Homemade Garlic Bread

Buttery, herby, and loaded with garlic, Homemade Garlic Bread is a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy night in, or serving it as a side to your favorite pasta dish, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and robust flavor. With a crispy exterior and soft interior, making this delicious bread is a breeze—and you can even freeze it for later use!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute preparations.
• Flavor-Packed: Loaded with fresh garlic and herbs, every bite bursts with flavor that will elevate any meal.
• Versatile Use: Serve it alongside pasta, salads, soups, or enjoy it on its own as a tasty snack.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and store it in the freezer for fresh-baked goodness whenever you crave it.
• Customizable Toppings: Add cheese, spices, or herbs according to your taste for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make Homemade Garlic Bread, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and ensures delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Serrated bread knife
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These tools help achieve a smooth garlic butter blend quickly and evenly.
• Baking sheet: Essential for placing your bread during baking to achieve that perfect crispiness.
• Serrated bread knife: Ideal for slicing the bread without squashing it, maintaining those delicious textures.

Ingredients

For this scrumptious Homemade Garlic Bread, gather the following ingredients:

• 12-ounce (340g) loaf of crusty bread, sliced in half horizontally
• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• 4 teaspoons finely minced fresh garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or 1/8 teaspoon fine salt)
• optional: 1/3 cup (27g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• optional for garnish: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place both halves of the bread, cut side up on the lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Beat together the softened butter, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and parmesan cheese (if using) on medium-high speed until completely combined and smooth.
2. If your butter is soft enough, you can simply use a fork to mash everything together.

Step 3: Spread the Garlic Butter

Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread halves.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 16–18 minutes. Look for crispy edges that are golden brown. If you prefer an even crispier texture, feel free to extend this time by a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes until cool enough to handle. Then transfer the garlic bread to a cutting board. If desired, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes. Using a serrated bread knife, slice into pieces and serve warm.

Step 6: Store Leftovers

Cover any leftover bread tightly and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Homemade Garlic Bread!

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Bread

Homemade garlic bread is a versatile dish that pairs well with many meals. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner or hosting a gathering, garlic bread can elevate your dining experience.

With Pasta Dishes

• Spaghetti Marinara: The rich tomato sauce complements the buttery garlic flavor.
• Fettuccine Alfredo: Creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with the crispiness of garlic bread.
• Pesto Pasta: The herbal notes from the pesto enhance the freshness of the garlic.

As an Appetizer

• Bruschetta: Top with diced tomatoes and basil for a fresh twist.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add mozzarella on top before baking for an extra cheesy treat.

In Salads

• Caesar Salad: Serve alongside this classic salad for added crunch and flavor.
• Greek Salad: The acidity of the salad dressing is perfectly balanced by the richness of garlic bread.

How to Perfect Homemade Garlic Bread

To make your homemade garlic bread truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs to enhance flavor.
• Don’t Skimp on Butter: Generously spreading butter ensures a rich taste and crispy texture.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for varied flavors.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bread; extend baking if you prefer a crunchier exterior.
• Add Herbs: Incorporate additional herbs like oregano or basil for more depth in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Garlic Bread

Garlic bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enriching any meal. Here are some ideal options:

1. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens adds freshness to your meal.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide a nice contrast in texture and taste.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers complement the rich flavors of garlic bread.
4. Chicken Alfredo Bake: This creamy dish offers indulgent comfort alongside crispy garlic bread.
5. Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of soup is perfect for dipping your garlic bread.
6. Caprese Salad: The combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is delightful with garlic bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade garlic bread is easy, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold butter – Cold butter makes it difficult to mix with the garlic and herbs. Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for smooth spreading.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Precision matters in cooking. Use measuring spoons and cups to ensure you have the right amounts of garlic, salt, and butter for optimal flavor.
• Overbaking the bread – Leaving it in the oven too long can lead to burnt edges. Keep an eye on your bread and remove it once it’s golden brown and crispy.
• Skipping the herbs – Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient; it enhances the overall taste of your homemade garlic bread.
• Neglecting to cover leftovers – Storing leftover garlic bread improperly can make it go stale quickly. Always cover it tightly or store it in an airtight container.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Homemade Garlic Bread

• Wrap the baked garlic bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Garlic Bread

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave – Wrap individual slices in a damp paper towel and heat for 10-15 seconds until warm, but this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add slices of garlic bread and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about homemade garlic bread that might help you out.

How do I make vegan homemade garlic bread?

You can substitute unsalted butter with plant-based margarine or olive oil. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by about one-third.

What type of bread is best for homemade garlic bread?

A crusty loaf like ciabatta or artisan bread, works best as they hold up well during baking and provide a great texture.

How can I customize my homemade garlic bread?

Feel free to add spices like oregano or basil, or even top with mozzarella cheese before baking for a cheesy twist!

Can I freeze homemade garlic bread after baking?

Absolutely! Just wrap it tightly and store it in your freezer for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

This homemade garlic bread is not just delicious; it’s also versatile enough to complement any meal. It’s easy to whip up and customize based on your preferences. Whether you keep it classic or add your favorite toppings, we encourage you to try making this delightful dish at home!