How to make Garlic Bread

Learn How to Make Garlic Bread with this easy recipe! Transform a simple store-bought loaf of bread into the best garlic bread you’ve ever tasted. With a few basic ingredients, you’ll create a buttery garlic spread that soaks into the soft bread, delivering incredible flavor and perfectly crispy edges.

Looking for more bread recipes? Try out Sourdough loaf, Sandwich Bread, Whole Wheat Bread, or Bread Machine Honey Oatmeal Bread.

When it comes to making the best garlic bread recipe, the right bread is key. Whether you’re using a whole loaf from the bakery section or fancy artisan baguettes, starting with soft bread will give you the end result of good garlic bread!

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There’s nothing quite like taking a simple loaf of bread from the grocery store and transforming it into the best garlic bread you’ve ever had. With just a few basic ingredients and a quick assembly, you can turn that ordinary loaf from the bakery section into something truly extraordinary. By combining softened butter, garlic powder, and herbs you’ll create a garlic butter spread that soaks into the soft bread, giving it an incredible flavor and those perfectly crispy edges we all crave. In just 10-15 minutes, you’ll have a homemade garlic bread that rivals any restaurant version, and it all starts with that humble loaf of Italian bread.

What you’ll love about this recipe:


  • SUPER EASY – This recipe comes together in just a few minutes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion.
  • PERFECT SIDE DISH -Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, or a salad, this cheesy garlic bread is the perfect complement to any meal.
  • CHEESY GOODNESS – Loaded with mozzarella and parmesan, this garlic bread is a cheese lover’s dream.

Ingredients you’ll need:

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe:

  • Salted butter
  • Granulated garlic powder (you can use fresh garlic also)
  • Dried parsley
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Loaf of sliced Italian bread 

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

Butter:  Using softened butter ensures that the spread mixes easily and gives the bread a rich, savory flavor. I don’t recommend melting the butter, just let it sit out on the counter for 30 minutes.

Cheeses: A combination of grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella creates a perfect blend of flavor and gooeyness.

Bread: Choose a fresh loaf of Italian bread for the best texture and flavor.

Herbs: You can use fresh herbs instead.

*If you want to make French Bread Garlic Bread, sub out the Italian bread for a loaf of French bread.

Pro Tip

  • For an extra crispy finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step by Step Instructions:

Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Slice the bread loaf in half, lengthwise; set aside.

Step 2: In a bowl combine the softened butter, garlic powder, parsley, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well.

Step 3: Spread mixture evenly on each slice of the Italian Bread. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

 Storage and Reheating:

Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.  

Reheating: To reheat, place the garlic bread on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.  

Freezing: You can freeze the prepared bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Additions & Substitutions:

ADDITIONS:

  • Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh or dried basil, oregano, or thyme to the butter mixture for added flavor.
  • Spices: For a little kick, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper.
  • Extra Cheese: Add some extra shredded cheese on top before baking for an even cheesier result.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

  • Butter: If you prefer, use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to the mixture.
  • Cheese: Try using a blend of Italian cheeses, or substitute with cheddar for a different flavor profile.
  • Bread: Use any bread of your choice. For softer bread, use regular bread with thick slices. To make crispy garlic bread with regular sliced sandwich bread slices, toast the bread before applying the garlic butter mixture. 


FAQs for the Best Garlic Bread recipe:

  1. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use different bread varieties such as a loaf of French bread,  sandwich bread or even hamburger buns.
  2. Can I adjust the amount of garlic? Certainly! If you prefer a stronger or milder garlic flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of garlic used in the recipe. You can add more or less based on your personal taste preferences. I love using my garlic press for minced garlic.I usually use 3 garlic cloves and it makes the best fresh garlic bread!
  3. Can I make garlic bread without an oven? While the traditional method involves baking in an oven, you can still enjoy garlic bread without one. You can use a toaster oven or an air fryer to toast the bread with the garlic butter mixture. If you’d like to make air fryer garlic bread, place the bread slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and monitor closely to achieve the desired level of crispness.

How to Make Frozen Garlic Bread:

Freezing and Reheating Garlic Bread Baguette:


Freezing Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Garlic Bread: Follow the recipe instructions up until baking. This means you’ll have prepared the butter and cheese mixture and spread it evenly on the Italian bread slices.
  2. Wrap for Freezing: Wrap each prepared bread slice individually in plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the flavors.
  3. Place in Freezer Bag: Place the wrapped bread slices in a resealable freezer-safe Ziploc bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing.
  4. Label and Date: Clearly label the bag with the date of freezing and a description of the contents. This will help you keep track of storage times.

Freezing Tips:

  • If you have a vacuum sealer, it’s an excellent way to remove air from the packaging, ensuring the bread stays fresh during freezing.
  • Freeze the bread as soon as possible after preparing to maintain the best quality.

Reheating Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen garlic cheese bread, preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Unwrap Bread: Remove the desired number of bread slices from the freezer. Unwrap them from the plastic wrap.
  3. Reheat in Oven: Place the unwrapped bread slices on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Check and Serve: Keep an eye on the bread slices as they reheat. You’re looking for them to be heated through and the cheese to be melted and bubbly. Once they’re golden brown and delicious, they’re ready to be served.

Reheating Tips:

  • Reheating time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the bread slices and your oven’s performance.
  • For a slightly softer texture, you can wrap the bread slices in aluminum foil before reheating. Just be aware that this might reduce the crispiness of the exterior.
Our Favorite

Side Dish Recipes that go well with garlic bread with garlic powder:

I’m excited for you to try this Cheesy Garlic Bread! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!

Garlic bread loaf and slices on a brown platter

How to make Garlic Bread

Vicky Hadley~Little Chef Within
Learn How to Make Garlic Bread with this easy recipe! Transform a simple store-bought loaf of  bread into the best garlic bread you've ever tasted. With a few basic ingredients, you’ll create a buttery garlic spread that soaks into the soft bread, delivering incredible flavor and perfectly crispy edges.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breads, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 20 slices
Calories 67 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 Tablespoons Salted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried parsley
  • 1/2 cup Grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • 1 loaf of Italian bread 14 ounce

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
  • Slice the bread loaf in half, lengthwise.
  • In a bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, parsley, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mx well.
  • Spread mixture evenly on each slice of the Italian bread. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 0.4gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 115mgPotassium: 10mgFiber: 0.001gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 199IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 0.04mg
Keyword bread, garlic bread, side dishes, sides
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31 Comments

  1. Thanks for the recipe. I will try it. I’m sure it is delicious. But I see instructions for preparing it, baking it, and freezing leftovers if desired. However, I don’t see how to re-heat my bread if I have chosen to freeze it for future use, which was the point of the recipe. Are there separate instructions for re-heating the frozen bread? Should I prepare the bread and freeze it, then bake when I take it out of the freezer? Please add that information. Thanks.

  2. This recipe is perfect for when we cook warm meals in the winter time. I am excited to try it! Thank you!

  3. We eat LOTS of garlic bread in our house. Making up a bunch ahead of time and freezing it is a GREAT tip! Thanks for sharing!

  4. Wow this looks mouth watering. Cant wait to make this with some spaghetti and meatballs! Yeah!

  5. 5 stars
    There are just two of us, so we waste so much money either buying frozen garlic bread or making our own and having so much left over that we don’t eat. Thanks for this easy solution.

  6. 5 stars
    Such a simple and delicious recipe. There is not much better than a freshly baked loaf of garlic bread to serve with dinner!

  7. Can’t wait to try this! I’ve been wondering how the stores and restaurants make such good bread….excited to make it for my family 🙂

  8. I always make garlic bread out of plain sandwich bread, but this recipe looks incredible and I’m going to start making mine this way. Thank you for sharing.

    1. I hope you like this recipe! I’ve made garlic bread out of sandwich bread plenty of times! Use up what you’ve got on hand!!

  9. Garlic bread is the best! My family loves it and it’s a must when we have spaghetti or chicken parmesan for dinner. I love the idea of making it ahead of time and tucking it into the freezer. I will have to do this so we always have some garlic bread to enjoy.

  10. This is such a great idea and your pictures are mouthwatering! My family is gluten-free and I am excited to try your recipe with gluten-free bread!

  11. I love garlic bread and this recipe looks really convenient to make. I also love how detailed your post is. Thanks for sharing, will definitely be bookmarking and trying this.

  12. 5 stars
    Love garlic bead and have not made it in yonks, so this is a good time to do it again.
    Thanks so much for participating and sharing at SSPS 296. See you again next week!

5 from 4 votes

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