Can I make this garlic bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the garlic bread and refrigerate it for a few hours before broiling. Just let the butter soften slightly before spreading if it's been refrigerated.

My broiler tends to burn things quickly. Is there another cooking method?

Yes! You can bake the garlic bread at 450°F for 8-10 minutes instead of broiling. You'll still get that wonderful golden top without having to watch it quite so carefully. For a softer version, wrap in foil and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Certainly! If using unsalted butter, simply increase the added salt from 1/2 teaspoon to 3/4 teaspoon to compensate for the missing salt in the butter.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a good quality dairy-free butter alternative and either omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

The Ultimate Garlic Bread Recipe

Name: The Ultimate Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread; 1/2 cup salted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

This mouthwatering garlic bread transforms a simple loaf into an irresistible side dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With its perfect balance of butter, garlic, herbs, and cheese, this recipe creates that ideal combination of crispy edges and soft, flavorful center. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the perfect addition to pasta nights, soups, or simply enjoyed on its own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 10 minutes – perfect for when you need something delicious alongside dinner without any fuss.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from picky kids to discerning adults will devour this garlic bread – it’s that universally appealing.
Customizable: Easily adjust the garlic level, herbs, or cheese to match your preferences or what you have on hand.
Restaurant Quality: Creates that perfect combination of buttery, garlicky flavor with the ideal crispy-yet-soft texture you’d expect from your favorite Italian restaurant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

French Bread: The foundation of great garlic bread – its sturdy texture holds up perfectly to the butter mixture while staying soft inside.
Butter: Use salted butter as it adds the perfect seasoning base. Make sure it’s properly softened for easy spreading.
Olive Oil: Creates a wonderful richness and helps the butter spread more easily while adding a subtle Mediterranean flavor.
Dried Basil and Oregano: These classic Italian herbs infuse the butter with incredible flavor. They’re much more convenient than fresh herbs here.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty element that creates beautiful golden spots when broiled. Freshly grated works best, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
Minced Garlic: The star of the show! Fresh garlic provides bold, aromatic flavor that dried garlic powder simply can’t match.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors and adds that perfect finishing touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to make this recipe your own:

Cheesy Delight: Add mozzarella on top during the last minute of broiling for a stretchy, cheesy version.
Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat lovers.
Fresh Herb Upgrade: Swap dried herbs for fresh chopped basil, parsley, or rosemary when they’re in season.
Fancy It Up: Add sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic for a more gourmet version.

How to Make The Ultimate Garlic Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bread

Position your oven rack 6-8 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler. Slice your French bread lengthwise and place both halves cut-side-up on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, dried basil, oregano, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Spread and Broil

Generously spread the garlic butter mixture across both bread halves, making sure to go all the way to the edges. Place under the broiler and watch carefully as it cooks. In about 2-5 minutes, you’ll see the edges turning golden and the surface getting bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Remove from the oven once it reaches your desired level of toastiness. Let it cool for just a minute, then slice into portions and serve while still warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened – not melted or too cold – for the easiest spreading and best texture.
Broiler Management: Every broiler is different, so don’t walk away! Stay nearby and check frequently to prevent burning.
Even Spreading: Distribute the garlic butter all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh garlic rather than jarred for the best flavor – those few extra seconds of mincing make a huge difference.
Let It Rest: Allow the garlic bread to cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing to let the butter settle into the bread.

How to Serve

Garlic bread pairs beautifully with so many dishes! Here are my favorite serving suggestions:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or fettuccine alfredo
Use it to soak up delicious soups like minestrone or tomato
Serve with a fresh green salad for a simple weeknight meal
Cut into smaller pieces as a party appetizer with marinara dipping sauce

Family Style:

For casual dinners, place the whole loaf on a wooden cutting board in the center of the table and let everyone tear off their own pieces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 days. The flavor remains delicious, though the texture won’t be quite as crisp as fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked garlic bread for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. When ready to use, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, wrap leftovers in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works in a pinch (about 20 seconds), but the bread will be softer rather than crispy.

FAQs

Can I make this garlic bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the garlic bread and refrigerate it for a few hours before broiling. Just let the butter soften slightly before spreading if it’s been refrigerated.
My broiler tends to burn things quickly. Is there another cooking method?

Yes! You can bake the garlic bread at 450°F for 8-10 minutes instead of broiling. You’ll still get that wonderful golden top without having to watch it quite so carefully. For a softer version, wrap in foil and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Certainly! If using unsalted butter, simply increase the added salt from 1/2 teaspoon to 3/4 teaspoon to compensate for the missing salt in the butter.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a good quality dairy-free butter alternative and either omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Garlic Bread recipe transforms a simple loaf into something truly special with minimal effort. Whether paired with your favorite pasta, served alongside a hearty soup, or enjoyed on its own, it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly from your table. The combination of butter, fresh garlic, herbs and that perfect broiled finish creates an irresistible side dish that might just steal the spotlight from your main course!