Learn how to make the Best Homemade Garlic Bread in just 20 minutes! All you need is a good loaf of bread, a creamy and flavour-rich buttery spread, garlic and lots of it, a little Parmesan cheese and some fresh herbs. Bake it until it’s golden brown and you are well on your way to achieving the ultimate garlic bread experience. It’s crispy and crunchy, soft and pillowy and chalk full of BIG flavours. What could be better?! This garlic bread is so delicious that you would be hard pressed to stop at just one slice! Trust me!
Why buy store-bought when you can make your own at home with a handful of simple ingredients, a sheet pan and a good appetite. This side dish is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of soups, pastas and proteins. Try it alongside my White Bean and Kale Soup, Spaghetti with Pesto Cream Sauce and Chicken Margherita recipes for a crave-worthy meal! So, let me show you how it’s done. Grab a spoon and come and cook with me!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 13 - 15 minutes
Total Time: 18 - 20 minutes
Serves: 6 - 8
Ingredients:
1 loaf light rye bread (approx. 1 lb) (See Notes below)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (See Notes below)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (See Notes below)
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
6 cloves of garlic, minced (approx. 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 425F and line a 11” x 17” baking sheet with parchment paper.
To a medium bowl, add the butter, Parmesan cheese, parsley, olive oil, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes and mix until combined. Set aside.
Using a serrated knife, cut the rye bread in half horizontally. Place each half cut side up on the baking sheet.
Spread the garlic butter mixture onto each of the halves.
Bake for 13 - 15 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
Let the Garlic Bread rest for 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cutting board and cut into desired slices. Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
So Many Loaves to Choose From: I love using light rye bread in this recipe. It’s got a crunchy and crispy crust and a dense and chewy interior, making it the perfect vessel for my fragrant spread. You can go the traditional route and use Italian or French bread but be sure to keep an eye on the bread as it bakes, as the baking times may vary given the size and density of the loaf.
Softening the Butter: If you’re in a time crunch and waiting for the butter to soften, isn’t in the cards, then you’ll have to implement my quick and easy trick for getting your butter super soft in seconds. Place the butter in a medium microwave safe bowl and microwave in 5 second increments until the butter has slightly softened. The duration of heating time will depend on whether you are using bricks of butter or whether your butter has been cut into smaller pieces.
Fresh Is Best: Nothing quite compares to freshly grated Parmesan cheese! It’s rich, nutty and too savoury for words. At your local grocer, you’ll find pre-grated Parmesan cheese and the shelf-stable varieties but, I highly recommend buying a piece of fresh Parmesan and grating it. It makes a world of difference. Once you try freshly grated, you’ll never go back!
Extending the Life of the Garlic Bread!: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator until ready for use. Preheat the oven to 375F and wrap the garlic bread in aluminum foil. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until heated through. Serve and enjoy!