Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe

Closeup of garlic bread slices with crispy, golden edges.

5 from 1 vote

Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe

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.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: -16 slices

Calories: 188kcal

Author: Misty

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

Tips and 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.

How to make it cheesy: 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 about 2-3 tsps on each half). Bake for about five more minutes, until it's melty.

Fresh vs Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs offer incredible flavor! But you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

Reheating: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through. To restore some of the crispiness, remove the foil and broil it for 1-3 minutes at the end.

Nutrition