Golden Crusty Garlic Bread

Golden Crusty Garlic Bread is a warm, buttery side dish that’s irresistibly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Made with crusty bread, fresh garlic, and a generous slather of herbed butter, this simple yet indulgent recipe is the perfect pairing for pasta, soups, salads, or any comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and golden with a soft, buttery interior
• Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep
• Versatile—serve as a side, snack, or appetizer
• Customizable with cheeses, herbs, or spices
• Always a crowd-pleaser and kid-friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 large baguette or Italian bread loaf
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for extra garlic flavor
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Make Garlic Butter
   In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Add optional garlic powder or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
3. Prepare the Bread
   Slice the bread in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves. Sprinkle with cheese if using.
4. Bake
   Place the bread halves cut side up on the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the butter has melted and the edges are golden and crisp.
5. Optional Broil
   For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
6. Serve
   Remove from the oven, slice, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 15–17 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan before baking.
• Spicy Version: Mix in red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili.
• Herb-Infused: Use fresh basil, thyme, or oregano instead of parsley.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter or olive oil and skip the cheese.
• Garlic Bread Sticks: Slice into thinner strips before baking for dippable garlic breadsticks.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes or in a toaster oven until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked garlic bread wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to cook time.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, use ½ teaspoon garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available, though fresh gives the best flavor.

What type of bread works best?

French baguette, Italian bread, or ciabatta all work well for a crisp exterior and soft interior.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the bread and refrigerate until ready to bake (up to 24 hours). Bring to room temp before baking or add extra bake time.

How do I make it extra crispy?

Bake longer or finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes for maximum crunch.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce or omit added salt in the garlic butter mixture.

Can I add cheese?

Definitely. Parmesan, mozzarella, or a cheese blend all work wonderfully.

How long does it stay crispy?

Garlic bread is best served right out of the oven. If it sits too long, it may soften—reheat in the oven to crisp it up again.

Is garlic bread gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free bread and follow the same recipe.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, olive oil can be used for a slightly different, Mediterranean-style version.

What should I serve garlic bread with?

It pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, soups like tomato or minestrone, or as part of an appetizer spread.

Conclusion

Golden Crusty Garlic Bread is a timeless classic that’s incredibly easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Whether you serve it alongside pasta, soup, or simply enjoy it on its own, this garlic bread recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Crisp, buttery, and packed with flavor—it’s comfort food at its best.

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