If you love the comforting aroma of fresh bread infused with zesty garlic and herbs, you are going to adore this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe. It takes simple pantry staples and transforms them into a crunchy, flavorful masterpiece that makes any meal feel special. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, soup, or just craving a delicious snack, this garlic bread is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with layers of savory, slightly spicy goodness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for weeknight dinners and gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward, easily available ingredients that come together beautifully to create that crave-worthy garlic bread flavor. Each component has a key role, from the creamy butter that carries all the spices, to the fresh parsley adding brightness, and the parmesan that gives a subtle cheesy depth.
- 6 Tbsp butter: The rich base that absorbs all the garlic and herb flavors perfectly.
- ½ lemon juiced: Adds a fresh, tangy note to balance the richness.
- 4 garlic cloves minced: The star ingredient bringing bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard: Introduces a subtle sharpness and complexity.
- 1 tsp paprika: Offers a gentle smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper: Provides a hint of warmth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep umami punch to the mix.
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped: Brightens the overall flavor and adds freshness.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory notes subtly.
- ½ tsp dried thyme: Brings earthy, herbal undertones.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes: Offers an extra kick of heat for those who like it spicy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty element that melts into golden perfection.
- 1 (16-oz) loaf French bread: The perfect vehicle with a crisp crust and soft crumb inside.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. This ensures a hot environment so your garlic bread bakes quickly and crisps up nicely, locking in all those rich flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Spread
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, onion powder, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Season with kosher salt and black pepper for that perfect balance. Finally, fold in the grated parmesan cheese which melts into the butter mixture, creating an irresistible cheesy-garlic spread.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Take your French bread loaf and slice it in half lengthwise, exposing the soft crumb on the inside. Place both halves on a baking sheet, cut side facing up. Generously spread your flavorful garlic butter mixture over each half, making sure every inch is coated for maximum taste.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. As it bakes, the butter melts into the bread, the edges turn crispy golden brown, and the garlic aroma fills your kitchen with pure delight. Keep an eye out so it doesn’t burn, just reaches that perfect crunch!
Step 5: Garnish and Slice
Once out of the oven, sprinkle some dried parsley over the hot bread for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Slice it into generous pieces while still warm so that creamy, garlicky goodness oozes invitingly.
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of parmesan cheese right before serving for a vibrant finish. For a touch of decadence, drizzle a little high-quality olive oil or add freshly cracked black pepper on top to amplify the flavor.
Side Dishes
This homemade garlic bread shines when paired with a variety of meals. Serve it alongside a hearty spaghetti bolognese, creamy tomato soup, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. It also makes a fabulous accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted vegetables whenever you want to add a crispy, buttery twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this garlic bread alongside a cheese and charcuterie board for a fun appetizer spread. Or cut it into smaller sticks and serve it as dippers with warm marinara or pesto sauce. You can even top the slices with melted mozzarella and chopped olives for a delicious garlic bread pizza variation that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the garlic bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days while maintaining its flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze this homemade garlic bread by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When stored this way, it can last up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor and aroma.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the garlic bread and place it on a baking sheet. Warm in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy instead of delightfully crusty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread is classic because of its crust and soft interior, you can use Italian bread, sourdough, or even a baguette. Just adjust the baking time slightly depending on the thickness and density of your bread.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar can add a similar umami richness to the garlic butter mixture. Just adjust the quantity carefully to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based spread like margarine or coconut oil and use a vegan parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese. The flavor will still be amazing and just as satisfying.
How spicy is this garlic bread?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. If you prefer it milder, reduce or skip the red pepper flakes. For more heat, you can add extra cayenne or hot paprika according to your taste.
Is this garlic bread suitable for freezing after baking?
It’s best to freeze it before baking for optimal texture when reheated. Baked garlic bread can get a little soggy when frozen and thawed. To freeze before baking, prepare the bread with the butter mixture, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the crispy, buttery, garlicky magic of this Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe. It’s easy enough for a quick dinner upgrade but special enough to impress guests or make any mealtime memorable. Once you give it a try, I’m confident this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead and whip it up—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This homemade garlic bread recipe combines a flavorful blend of butter, fresh garlic, spices, and parmesan cheese, spread generously on a crusty French bread loaf and baked until golden and crispy. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, it’s quick to prepare and richly aromatic.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 6 Tbsp butter, softened
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Bread
- 1 (16-oz) loaf French bread
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the bread to a crispy finish.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, onion powder, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until well mixed.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise so you have two long pieces with the cut side up. Place them on a baking sheet, ready to be topped.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet with the bread halves in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bread is nicely crispy and golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, optionally sprinkle with extra dried parsley for color and flavor, then cut into slices and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for maximum aroma and flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to control the level of spice.
- For a crispier texture, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Leftover garlic bread can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth but can be omitted for a milder version.
