Roasted Garlic Bread Recipe
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Roasted garlic bread is a classic side dish that never fails to impress. With its crispy edges and soft, garlicky center, it’s a perfect match for hearty pasta dishes, comforting soups, or just as a quick snack right from the baking sheet. However you serve it, roasted garlic bread always brings a bold, satisfying flavor that everyone loves.
I always keep roasted garlic bread in my lineup of go-to sides, especially when hosting or enjoying a cozy night at home. It’s quick to make, tastes incredible, and is always a crowd-pleaser.
I like to switch it up with my other favorites like bread machine pumpkin bread and bread machine zucchini bread, but this recipe always gets the most compliments. It’s warm, buttery, and full of that classic garlic taste that never gets old. Once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to this easy homemade version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make ahead: Prep, freeze, and bake when needed. Great for meal planning or when you want a quick, tasty side.
- Customize your way: Add cheese, sprinkle on some herbs, or kick up the heat with a little spice. Adjust the toppings to fit your vibe.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes. Just mix, spread, and bake, no special skills needed.
- Crispy and garlicky: Perfectly balanced with a golden, buttery crust and rich garlic flavor that complements any meal.
- Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a festive party, this garlic bread fits right in.
- Fresh and homemade: So much better than store-bought. Making it from scratch gives you that unbeatable homemade taste.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Bread
Who doesn’t love roasted garlic bread, especially when it’s homemade? Forget about those greasy or chewy slices from the store. This recipe gives you soft, buttery bread with crispy edges that taste amazing. It only takes 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to bake, so you can have the best garlic bread on your plate in no time.
For the full recipe, scroll down to find the printable card with all the ingredients, measurements, and easy instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Bread: Choose French bread, Italian bread, or a baguette for the perfect balance of a crisp crust and soft, fluffy center. These types hold up well and give you that classic texture.
- Butter: Go for unsalted so you can add the right amount of salt yourself. This way, the flavor stays balanced and not too salty.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are your best bet. They give a bold, classic garlic flavor that makes the bread stand out.
- Salt
- Parmesan cheese: Adding this on top makes the bread golden and a bit crispy. Freshly grated is best, but if you want it super cheesy, toss in some shredded mozzarella too.
- Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes the bread look more appetizing and adds a hint of freshness.
Step-By-Step Instructions
You won’t believe how easy it is to make roasted garlic bread at home. Start by mixing up the garlic butter, then spread it generously on your bread slices. Pop them in the oven to bake, and finish with a quick crisp to get that perfect golden texture. Serve it straight from the oven while it’s warm and fresh.
Step 1: Get the oven ready
Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Move the oven rack up to the top third, so your bread gets nice and toasty.
Step 2: Spread the garlic butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Slice your bread loaf in half lengthwise, then generously spread the garlic butter over each half.
Step 3: Bake
Place the bread halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them for about 8 to 10 minutes, just enough to let the butter melt and soak in.
Step 4: Top and toast
Once baked, sprinkle on some Parmesan if you like, a bit of fresh parsley, and a touch more salt. Turn the oven to broil and toast the bread for 1 to 2 minutes until the top is crispy and golden.
Step 5: Slice and serve
Take the bread out, let it cool for a minute, then slice it into individual pieces. Serve while it’s still warm and enjoy!
Substitutions
If you’re running low on ingredients, don’t stress! Use whatever you have on hand or get creative with some easy substitutes. Here are a few swaps to try:
- Bread: Ciabatta and sourdough work great if you’re looking for a similar texture to French bread. For a softer, more buttery option, brioche or Texas toast are perfect choices.
- Butter: Olive oil makes a lighter alternative, while ghee adds a richer, deeper flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, plant-based butter is a good swap.
- Garlic: Roasted garlic gives a milder flavor, while jarred minced garlic or garlic powder (about a teaspoon per clove) work when fresh isn’t available.
- Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano brings a sharper, saltier taste, while mozzarella adds a creamy, melty texture.
- Parsley: Dried parsley works well in a pinch, just use half the amount. Fresh basil or chives can also add a nice touch of flavor.
Expert Tips
- Let the butter rest: If you have a few extra minutes, let the garlic butter sit for about 10 minutes before spreading. It gives the flavors time to blend and make the taste richer.
- Brush for even coating: Use a pastry brush to spread the garlic butter. It helps cover the bread evenly without making it too greasy.
- Go for day-old bread: A slightly stale loaf actually works better since it crisps up nicely in the oven while staying soft on the inside.
- Serve right away: Enjoy the garlic bread while it’s hot and fresh from the oven. If it cools down, pop it back in the oven to reheat instead of using the microwave to keep it crispy.
- Add a dipping sauce: Take it up a notch by serving garlic bread with marinara, salsa, whipped ricotta, or a spinach and artichoke dip on the side.
How to Store This Recipe
Store leftover roasted garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350 F for about 10 minutes.
To freeze, spread the garlic butter on the bread, place it in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to a month. When ready to bake, take it straight from the freezer and bake as usual, adding 3 to 5 extra minutes.
What to Serve with Roasted Garlic Bread
Roasted garlic bread is a go-to side that adds a little something special to any meal. It’s a classic pairing with pasta dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, or creamy fettuccine Alfredo. It also goes great with a bowl of French onion soup or baked potato soup.
If you’re putting together a plate with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted veggies, adding garlic bread on the side makes it even better. They also make a great addition to your charcuterie table or spread, along with other types of bread and jams! Of course, it’s pretty amazing on its own, too!
More Appetizer Recipes To Try
- Bruschetta al pomodoro
- Deviled eggs without mayo
- Potato skins
- Air fryer stuffed mushrooms
- Parmesan and garlic wings
No-Fail Roasted Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound French bread Italian bread, or baguette
- ½ cup butter unsalted, softened to room temperature
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Move the oven rack up to the top third, so your bread gets nice and toasty.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Slice your bread loaf in half lengthwise, then generously spread the garlic butter over each half.
- Place the bread halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them for about 8 to 10 minutes, just enough to let the butter melt and soak in.
- Once baked, sprinkle on some Parmesan if you like, a bit of fresh parsley, and a touch more salt. Turn the oven to broil and toast the bread for 1 to 2 minutes until the top is crispy and golden.
- Take the bread out, let it cool for a minute, then slice it into individual pieces. Serve while it’s still warm and enjoy!
Notes
- If you have a few extra minutes, let the garlic butter sit for about 10 minutes before spreading. It gives the flavors time to blend and make the taste richer.
- Use a pastry brush to spread the garlic butter. It helps cover the bread evenly without making it too greasy.
- A slightly stale loaf actually works better since it crisps up nicely in the oven while staying soft on the inside.
- Enjoy the garlic bread while it’s hot and fresh from the oven. If it cools down, pop it back in the oven to reheat instead of using the microwave to keep it crispy.
- Take it up a notch by serving garlic bread with marinara, salsa, whipped ricotta, or a spinach and artichoke dip on the side.
