House Favorite Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

This house favorite garlic bread is a simple yet irresistible side that elevates any meal. With a rich garlic butter spread and a crispy, cheesy crust, it’s the perfect companion to pasta, soups, or salads.

Ingredients

• Half a loaf of French bread or a full loaf of Italian bread
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, cut into chunks
• 1 large clove garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Soften the butter by microwaving it in short increments until easily spreadable.
2. Step 2: Grate the garlic directly into the softened butter to infuse it with fresh flavor.
3. Step 3: Add garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and minced parsley to the butter and mix well. If the mixture feels too runny, chill it briefly in the refrigerator to firm up.
4. Step 4: Cut the bread in half horizontally and spread a thick layer of the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves.
5. Step 5: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the center of the oven for 9 to 10 minutes. For a more golden, crispy finish, bake an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, slice into serving pieces, and enjoy while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top before baking for a gooey, cheesy crust.
• Use fresh Italian parsley for a bright herbal note, or substitute with basil for a different twist.
• Instead of garlic powder, add a pinch of onion powder or smoked paprika for subtle variations that deepen the flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350-degree oven for about 5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to taste when mixing the garlic butter to balance the flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for making ahead of time?

The garlic butter mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Spread it on the bread just before baking for the freshest taste and texture.

House Favorite Garlic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 85 reviews

This House Favorite Garlic Bread combines crispy, toasted bread with a rich, buttery garlic-parmesan spread enhanced by fresh parsley for a deliciously savory snack or side dish perfect for any meal.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread

• Half a loaf of French bread or a full loaf of Italian bread

Butter Mixture

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, cut into chunks
• 1 large clove garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Butter: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Soften the butter in the microwave in short bursts until easy to mix.
2. Grate Garlic Into Butter: Grate the large garlic clove directly into the softened butter for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in garlic powder, finely grated Parmesan cheese, and minced fresh parsley into the butter and garlic mixture. If the mixture feels too runny, chill it briefly in the fridge to firm up.
4. Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread in half lengthwise, laying the halves flat to create surfaces for spreading.
5. Spread the Garlic Butter: Generously spread a thick layer of the butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread halves.
6. Bake the Bread: Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for 9-10 minutes. For a more browned and crispy finish, bake an additional 1-2 minutes as desired.
7. Serve Warm: Remove the garlic bread from the oven, slice into serving pieces, and enjoy the warm, garlicky goodness immediately.

Notes

• If the butter mixture softens too much, refrigerate it briefly to make spreading easier.
• For added flavor, you can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• Use fresh parsley for better aroma and taste; dried parsley can be substituted but adjust quantities accordingly.
• This recipe works well with other crusty breads but French or Italian bread is preferred for the best texture.
• To make it vegan, replace butter with a plant-based margarine and ensure Parmesan is substituted with a vegan cheese option.

Keywords: garlic bread, garlic parmesan bread, easy garlic bread recipe, baked garlic bread, Italian side dish, buttery garlic bread