Name: How to Make Garlic Bread
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, softened (sub plant-based); 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 baguette (I used a 14oz loaf)

Featured Comment

Bridget commented: “So simple, yet so delicious!! ★★★★★”

Whether we are making pasta, soup, or anything else for dinner, there is nothing better than a buttery piece of freshly baked garlic bread! Our favorite way to enjoy this very easy homemade garlic bread is with a pasta dinner including Baked Italian Meatballs smothered in Homemade Marinara Sauce. It is on our regular meal rotation and the whole family absolutely loves it! Trust us, you need to take 20 minutes and make this delicious garlic bread!

Looking for a Cheesy Bread?

Then you definitely need to try our Italian Dunkers (+ Herby Butter)! A childhood classic that is so good!

Key Ingredients + Substitutions

Be sure to see the full recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, & estimated nutritional information.

butter – option to use plant-based butter, vegan butter, or any other softened butter.
baguette – any of your favorite baguettes from the local bakery or grocery store will work! Even if it is pre-sliced bread, the foil will help hold it all together.

How To Make Homemade Garlic Bread

Two images showing the butter mixture in a white bowl before mixing and after. — Begin by combining the garlic butter mixture in a small bowl.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is amazing all on its own but you also have the option of making some variations, if you want. Here are a few options:

Gluten-free: grab a gluten free bread, if you want it to be gluten-free.
Dairy-free: use a plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
Cheese: feel free to sprinkle some cheese in between the slices or on top (this could also be dairy free cheese).
More garlic: if you really like a lot of garlic, add more minced garlic or garlic powder.
Herbs: option to mix some thyme or parsley into the garlic butter for added flavor.

Two images showing the loaf of bread with cuts in it and then with the butter mixture being added. — Make cuts down the baguette and slather that butter mixture in each cut.

Can I Freeze the Unbaked Garlic Bread?

Yes, the fully prepped bread with the garlic butter added can be wrapped up in aluminum foil and placed in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and bake before serving. A great way to always have some garlic bread on hand!

Garlic bread in foil after baking. — Wrap it all up in foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Best Ways To Serve Homemade Garlic Bread

We love serving this amazing garlic bread with any dinner recipe! Here are a few of our favorites:

Pasta Dinners: Homemade Lasagna, Cheesy Baked Rigatoni, & Pappardelle Bolognese.
Cozy Soups: BEST Roasted Chicken Soup or Minestrone Soup.
Fresh Salads: an Avocado Salad or Strawberry Chicken Salad.

Storage

Baked garlic bread is best enjoyed right away but if you have leftovers, wrap them in aluminum foil or in an airtight storage container and store at room temperature for 1-2 days. To reheat, simply place bread on a plate and warm in the microwave or place the foil-wrapped bread in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Made this recipe and loved it?!

We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!

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How to Make Garlic Bread

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Author: Erin Jensen
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

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Description

This simple step-by-step recipe on How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread is made with 5 real ingredients. So simple and so good!

Ingredients

Scale

1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, softened (sub plant-based)
1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 baguette (I used a 14oz loaf)

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Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Butter Mixture: Put the butter, 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic in a small bowl. Mix to fully combine & set aside.
Prep Bread: Cut baguette into thick (1 inch) slices, without cutting all the way through the bottom. Using a knife, spread the butter inside each slit in the baguette.
Bake: Wrap baguette in aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven, middle rack. Bake for 15 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Can I prep the garlic butter mixture ahead of time? Yes, it can be mixed in a bowl, covered, and stored in the fridge until needed. Just make sure to leave it out at room temperature or soften in the microwave before using.
Can I use parchment paper? Yes, it can be used in place of foil, but be sure to wrap it securely around the garlic bread to keep it covered during the baking process.
Storage: leftovers can be kept in an airtight container on the counter top for 1-2 days, but it is best served fresh out of the oven.