Chianti: A light red with bright acidity that complements the garlic’s richness.
Something Sweet
- Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing, tart ending.
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: Bitter chocolate contrasts the bread’s richness beautifully.
Garlic Bread with Parsley: The Ultimate Comfort Food You Can’t Resist
Make the best Garlic Bread with Parsley in under 20 minutes! Crispy, buttery, and loaded with fresh flavor. Perfect for pasta night or as a snack. Get the easy recipe now!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Spread
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½ cup unsalted butter (softened, (1 stick))
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4 large cloves garlic (minced)
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2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped)
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½ tsp kosher salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For Assembly
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1 large French baguette or Italian loaf
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2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or broiler to high (500°F/260°C).01
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Mix ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl. Let sit 5 minutes.02
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Slice 1 large baguette lengthwise or into thick pieces. Toast cut sides in a dry skillet for 1 minute (optional).03
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Spread garlic butter generously over bread.04
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Bake for 5–7 minutes or broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.05
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Sprinkle with 2 tbsp Parmesan in the last minute (optional).06
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Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley.07
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