Garlic bread recipe is a simple yet unbeatable side dish that adds bold taste and satisfying crunch to any meal. By spreading the mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs on a bread slice – usually French or Italian rolls- then baking or toasting until golden and fragrant, this classic favorite is easy to prepare and loved by all. Garlic bread pairs with pasta, soup, salad, or grilled meat and is a versatile addition to countless dishes.

Whether you like it soft and buttery or crispy and golden, there is a garlic recipe to match every preference. You can also customize it by adding a touch of cheese, fresh herbs, or spices to enhance the taste. Homemade garlic bread also increases the special and comfortable simplicity of dinner. With only a few pantry staples, you can create a warm, charming treat that makes a family favorite at the table.
Garlic Bread Recipe

Garlic Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread (about 12 inches)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ black pepper (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 375 ° F (190 ° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleaning.
- Slice the bread in half length or cut it into thick individual slices based on preference.
- Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, add soft butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt and alternative pepper. Mix until it is well smooth.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the sliced edges of the bread using a spoon or spatula.
- Alternative: Sprinkle grated permission or mozerela cheese at the top for one thing variation.
- Bake in a hot oven before 10-12 minutes or until the edges melt golden and butter.
- For additional crispness: 1-2 additional minutes of broile at high, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve hot with slices and pasta, salad, or your favorite soup.
Notes
Flavour Profile of Garlic Bread Recipe
- Strong Garlic Flavor: Garlic is the essence, and the profile ranges from mellow (after roasting) to sharp and almost spicy (raw or briefly sautéed).
- Richly Savory and Umami: The union of garlic and beurre (or olive oil) brings forth a certain deep, savory richness loaded with umami, especially under the blanket of salt.
- Buttery and Silky: Melted butter provides a rich, creamy base, smoothing down the pungency of garlic and delivering a pleasing mouthfeel to the bread.
- Herbaceous Notes (from Parsley or Italian Herbs): Fresh parsley has a green and slightly peppery freshness, while some dried or fresh Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or thyme) bring in a certain earthy aromatic note.
- Toasty and Caramelized Crust: Baking or broiling produces a golden, crispy finish that is slightly caramelized and tinged with faint nutty and toasty notes, great in contrast to the soft interior.
- Light Bread Flavor: The bread base (commonly baguette or Italian loaf) provides a mild yeasty, slightly tart flavor that pairs with the intense garlic-butter combo.
- Cheese Variation: If the topping is Parmesan or mozzarella, garlic bread will acquire an extra salty-cheesy, creamy-tangy layer that lifts further into Umami and richness.
- Saltiness Against Fat: An ideal garlic bread is sufficiently salted and fat-laden so that every mouthful teems with flavor but is not greasy or overpowering.
Garlic Bread Recipe Nutrition & Calories
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice (50g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| – Unsaturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| – Sugars | 1 g |
| – Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
| Vitamin A | 5% DV (from butter/parsley) |
| Vitamin C | 1% DV |
| Potassium | 70 mg |

Megan Sheley is the passionate voice and creative force behind Clean Meal Recipes. With over 7 years of experience as a Food Blogger and Recipe Developer, Megan blends her love for wholesome food with her educational background in Public Health to create nutritious, delicious, and approachable recipes.