Few aromas are more enticing than freshly baked garlic bread hot from the oven. This classic Italian appetizer takes just minutes to prepare and bakes up crispy and fragrant. With just six ingredients, you likely have everything on hand to whip up the perfect loaf. This easy garlic bread recipe will be your new go-to for dunking in soups and stews or serving alongside hearty pasta dishes.
1. Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1⁄4 cup butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic (about 9 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1⁄4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread (about 24 inches long)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning and garlic powder until thoroughly combined. You can also use an electric mixer for a smoother spread.
Slice the loaf of bread width-wise into 1-inch slices, keeping the slices attached at the bottom. Carefully open the loaf like a book.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each slice of bread. Be sure to coat both sides lightly.
Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with any extra melted garlic butter from the baking sheet. Slice between each piece before serving.
The fragrant garlic and Italian seasonings permeate the crispy French bread to make each savory bite irresistible. The Parmesan adds a lovely umami richness as well. Feel free to add more or less garlic depending on your tastes.
For added flair, sprinkle some mozzarella or provolone cheese on top halfway through baking for deliciously gooey garlic bread. Or top with fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
2. How To Store, Freeze And Reheat Garlic Bread
Storing Garlic Bread: If you have leftover garlic bread, you can store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Garlic bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Garlic Bread: To freeze garlic bread, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Garlic bread can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, remove the bread from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, you can reheat the garlic bread in the oven at 375°F for about 5-10 minutes, or until it’s heated through and crispy.
Reheating Garlic Bread: To reheat garlic bread, preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the bread from the fridge or freezer and let it come to room temperature. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s heated through and crispy.
This easy 5-ingredient garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to pasta, soups and stews. Keep a loaf in the freezer so you can whip up homemade garlic bread anytime the craving strikes. The house will smell amazing as it bakes up crispy and golden. It tastes far better than any store bought loaf. Impress guests and family with this simple yet scrumptious recipe.
