If your typical Garlic Bread with French Bread feels a little "meh," this recipe is for you! We have tested many different methods in our search for perfectly golden, crispy edges and a soft, pillowy middle. This one is the winner! We use salted butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs for a delicious, classic flavor. Check out the post for other variations, a cheesy option, and our top tips.
After years of feeding a busy family, our goal is to give you simple, straightforward, and truly yummy sides! Explore our other Homemade Bread Recipes for more inspiration like this.
Garlic bread can be made so many different ways, but not all results are equal. When we're in a hurry, we usually do the classic method of slathering on some butter and popping it under the broiler. But when we want the great results, we use the method shared in this post.
This is one of our go-to sides when serving Italian food, alongside this classic Italian Chopped Salad that we've been serving for over 25 years (you know a recipe is good when it lasts that long)!
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Why this recipe made the cut
We focus on sharing only the recipes that we make on repeat for our own families, and this is one of them! Here's why our taste testers approve:
- It's really flavorful without being complicated.
- It is the perfect balance between crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- It uses just enough butter for moisture and flavor without so much that it ends up soggy (trust me... we went through a lot of butter to test the different ratios).
- It's easy to change up depending on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Ingredients for easy garlic bread recipe
This recipe requires 5 simple ingredients! Quantities are in the recipe card below, but here are a few tips that may help you get the best results.
- French bread: You will need a 1lb French loaf (or use crusty Italian).
- Butter: Use the highest quality butter you can afford - it's worth it for this recipe since it's so much of the flavor! Costco grass-fed butter and Kerrygold butter are my splurge choices, or I use the standard salted butter from Sam's Club with great results. I always use salted butter.
- Fresh garlic: I have used fresh minced and pre-minced. Although it's true that the flavor is a little different, I don't find the difference to be radical. I use pre-minced garlic 98% of the time to save energy. Garlic powder and garlic salt are not great substitutes because the flavor is truly different.
- Fresh parsley: Chopping it fresh is really worth the extra 2 minutes. This one step creates restaurant-quality flavor!
- Salt: Don't skip this! This is an often overlooked ingredient that really levels up the flavor.
Helpful kitchen tools
How to make garlic bread with French bread
Start by using a serrated bread knife to cut the French loaf in half horizontally, making it as even on the top and bottom as possible. I like to use my left hand to hold the loaf firmly on the cutting board, then use my right hand to cut it horizontally with a sawing motion.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, herbs, and salt until well combined.
Spread the butter evenly across both halves of the loaf. You can use a butter knife or an offset spatula to do this quickly.
Place the prepared loaves on a standard or large baking sheet. There is really no need to line it with foil or parchment paper.
Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, rotate the pan to help it brown evenly.
It is done when the crust is golden and crunchy, the top is lightly golden brown, and the middle is soft.
Variations
Parsley is the classic choice, but this recipe is extra delicious when you use a variety of fresh herbs! Top choices are thyme, basil, rosemary, chives, or sage. I suggest picking three and using 1 teaspoon of each. Red pepper flakes are also a fun addition!
How to make it cheesy garlic bread
During the last five minutes of baking, add ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese over each half of the loaf (1½ cups total). You can also add freshly grated Parmesan on top if you'd like (the measurement does not need to be precise, but I would do about 2-3 tsps on each half). Put it back in the oven and bake for about five more minutes, until it's perfectly melty.
What to serve with homemade garlic bread
How to store and reheat
Garlic bread is by far the best when served fresh from the oven. But if you have leftovers, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Storing in the refrigerator will make it more tough.
To reheat it, wrap it in foil and pop in the oven (or toaster oven) at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, or until it's warmed through. To restore some of the crispiness, remove the foil and broil it for 1-3 minutes at the end.
FAQs
I really think the fresh herbs is what takes this recipe from average to great, but you can definitely substitute if needed. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.
If you prefer softer bread, simply bake it for 5-8 minutes less than directed, or until it is your preferred crispiness.
French bread is the most classic! For the softest middle and crispiest edges, buy it fresh the day you want to make it. The grocery store usually bakes it in the morning, so I go early to get my loaf, then allow it to cool completely to room temperature on my counter. Don't start with warm bread or it may develop a gummy texture.
You can prep the butter mixture ahead and store it at room temperature for 1-2 hours or in the fridge for 1-3 days. You will need to soften it to room temperature if stored in the fridge, then proceed with the recipe as written.
Tips & tricks
- Use the freshest bread possible. Even day old loaves are more stale, dry, and tough.
- The butter should be softened to a spreadable consistency, but not melty. If it's too melty, it will soak in instead of coating the bread evenly.
- Spread the butter mixture all the way to the edges so that the sides don't dry out.
- Slice it with a sharp serrated knife so that it doesn't squish as it cuts.
- Serve it warm! It is absolutely the most delicious when served fresh from the oven.
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Recipe
Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb loaf french bread
- 10 tablespoon butter softened
- 3 teaspoon minced garlic about 3 medium cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced herbs parsley, rosemary, thyme, basil, chives, or sage
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the center of the oven.
- Using a sharp serrated bread knife, slice the loaf in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves as even in thickness as possible.1 lb loaf french bread
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, herbs, and salt until well combined. Spread the butter evenly across both halves of the loaf.10 tablespoon butter, 3 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh minced herbs, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Place the loaves on a cookie sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, rotate the pan to help it brown evenly. It is done when the crust is crispy, the top is lightly golden brown, and the middle is soft. Serve fresh!
- *If making cheesy bread, see notes.
Notes
- Use the freshest bread possible. Even day old loaves are more stale, dry, and tough.
- The butter should be softened to a spreadable consistency, but not melty. If it's too melty, it will soak in instead of coating the bread evenly.
- Spread the butter mixture all the way to the edges so that the sides don't dry out.
- Slice it with a sharp serrated knife so that it doesn't squish as it cuts.
- Serve it warm! It is absolutely the most delicious when served fresh from the oven.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Danielle says
Such a classic flavor taken to the next level!