How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread (Best Recipes in Minutes)
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked garlic bread wafting through your kitchen, instantly creating feelings of comfort and warmth. Whether serving it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, garlic bread is a versatile and beloved staple for the dinner table that everyone seems to adore.

The best part? Making delicious, homemade garlic bread is easier than you might think, and there are many ways to change the recipe. Let’s walk through the simple steps and share my most treasured recipes to ensure your garlic bread turns out perfectly every time.
For a truly unique garlic bread, why not try making your homemade garlic bread seasoning mix? You can tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes perfectly.
Another great way to enhance this easy garlic bread recipe is with some homemade compound garlic butter. Plus it is a great way to use up any fresh garlic you have and store it for later use.
What Bread To Use For Homemade Garlic Bread
Choosing the right bread is crucial to making exceptional garlic bread. Here are some of the most popular types of bread for garlic bread and why they work so well:
- French Baguette: The classic choice and the best bread for garlic bread, the French baguette (or French bread) has a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior that soaks up the garlic butter beautifully.
- Italian Ciabatta: Known for its rustic appearance and hearty texture, this Italian bread has large, airy holes that allow the garlic butter to penetrate deeply, providing a rich flavor with every bite.
- Sourdough: Sourdough’s mildly tangy taste adds an interesting dimension to garlic bread. Its chewy texture and sturdy crust make it perfect for holding up to a generous spread of garlic butter.
- Artisan Bread: These breads often have unique flavor profiles and textures that can complement garlic butter in unexpected ways, from nutty and dense to light and fluffy. Pull apart garlic bread is also made with a type of artisan bread that works well with cheese and garlic butter.
- Texas Toast: Thick and hearty, Texas toast can handle heavy butter and garlic without becoming soggy, making it perfect for a more indulgent, flavorful garlic bread experience.
- Bread Rolls: For a fun twist, try using small dinner rolls to make individual garlic bread roll portions. Perfect for parties or large gatherings!
How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread
Making simple garlic bread at home is quick and easy. Here are the ingredients and instructions you need to get started:
Ingredients:

- 1 French baguette, sliced lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Spread the Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture onto the cut sides of the baguette.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the garlic butter.
- Bake the Bread: With a serrated knife, cut baguettes in half lengthwise. Place the baguette halves on a baking sheet cut side up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing the bread into serving pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!

This easy homemade garlic bread recipe is perfect as an accompaniment to your favorite pasta dishes, and soups or as a tasty appetizer to start your meal. Enjoy the delightful flavor and aroma of homemade garlic bread fresh from your oven!
How to Upgrade Your Garlic Bread
While simple garlic bread is undeniably delicious, there are plenty of ways to elevate this classic dish to new heights. Whether you’re looking to add a gourmet touch or want to incorporate additional flavors, these upgrades will take your garlic bread from good to extraordinary.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
For a decadent twist, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the garlic butter before baking. The result is a gooey, cheesy delight that pairs perfectly with hearty soups and pasta dishes.
Herbed Garlic Bread
Enhance the flavor complexity of your garlic bread by mixing in a variety of fresh herbs with your garlic butter. Consider adding rosemary, thyme, or basil to the butter along with the parsley. These herbs will infuse the bread with aromatic and savory notes.
Spicy Garlic Bread
If you enjoy a bit of heat, upgrade your garlic bread by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños into the garlic butter. A spicy kick adds an exciting twist and pairs well with rich, comforting mains.
Pesto Garlic Bread
Spread a thin layer of fresh pesto on top of the garlic butter before baking. The mixture of basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic will bring a vibrant, Italian flair to your bread, making it a perfect side for any Mediterranean meal.
Bacon Garlic Bread
For a savory, smoky upgrade, sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon over the garlic butter before baking. The crispy bacon bits add a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the bread, making it hard to resist.
Truffle Garlic Bread
A touch of truffle oil or truffle salt can transform your garlic bread into a luxurious treat. Drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the garlic butter before baking or sprinkle a pinch of truffle salt for an indulgent and aromatic experience.
Experimenting with these variations will make your garlic bread a standout dish, impressing your guests and satisfying your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread is a versatile side that complements a variety of dishes. Here are some tips on what to serve it with to create a well-rounded meal:
- Pasta Dishes: Garlic bread pairs beautifully with classic Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, fettuccine Alfredo, and lasagna. The crispy, buttery bread sops up rich sauces and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Soups: Serve garlic bread alongside hearty soups such as tomato basil, creamy wild mushroom, or minestrone. The bread can be used to dip into the soup, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Salads : A fresh, crisp salad like Caesar or a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice. The contrasting textures and flavors make for a refreshing balance.
- Grilled Meats: Garlic bread is a great accompaniment to grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or pork chops. The savory bread complements the meat’s smoky, charred flavors.
- Appetizer Platters: Include garlic bread in an appetizer platter with options like bruschetta, antipasto, or cheese and charcuterie boards. It adds a satisfying element to nibble on.
- Seafood: Dishes like lemon garlic shrimp, clam chowder, or baked fish can benefit from the robust flavor of garlic bread. It soaks up buttery sauces and provides a delightful contrast to the tender seafood.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
The air fryer is an excellent option if you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to make garlic bread. The hot, circulating air crisps the bread beautifully, giving it a crispy exterior and a soft, buttery inside.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: As described in the initial recipe, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well.
- Spread the Butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on the cut sides of a sliced baguette.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Air Fry the Bread: Place the bread, cut side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Instant Pot Garlic Bread
While the Instant Pot is typically known for its pressure cooking capabilities, you can also use the sauté function and a trivet to achieve a perfectly toasted garlic bread.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: Follow the same steps for preparing the garlic butter mixture as outlined in the initial recipe.
- Spread the Butter: Spread the garlic butter over the cut sides of a sliced baguette.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté mode and adjust to “More” for higher heat. Place a trivet inside the pot.
- Toast the Bread: Place the garlic bread on the trivet and cover the pot with a glass lid that fits (or the Instant Pot lid with the vent set to open). Check frequently and toast for about 5-7 minutes or until the bread reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Serve: Remove the bread from the Instant Pot, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Stovetop Garlic Bread
Cooking garlic bread on the stovetop is a great alternative if you don’t want to use the oven. This method allows you to achieve a nicely toasted crust with a soft interior.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Spread the Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter on the cut sides of a sliced baguette.
- Preheat a Skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook the Bread: Place the bread, cut side down, in the skillet. Press down lightly with a spatula and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
By trying out these various cooking methods, you can find the one that best suits your kitchen setup and personal preferences. Each method offers a unique way to enjoy the deliciousness of garlic bread with minimal effort.

FAQs
Yes, you can use pre-minced garlic, but fresh garlic cloves generally offer a more robust flavor. If using pre-minced garlic, substitute 1/2 teaspoon for each clove called for in this great recipe.
Absolutely! Prepare the garlic butter mixture and spread it onto the bread. Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the original instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used as a substitute. Since dried herbs are more concentrated, use about one-third of the amount called for in this easy recipe. Alternatively, you can omit it or substitute it with other herbs like basil or oregano.
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