Garlic bread is the ultimate comfort food – crispy, buttery, and packed with the irresistible flavor of garlic. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, this savory treat is always a crowd favorite. With a golden, crunchy crust on the outside and a soft, garlic-infused center, each bite is bursting with flavor. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, garlic bread is perfect for any meal – from a hearty pasta dish to a simple soup. Get ready to indulge in the perfect combination of garlic, butter, and bread, baked to perfection!
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) – This will give you a smooth, spreadable texture for the garlic butter.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic is key for that bold, aromatic flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on how garlicky you like your bread.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) – Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) – Essential to enhance the flavors of the garlic and cheese.
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes – A little heat from red pepper flakes can elevate the garlic bread, but this is optional based on your spice preference.
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf of French or Italian bread (or 4-6 smaller baguette slices) – French or Italian bread works best because they have a light, airy interior with a crunchy exterior. You can also use baguette slices for individual servings.
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – The mozzarella melts wonderfully and becomes gooey and stretchy, giving the cheesy garlic bread its signature texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan provides a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella. You can use more or less depending on your preference.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the garlic bread will bake perfectly without burning the cheese. If you plan to broil it for extra crispiness at the end, you can set your oven to broil for the last couple of minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a medium bowl, combine softened unsalted butter (make sure it’s at room temperature so it’s easy to mix) with the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is fully combined.
- Optional: If you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture and stir again. This gives a subtle spicy kick, but you can leave it out for a milder taste.
Step 3: Slice the Bread
- Slice the loaf of French or Italian bread in half lengthwise. If you are using baguette slices, cut them into 4-6 even pieces. The larger slices of bread will hold more garlic butter and cheese, but smaller pieces can be great for serving individuals.
- For an extra touch, you can lightly score the cut side of the bread with a knife, which will help distribute the butter evenly.
Step 4: Spread the Garlic Butter
- Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly on the cut sides of the bread. Make sure the butter covers every inch of the bread, ensuring every bite has that rich garlic flavor. For baguette slices, spread a thick layer on each piece.
- Be sure to spread it all the way to the edges for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic-buttered bread. Mozzarella is key for its meltiness, so be generous!
- Follow with the grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan adds a savory, sharp flavor and a little texture on top, giving the garlic bread a perfect golden finish when baked.
- If you prefer a cheesier garlic bread, feel free to add more mozzarella!
Step 6: Bake the Garlic Bread
- Place the bread halves (or baguette slices) onto a baking sheet. You can line the sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Bake the garlic bread in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. The bread should be golden brown on the edges, and the cheese should be fully melted and bubbly.For Extra Crispiness:
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes. This will help the cheese turn golden and slightly crispy on top. Be sure to watch it closely during broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the garlic bread from the oven once it’s done. If you like, you can sprinkle some additional fresh parsley over the top for an extra pop of color and freshness.
- Slice the bread into smaller pieces and serve while it’s warm!
Pro Tips:
- Using Softened Butter: If you forget to take out the butter ahead of time, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it. Just make sure it doesn’t melt completely!
- Make-Ahead Option: If you’re preparing garlic bread ahead of time, you can assemble everything and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help the flavors meld together for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Flavor Variations:
- Try adding Italian seasoning to the garlic butter for a more herby taste.
- Add freshly grated mozzarella (instead of shredded) for an even cheesier, stretchier texture.
- For a richer taste, you can mix in a little cream cheese with the butter to make the spread even creamier.
Serving Ideas:
Cheesy garlic bread makes an amazing side dish for pastas, salads, or soups. You can also serve it as an appetizer for parties, game nights, or casual dinners.
Enjoy your perfectly cheesy, garlicky bread!
