Homemade Garlic Bread (Easy & Classic Recipe)

Name: Homemade Garlic Bread
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf French or Italian bread; ½ cup salted butter (softened (or olive oil)); 4 garlic cloves (minced (2 tsp) or 1 tsp garlic powder); 2 Tbsp chopped parsley (or 1 tsp dried); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

This homemade garlic bread recipe is buttery, golden, and full of flavor.

Made with French bread, real butter, and fresh garlic cloves, it bakes in the oven until crisp on the edges and soft in the center. You only need a few pantry ingredients, a baking sheet, and 10 minutes to make this easy side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta, soup, or casseroles. 👇👇

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Classic flavor: Real butter, garlic, and parsley make this taste just like restaurant-style garlic bread.
Quick and easy: Ready in about 10 minutes using basic pantry staples.
Family favorite: Always a hit with kids and adults.
Budget-friendly: One loaf of French or Italian bread stretches to feed a crowd.
Versatile: Customize it with melted mozzarella, Parmesan, or your favorite herbs for endless flavor options.

Note From Andi:

It's so much easier (and cheaper!) to make your own garlic bread at home - and honestly, it tastes way better than the store-bought kind. My daughter LOVES this recipe and has even started making it herself in our air fryer for after-school snacks.

This one's a staple in our house for pasta recipes. Whether it's baked spaghetti and meatballs, lazy ravioli lasagna, or a cozy casserole dinner, a batch of homemade garlic bread makes everything feel extra special. The trick is baking it just long enough for the butter and garlic to soak in for that golden, toasty edge everyone fights over.

Recipe Ingredients 👇👇

1 loaf French or Italian bread
½ cup softened salted butter - or olive oil
4 garlic cloves - minced, (about 2 tsp) or use 1 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp fresh parsley - finely chopped, or 1 tsp dried parsley
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - optional for extra flavor

Watch How To Make It 👇👇

https://youtube.com/shorts/KKsAVZTHfOo?si=2PB3gatFB3gSXdmx

Step-By-Step Instructions 👇👇

STEP 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

STEP 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup softened salted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves (about 2 tsp), 2 Tbsp chopped parsley, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.

STEP 3: Spread Evenly

Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the bread, making sure to cover all the way to the edges.

STEP 4: Bake

Place the bread butter-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, or until the butter is fully melted and the edges are crisp and lightly golden.

STEP 5: Slice and Serve

Let the garlic bread rest for 1 minute before slicing. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

Try using day-old bread for extra crispiness.
Soften butter at room temperature for easier spreading.
Dried parsley or Italian seasoning works well if you don't have fresh herbs.
Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or air fryer to keep them crisp.
Broil carefully - a few seconds can make the difference between golden and burnt.

Air Fryer Garlic Bread Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
Spread garlic butter mixture (½ cup butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 Tbsp parsley, ¼ cup Parmesan) evenly over sliced French or Italian bread.
Place slices butter-side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if needed.
Air fry for 4-6 minutes, until the edges are golden and the butter has melted into the bread.
Optional: Sprinkle mozzarella or extra Parmesan during the last 1-2 minutes for cheesy garlic bread.
Serve hot with pasta, soup, or salad.

Note: Air fryer times may vary slightly depending on the model.

Variations and Substitutions

Bread: Use baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta.
Butter: Substitute olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Garlic: Use roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
Cheese: Add mozzarella or cheddar before baking for cheesy garlic bread.
Herbs: Try Italian seasoning, oregano, or basil for variation.

What To Serve With

Serve with spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Alfredo, or sloppy joe pasta casserole.
Pair with homemade tomato soup or creamy tortellini soup.
The perfect side to Pan seared steak with creamy garlic mashed potatoes

How To Store Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or air fry for 3-4 minutes.
Freeze: Wrap unbaked bread tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

How To Store Leftovers

In my Dinner Rhythm Blueprint, this recipe pairs with almost any main dish.

Option 1: Serve fresh with pasta, casseroles, or soup.
Option 2: Use leftovers for garlic toast pizzas or homemade croutons.
Option 3: Slice into strips and serve as garlic breadsticks for dipping.
Option 4: Double the recipe and freeze one loaf for later.

Dinner Rhythm Tip: Keep extra loaves of French bread in your freezer - they turn into a homemade side dish in minutes.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes. Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder for every 4 cloves of fresh garlic.

What's the best bread for garlic bread?

A French or Italian loaf with a soft center and crisp crust works best.

Can I make garlic bread ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bread and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I make cheesy garlic bread?

Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan before baking for a melty, restaurant-style version.