If you love garlic bread as much as I do, you’ll be happy to know it’s one of the easiest recipes you can make at home. Not only can you customize it to your taste, but making it yourself also saves a little money—and the smell while it’s cooking? Absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a cozy side dish for dinner, or something to pair with a warm bowl of soup on a chilly fall or winter night, garlic bread is always a winner.
When it comes to picking the perfect bread, I’ve tried a few options, and three really stand out. Baguette is a classic favorite. Its thin, elongated shape means it crisps up beautifully on the outside while staying soft and tender inside. It’s perfect if you want that satisfying crunch without losing the buttery, garlicky goodness.
Then there’s ciabatta, which I love for its rustic, chewy texture and those airy holes inside. The butter and garlic seep right into the nooks and crannies, giving each bite a burst of flavor. It’s sturdy enough for thicker slices too, so you don’t have to worry about it getting soggy if you like a heartier piece.
And of course, French bread is always reliable. Slightly wider than a baguette, it has a soft interior with a golden, crisp crust that makes spreading garlic butter a dream. Its neutral flavor lets the garlic shine, so even a simple slice feels special.
Perfect Soups to Serve with Garlic Bread
One of the best things about this recipe is flexibility. If you want a hands-off approach, the oven method works beautifully and gives even crispiness. But if you’re short on time—or just want that extra fragrant, buttery smell filling your kitchen—you can pan-fry the slices instead. Either way, homemade garlic bread is easy, quick, and always satisfying.
Easy Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
6-8
servings10
minutes15
minutesThis recipe uses a classic baguette or French bread, which is perfect for creating individual slices
Ingredients
1 loaf of French bread or baguette (about 1 pound / 450g)
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
4-6 cloves garlic, minced (or more, to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for that vibrant green color)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1-2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Bread:
Slice the loaf of bread into 1-inch thick slices. This is similar to the slices shown in the image, perfect for creating individual pieces. You can also slice the bread lengthwise for a different style. - Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, add it now and mix it in. - Spread the Garlic Butter:
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on one or both sides of each bread slice. The image shows a good amount of topping, so don’t be shy! - Arrange and Bake:
Arrange the slices on a baking sheet. You can place them close together. - Bake:
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the butter is sizzling. For a crispier texture, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning. - Serve:
Let the garlic bread cool for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy it warm with pasta, soup, or as a standalone snack!
Pan-Fried Garlic Bread (No Oven Needed)
If you don’t feel like turning on the oven, here’s a little secret—you can make garlic bread right on the stovetop, and it turns out just as crispy and delicious. All you need is a good non-stick skillet and a few minutes of patience.
Start by preparing your garlic butter (just follow steps 1–4 from the original recipe) and spread it generously over one side of each bread slice. That buttery, garlicky layer is going to do all the work for you.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. No extra oil or butter is needed—the bread already has plenty. Lay the slices in the hot pan, butter-side down, and let them sizzle for 2–4 minutes. The bottoms will turn golden brown and crisp while the garlic fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.
To finish, you’ve got two options: cover the pan with a lid for a minute or two to gently warm the tops, or flip the slices for a quick toast on the other side. Either way, you’ll end up with perfectly crunchy, flavorful garlic bread—no oven required.
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