Let’s be honest—there’s something downright magical about tearing into a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread. That crisp, golden exterior giving way to a tender, garlicky center is the kind of simple pleasure that turns a regular meal into something special. Whether it’s a weeknight pasta dinner or a festive gathering, this garlic bread with parsley butter is the kind of dish that disappears fast. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make.

Why This Recipe Works

• Homemade parsley butter—None of that bland, store-bought stuff. This is fresh garlic, real butter, and vibrant herbs working together in perfect harmony.
• The right bread—A Crusty Baguette or ciabatta soaks up the butter like a dream while staying crisp.
• Broiler magic—A quick blast under the broiler gives it that irresistible golden crunch.

The Story Behind the Sauce

• Fast & foolproof—Ready in 20 minutes, no fancy skills required.
• Goes with everything—Pasta, soup, salad, or just eaten straight off the tray (no judgment).
• Totally customizable—Love extra garlic? Add more. Prefer a little heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes.

Essential Ingredients & Tools

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened—Ensures easy mixing. (Salted butter can be used, but reduce added salt by ¼ tsp.)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced—Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor. (Jarred garlic works in a pinch but lacks depth.)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped—Dried parsley can substitute, but fresh adds brightness.
• ½ tsp salt—Enhances all the flavors.
• ¼ tsp black pepper—Adds a subtle kick.
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)—For a cheesy umami boost. (Omit for vegan versions.)
• 1 large baguette or ciabatta loaf—Stale bread absorbs butter better without getting soggy. (Sourdough works too.)
• 1 tbsp olive oil—Helps crisp the edges. (Melted butter can substitute.)

Tools

• Mixing bowl—For blending the butter and herbs evenly.
• Chef’s knife & cutting board—Essential for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Pastry brush or butter knife—To spread the butter into every crevice.
• Baking sheet—Line with foil for easy cleanup.
• Broiler-safe pan—Ensures even crisping under high heat.

How to Make Garlic Bread with Parsley Butter

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A moderate heat ensures even toasting without burning the butter. (Pro tip: If your oven runs hot or cold, use an oven thermometer for accuracy.)
2. Make the parsley butter. In a bowl, combine ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter, 4 cloves minced garlic, ¼ cup fresh parsley, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (if using). Whip for 30 seconds to incorporate air, making it fluffier and easier to spread. If the butter is too firm, microwave in 5-second bursts until pliable but not melted.
3. Slice the bread. Cut 1 large baguette or ciabatta loaf diagonally into 1-inch thick slices, leaving the base intact so it fans out like an accordion. This keeps the butter from dripping through and ensures even toasting.
4. Slather on the butter. Use a pastry brush or knife to coat each slice generously with the parsley butter, pressing the butter into the crevices. For extra richness, apply a thin layer inside the cuts first, then a thicker coat after baking.
5. Drizzle with olive oil. Brush the outside of the loaf lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil to help it crisp up under the broiler.
6. Bake for 5 minutes. Place on the middle rack until the butter melts into the bread. If it browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
7. Broil for 2–3 minutes. Move to the top rack and switch to broil. Watch closely—the edges can burn in seconds. Rotate the pan halfway for even browning.
8. Serve immediately. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Pro Technique

Toasting Garlic for Deeper Flavor

Sauté 4 cloves minced garlic in 1 tsp olive oil for 30 seconds before mixing it into the butter. This removes the raw bite and unlocks sweeter, nuttier notes. Cool completely to avoid melting the butter.

Pre-Toasting for Extra Crunch

Lightly toast the sliced bread at 350°F for 2 minutes before buttering. This dries the surface, preventing sogginess. For maximum crispness, brush the pre-toasted bread with egg white before adding the butter.

Chef’s Wisdom

The Bread Dilemma: Fresh vs. Stale

Fresh bread is softer, but day-old bread absorbs butter better without turning mushy. To revive stale bread, spritz it with water and heat at 300°F for 3 minutes before slicing.

Herb Hacks

Parsley is classic, but try adding basil for sweetness, chives for sharpness, or even 1 tsp chopped lavender for a floral twist. Always chop herbs just before mixing to preserve their flavor.

Butter Temperature Mastery

Butter spreads best at 65–70°F. Test by pressing your thumb into the stick—it should leave a slight indent. If overheated, chill for 5 minutes and rewhip to restore texture.

Storage & Freshness Guide

• Short-term storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes to revive crispness. Avoid microwaving—it turns the bread rubbery.
• Freezing: Unbaked, buttered bread freezes well for 1 month. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

Perfect Pairings

Complementary Dishes

• Tomato Basil Soup: The acidity balances the butter’s richness, while the soup’s warmth contrasts the bread’s crispness. Serve the bread floating on top for a rustic touch.
• Grilled Steak: Garlic bread’s crunch complements steak’s charred crust. Rub the bread with steak drippings before broiling for a meaty twist.

Drinks

• Sauvignon Blanc: Its citrusy acidity cuts through the butter, while herbal notes mirror the parsley. Chill to 50°F for optimal pairing.
• Chianti: The wine’s tannins stand up to garlic’s pungency. Opt for a young Chianti with bright cherry notes.

Something Sweet

• Lemon Sorbet: A tart, palate-cleansing finish after garlic’s intensity.
• Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans: Their bitterness contrasts the bread’s savoriness. Serve in small bowls for nibbling.

Garlic Bread with Parsley Butter: The Ultimate Comfort Food You Can’t Resist

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Recipe Information

Cost Level $

Category Appetizer Recipes

Difficulty Medium

Cuisine Italian

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Recipe Details

Servings 6

Total Time 20 minutes

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Make the best Garlic Bread with Parsley Butter in 20 minutes! Crispy, golden, and loaded with fresh garlic and herbs. Perfect with pasta or soup. Get the easy recipe now!

Ingredients

For the Parsley Butter

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened (1 stick))
  View substitutions
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  View substitutions
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)

For Assembly

• 1 large baguette or ciabatta loaf
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. 01

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 02

   In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Parmesan (if using).
3. 03

   Slice bread diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces, leaving the base intact.
4. 04

   Spread butter mixture generously between slices.
5. 05

   Drizzle outside of loaf with olive oil.
6. 06

   Bake for 5 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
7. 07

   Serve immediately.

Tags

contains-glutencontains-dairycontains-lactosecheesycomfort-foodcrowd-pleaserquickrestaurant-styleserved-hot