Crispy on the outside, buttery and soft on the inside, garlic bread is one of those timeless side dishes that turns a simple meal into something memorable. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, or just snacking on it solo, its golden crust and fragrant garlic butter make it an irresistible classic.

This version brings out the full potential of garlic through gentle sautéing and pairing it with fresh parsley and perfectly toasted bread. The result? A savory, aromatic, melt-in-your-mouth experience in every bite.
What Kind of Bread Should I Use for Garlic Bread?
The best garlic bread starts with the right base. A crusty French baguette or Italian loaf works wonders because they have a sturdy structure yet a soft interior that soaks up all that garlic butter. If you’re after a more indulgent texture, Texas toast or thick-cut white bread gives you that plush, bakery-style bite.
Ingredients for the Garlic Bread
- French or Italian bread: The canvas for your garlic butter. Choose fresh, slightly crusty loaves.
- Unsalted butter: The creamy base that carries the garlic flavor. Use high-quality for rich taste.
- Fresh garlic: The heart of the recipe. Use minced cloves for the most flavor.
- Parsley: Adds color and a fresh, slightly peppery note.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor.
- Olive oil (optional): A splash deepens the savory profile and gives a crisper finish.
How To Make the Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small pan over low heat, melt the butter and add finely minced garlic. Cook gently for 2–3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Stir in a bit of olive oil and chopped parsley, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Slice and Slather
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your loaf in half lengthwise or cut into thick slices. Spread the garlic butter generously over each piece, ensuring it seeps into the nooks.
Step 3: Toast to Perfection
Place the bread on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Bake for 10 minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes until golden and crispy on top.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with a bit more fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
How to Serve and Store Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is best served hot and fresh from the oven for that perfect contrast of crispy edges and tender middle. If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes—skip the microwave to keep the texture right.
What to Serve With Garlic Bread?
Pasta Dishes
Garlic bread is a soulmate to saucy pastas like fettuccine alfredo or marinara spaghetti.
Creamy Soups
Try it with tomato basil or loaded potato soup for a comforting combo.
Salads
Caesar salad or a simple balsamic-dressed green salad pairs well.
Chicken Dishes
Think creamy garlic chicken or chicken cordon bleu casserole for a hearty match.
Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
Adds texture and contrast to dishes like roasted parmesan green beans or oven-fried potatoes and onions.
Hearty Casseroles
Serve it alongside million dollar ravioli casserole to mop up the extra sauce.
Want More Side Dish Ideas?
If you loved this garlic bread, you’ll want to try these other crowd-pleasers:
- Roasted Parmesan Green Beans for a crispy, cheesy veggie side.
- Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes with comfort-food flair.
- Oven-Fried Potatoes and Onions for that crispy-tender bite.
- Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup to dip your garlic bread right in.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a meal with matching flavor profiles.
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Tried this garlic bread at home? Let me know how it turned out in the comments. Did you go classic or add a twist like cheese or chili flakes?
Let’s share the love for this easy, buttery favorite. Your tips might just become someone else’s secret upgrade.
Explore more irresistible side dishes and comfort-food favorites on ChefAlchemy’s full collection of Recipes.
Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Looking for the ultimate side dish that’s easy, flavorful, and universally loved? This garlic bread recipe delivers crispy edges, a buttery soft center, and irresistible garlicky goodness in every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner, planning a comforting weekend meal, or need ideas for a delicious snack, this recipe fits right in. With simple ingredients and a quick bake time, it’s the kind of go-to everyone needs in their recipe box. Perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, casseroles, and more—this is your new favorite easy recipe for a satisfying food idea that never disappoints.
Ingredients
1 loaf French or Italian bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small pan over low heat, melt the butter and add finely minced garlic. Cook gently for 2–3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
2. Stir in olive oil and chopped parsley, then remove from heat.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the bread in half lengthwise or into thick slices.
4. Spread the garlic butter generously over each slice.
5. Place bread on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Bake for 10 minutes.
6. Broil for 1–2 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For extra crispiness, toast the bread slices slightly before adding garlic butter.
Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy garlic bread upgrade.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: garlic bread, side dish, dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas
