Easy Garlic Bread
This easy garlic bread recipe is buttery, garlicky, and herbaceous, perfect as a quick side dish for pasta, soups, or salads. It uses a classic French baguette and simple ingredients to create a crowd-pleasing, flavorful treat.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup salted butter softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 4 cloves garlic minced finely, about 1 tablespoon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper adds a subtle kick
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color
- 1 14-ounce French baguette the perfect base for garlic bread
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Place the French baguette on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice the baguette into 1-inch thick pieces. You can slice diagonally or straight across. Be careful not to cut all the way through if you want pull-apart style bread.
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread, covering the entire cut surface. For pull-apart bread, spread butter between slices without cutting all the way through.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange slices or whole loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and butter melted. Optionally broil 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm alongside pasta, soups, or salads.
Equipment
- Medium Bowl
- Serrated Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Notes
Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder is a substitute but less vibrant. Soften butter at room temperature for smooth spreading. Slightly stale baguette works well for crunchier texture. Cover bread with foil during first half baking to keep moist, then remove foil to crisp. Add pinch of salt to garlic butter if using unsalted butter.
Variations include adding shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese before baking, experimenting with herbs like basil or oregano, adding red pepper flakes for heat, using plant-based margarine for vegan version, or using pizza dough for garlic breadsticks.
Store leftovers in airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes; avoid microwaving.