Bread

Garlic bread with sliced bread

Craving the warm, buttery aroma of homemade garlic bread? You don’t need fancy baguettes or a bakery to enjoy this comfort classic. With just a few simple ingredients and regular sliced bread, you can create golden, garlicky slices that are crispy on the edges, soft inside, and bursting with flavor. Perfect as a snack, side, or even a quick meal, this garlic bread recipe is fast, easy, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients List

Garlic Butter Spread Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Bread

  • 8 slices white bread

Required Kitchen Tools

Making perfect garlic bread is easier with the right tools. Here’s what I always use:

  1. Mixing Bowl – To combine the butter, garlic, and seasonings evenly.

  2. Butter Knife or Spatula – For spreading the garlic butter onto the bread without tearing it.

  3. Baking Sheet – Essential for arranging the slices in the oven for even cooking.

  4. Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper – Makes cleanup easier and helps prevent the bread from burning.

  5. Oven or Toaster Oven – To toast the garlic bread to golden perfection.

With these tools, making homemade garlic bread is quick, simple, and mess-free.

Preparing the Garlic Butter

The secret to flavorful garlic bread is in the butter spread. Here’s how I do it:

  1. Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature so it’s easy to mix.

  2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.

  3. Add Fresh Parsley: Fold in the finely chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the garlic butter.

This garlic butter is now ready to transform ordinary sliced bread into something extraordinary.

Preparing the Bread

To ensure the perfect balance of crispy and soft:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) for evenly toasted bread.

  2. Spread the Butter: Take each slice of bread and generously spread the garlic butter mixture over one side. Make sure every corner is covered for consistent flavor.

  3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the slices on a lined baking sheet, buttered side up.

Baking the Garlic Bread

Baking is the step where your kitchen fills with that irresistible garlic aroma.

  1. Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the butter has melted into the bread.

  2. Optional Broil: For extra crispy tops, switch to the broiler for 1–2 minutes—but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving and Garnishing

Once your garlic bread is baked, it’s time to add the finishing touches:

  1. Sprinkle Extra Parsley: For a fresh, vibrant look, lightly sprinkle some additional chopped parsley on top.

  2. Serve Warm: Garlic bread tastes best straight from the oven when it’s still warm and buttery. Serve it alongside pasta, soup, or enjoy it on its own as a quick snack.

Storage Instructions

Keeping Garlic Bread Fresh

  • Short-term: Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.

  • Reheating: Warm the bread in a preheated oven for 3–5 minutes to restore its crispiness.

Freezing for Later

  • You can freeze the buttered slices before baking. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Making garlic bread with sliced bread is a game-changer for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. With just a handful of ingredients, a few minutes of prep, and simple baking steps, you can create a snack or side dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. The buttery, garlicky flavor, paired with the soft yet crispy texture, makes it impossible to resist. So grab your bread, whip up the garlic butter, and fill your kitchen with that amazing aroma—because nothing beats homemade garlic bread made with love.