Grilled Garlic Bread Recipe

This Grilled Garlic Bread is crispy, buttery, and packed with rich garlic flavor. Grilling adds a smoky, charred touch that elevates this classic side dish, making it the perfect companion to BBQ, pasta, or steak. Whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a Traeger, this easy recipe will be a hit at your next cookout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky & Crispy – Grilling adds a delicious char and crunch.
• Easy & Quick – Ready in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Pairs with Everything – A great side for BBQ, pasta, or soups.
• Customizable – Add cheese, herbs, or even spicy flavors.
• Perfect for Cookouts – A crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

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

• 1 loaf French bread (or Italian bread)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Grill

• Heat your grill to medium heat (about 375-400°F).
• For a charcoal grill, use indirect heat to prevent burning.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter

• In a bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Stir until smooth and well combined.

3. Slice the Bread

• Cut the French bread in half lengthwise.
• Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides.

4. Grill the Bread

• Place the bread butter-side down on the grill.
• Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly charred and crispy.
• Flip and grill for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

5. Add Cheese & Serve

• If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the bread in the last 30 seconds of grilling.
• Remove from the grill, slice, and serve warm!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Bread – Add shredded mozzarella or provolone.
• Herb Butter Garlic Bread – Mix in rosemary, thyme, or basil.
• Spicy Garlic Bread – Use extra red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey.
• BBQ Garlic Bread – Brush with BBQ sauce before grilling.
• Vegan Version – Swap butter for plant-based butter or olive oil.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or refrigerate for 3 days.
• Reheating:
  • Oven – Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
  • Grill – Reheat over indirect heat for 2-3 minutes.
  • Air Fryer – Heat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Yes, but fresh garlic has the best flavor. Use 1 tbsp pre-minced garlic if needed.

What type of bread works best?

French, Italian, sourdough, or ciabatta all work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Spread the garlic butter on the bread and refrigerate until ready to grill.

Can I cook this in the oven instead of a grill?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes for crispiness.

How do I keep garlic bread from burning?

Grill over medium heat and check frequently to prevent charring.

Can I freeze garlic bread?

Yes! Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Grill or bake from frozen.

What’s the best way to serve grilled garlic bread?

Pair it with steak, BBQ ribs, pasta, soups, or salads.

Can I add bacon or toppings?

Absolutely! Try crumbled bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic.

How do I make garlic knots on the grill?

Use pizza dough, twist into knots, brush with garlic butter, and grill for 3-4 minutes per side.

Can I use compound butter instead?

Yes! Make a batch of garlic herb butter and store it for multiple uses.

Conclusion

This Grilled Garlic Bread is crispy, buttery, and full of smoky garlic flavor, making it the perfect side for any meal. Whether you’re grilling steak, BBQ, or pasta dishes, this quick and easy recipe will elevate your next cookout. Fire up the grill and enjoy a warm, garlicky bite of deliciousness!

Print