If you’re on the hunt for a **Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe** that beats anything out there—including those pricey takeout versions—then you’ve come to the right place! I absolutely love this recipe because it’s straightforward, deliciously fragrant with fresh garlic, and you’ll achieve that perfect crispy crust and buttery center every single time. Stick around—I’ll share all my tips so your kitchen smells amazing and your family goes crazy for every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Garlic Flavor: The garlicky punch here is unbeatable thanks to fresh, minced cloves—you’ll taste the difference immediately.
- Simple Ingredients: No complicated pantry hunts—just classic kitchen staples coming together in harmony.
- Perfectly Crispy & Buttery: The method locks in butter on all sides while crisping the crust just right every time.
- Family Favorite: My crew asks for this recipe again and again—it’s just that irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe really comes down to quality and balance. I love using a classic French stick or baguette for the perfect texture—soft inside with a thin crust. Here’s what I grab at the store and why I use them.
- French stick / baguette: Choose one with a soft, thin crust rather than a super hard crust—it lets the garlic butter soak right in.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key so it spreads easily and mixes well with the garlic.
- Fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a game changer for flavor—skip the powdered stuff.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the garlic and buttery richness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a gentle fresh note that brightens the bread beautifully.
Variations
I’ve tried so many spins on this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe, and the best part is that you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Let me share a few favorites I’ve played around with over time.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Adding a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan before baking turns this into oozing, golden cheesy heaven—my kids adore this version!
- Herbed Butter Blend: I sometimes swap parsley for a mix of thyme or rosemary for a fresher herb twist that adds depth.
- Spicy Kick: If you like heat, a pinch of chili flakes mixed into the butter makes for an unexpectedly addictive flavor.
- Vegan Version: Try using plant-based butter and skip the cheese for a vegan-friendly yet still rich and flavorful bread.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Bread Like a Pro
First things first—preheat your oven to a toasty 200°C (390°F). Then, take your French stick and cut it in half lengthwise. The trick I discovered is to slice the bread almost all the way through into thick 2cm slices without cutting completely through; this way, the bread stays together but allows the garlic butter to seep between the slices.
Step 2: Mix Up That Garlic Butter
Next, combine softened butter with freshly minced garlic, salt, and parsley if you’re using it. Give it a taste to make sure it’s garlicky and salty enough—this step is a game changer because it lets you personalize the flavor to your liking before slathering it on.
Step 3: Spread, Wrap, and Bake
Smear the garlic butter generously over all the cut sides of the bread. Don’t stop there—spread the rest over the top and sides too, so every bite is buttery goodness. Then wrap each half tightly in foil. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the crust is perfectly crispy (you can check by gently feeling the foil). Once done, unwrap and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
- Use Softened Butter: Trust me, trying to mix cold butter with minced garlic is just frustrating—soft butter blends effortlessly and spreads evenly.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye during baking; once the bread crisps but doesn’t burn, it’s perfect—overbaking dries it out.
- Cut Bread Almost Through: This technique keeps the slices together for easy serving but lets that garlic butter penetrate every slice.
- Wrap Tightly in Foil: Wrapping prevents the bread from drying out during baking and helps lock in the butter’s moisture.
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve garlic bread, I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top—that fresh green pop just looks so inviting and adds a lovely mild herb aroma. Sometimes, I’ll grate a tiny bit of fresh Parmesan on top right before serving for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with just about anything, but my favorites include classic spaghetti Bolognese, creamy tomato soup, or even a fresh Caesar salad. It’s one of those sidekicks that makes any meal feel a bit more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, I love to arrange the garlic bread slices fanned out on a wooden board with small bowls of flavored olive oils or balsamic for dipping. It looks rustic but classy, and guests always comment on the presentation before diving in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house), wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. I recommend reheating as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
I freeze leftover garlic bread often by wrapping it very tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully and keeps for up to 2 months. When you need a quick snack or side, just pop it straight into the oven from frozen—no defrosting needed!
Reheating
To reheat, I unwrap the foil and place the bread in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the crisp crust and warm buttery center. Avoid microwaving—it makes the bread soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use bread other than a French stick for this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend a French stick or baguette for its ideal texture and crust, you can use other breads like Italian bread or even sourdough. Just ensure it has a relatively soft interior and doesn’t have a thick, hard crust so the garlic butter can soak in nicely.
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How much garlic should I use if I want a milder flavor?
If you prefer your garlic bread less intense, start with 1 or 2 cloves minced rather than 3 or 4, and adjust from there next time based on your taste. Garlic strength varies, so it’s always good to taste the butter mixture before spreading.
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Is it better to bake or grill garlic bread?
Baking wrapped in foil, as this recipe suggests, keeps the bread moist and buttery inside with a crispy crust. Grilling can work but sometimes results in uneven melting or burnt spots if you’re not careful. Baking offers consistent, foolproof results.
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Can I prepare this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter and bread up to a few hours before baking. Keep the wrapped bread refrigerated and bake just before serving to enjoy fresh and crispy garlic bread.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe has been my go-to for years because it’s simplicity and flavor never fail to impress. I love how easy it is to whip up but how utterly satisfying it tastes—better than any takeout I’ve tried. Next time you want that nostalgic, cozy comfort food moment, trust me, this recipe will deliver, and you’ll feel like a total kitchen rockstar. Give it a try and see for yourself!
Print
Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Better-Than-Dominos Garlic Bread is a simple, homemade recipe that transforms an ordinary French baguette into a deliciously crispy and buttery garlic bread. Made with fresh garlic, unsalted butter, and optional parsley, this easy oven-baked treat offers a flavorful alternative to store-bought garlic bread, boasting fresh ingredients and a perfectly crisp crust.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 French stick / baguette (~60cm / 2ft long)
Garlic Butter
- 125 g / 1 US stick unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp fresh garlic, minced (~3 – 4 cloves)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for baking the garlic bread.
- Prepare the bread: Cut the French stick in half lengthwise. Then, slice it almost all the way through into thick pieces approximately 2cm (4/5 inches) apart, keeping the base intact so the loaf stays connected.
- Make garlic butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced fresh garlic, salt, and parsley if using. Mix well and taste to ensure the butter is seasoned suitably with garlic and salt.
- Spread the butter: Smear the garlic butter generously on the cut side of the bread slices. Then spread the remaining butter over the top and sides of the loaf for even coverage.
- Wrap and bake: Wrap each half of the bread loaf tightly in aluminum foil to retain moisture, and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake to crispness: Bake for 15 minutes until the crust becomes crispy. You may check through the foil carefully to monitor doneness.
- Unwrap and serve: Remove the foil and serve the garlic bread hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced or preserved garlic enhances the flavor and avoids any sour taste common in takeout garlic bread.
- Opt for an economical French stick with a soft, thin crust instead of fancy artisan breads for the best garlic bread texture and taste.
- The garlic butter mixture can be adjusted to taste before spreading on the bread for personal preference in saltiness or garlic intensity.
- Wrapping the bread in foil during baking helps keep the bread moist inside while developing a crispy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 287 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 502 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
