Perfect Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

Turn any dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience with this foolproof garlic bread recipe that serves 4. Made with fresh garlic and rich butter, this recipe transforms simple French bread into a warm, aromatic side dish your family will request again and again.

Key Takeaways:

• Ready in just 20 minutes using basic ingredients
• Perfect blend of fresh garlic and butter creates restaurant-quality flavor
• Makes 4 generous servings – ideal for family dinners
• Works with any type of French or Italian bread

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Equipment Needed

• Large baking sheet
• Small saucepan
• Pastry brush
• Serrated knife
• Cutting board
• Garlic press (optional)

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 16 inches)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter, softened
• 6 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase (10-15 minutes)

1. Take the butter out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before starting. This softening step is crucial – softened butter should indent easily when pressed with your finger but still hold its shape.
2. Preheat your oven:
   • Press the “Bake” button on your oven
   • Set temperature to 400°F (200°C)
   • Wait for the oven’s preheat signal (usually a beep or light)
   • This takes about 10-15 minutes – use this time for other prep work
3. Prepare your baking sheet:
   • Choose a baking sheet large enough to fit your bread halves
   • Line it with parchment paper
   • If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the sheet with butter
4. Set up your workspace:
   • Clear a clean counter space
   • Gather all ingredients and tools
   • Place a damp paper towel under your cutting board to prevent slipping

Making the Garlic Butter (5-7 minutes)

1. Prepare the garlic:
   • Separate the garlic head into individual cloves
   • Peel each clove by gently crushing with the flat side of your knife
   • Remove all papery skin
   • Count out 6 cloves
   • Using a sharp knife, mince the garlic into very tiny pieces (about the size of grains of sand)
   • If using a garlic press:
     • Place one peeled clove at a time in the press
     • Squeeze firmly over a small bowl
     • Scrape off garlic stuck to the press
2. Prepare the parsley:
   • Rinse fresh parsley under cold water
   • Pat completely dry with paper towels
   • Remove leaves from stems
   • Gather leaves into a tight bunch
   • Chop finely using a rocking motion with your knife
   • Measure 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
3. Mix the garlic butter:
   • In a medium bowl, place 8 tablespoons (1 stick) softened butter
   • Add minced garlic
   • Add chopped parsley
   • Add 1/4 teaspoon salt
   • Add 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
   • Using a rubber spatula or spoon:
     • Press and stir ingredients together
     • Scrape sides of bowl
     • Mix until everything is evenly distributed
     • No streaks of plain butter should remain
   • Let mixture rest for 5 minutes to blend flavors

Bread Preparation (3-5 minutes)

1. Prepare the bread for cutting:
   • Place bread on cutting board
   • Position bread so the more rounded side faces up
   • If bread is very fresh, remove any price tags/stickers
2. Cut the bread:
   • Using a serrated knife (the one with teeth):
   • Hold bread firmly but gently – don’t squeeze
   • Position knife horizontally at the middle of the bread’s height
   • Using a gentle sawing motion:
     • Start at one end
     • Move knife back and forth while applying light pressure
     • Let the knife do the work – don’t force it
     • Continue until bread is completely cut through
   • You should now have two equal halves
3. Position bread for topping:
   • Place both halves on prepared baking sheet
   • Cut sides should face up
   • Leave about 1 inch of space between halves
4. Apply garlic butter mixture:
   • Using a clean spatula or butter knife:
     • Take about 1/4 of the butter mixture
     • Start from the center of one bread half
     • Spread outward in gentle strokes
     • Add more butter as needed
     • Ensure even coverage right to the edges
     • Repeat with second half
   • If using Parmesan:
     • Sprinkle evenly over buttered surfaces
     • Use about 2 tablespoons per half

Baking Instructions (10-12 minutes)

1. Position oven rack:
   • Move rack to middle position
   • Ensure there’s enough clearance for the baking sheet
2. Place bread in oven:
   • Open oven door completely
   • Using oven mitts, lift baking sheet
   • Slide sheet onto middle rack
   • Close oven door gently
3. Set timer and monitor:
   • Set timer for 8 minutes
   • Watch bread through oven window if possible
   • Look for these signs of doneness:
     • Edges turning light golden brown
     • Butter completely melted
     • Surface looking slightly crispy
4. Optional broiling step:
   • Only if you want extra crispiness
   • Switch oven to broil setting
   • Watch constantly
   • Broil for 1-2 minutes until golden
   • Remove as soon as desired color is reached

Finishing Steps (2-3 minutes)

1. Remove from oven:
   • Put on oven mitts
   • Open oven door completely
   • Carefully slide out baking sheet
   • Place on heat-safe surface
   • Close oven door
   • Turn off oven
2. Cool briefly:
   • Let bread rest for 2-3 minutes
   • This makes it easier to cut
   • Butter will settle into bread
3. Cut and serve:
   • Using serrated knife:
     • Cut each half into 4-inch sections
     • Use gentle sawing motion
     • Aim for 4 pieces per half
   • Transfer to serving plate
   • Serve immediately while warm

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem: Butter not spreading easily

• Solution: Let butter soften longer at room temperature
• Quick fix: Microwave for 10 seconds at 50% power

Problem: Bread too crispy

• Solution: Reduce baking time by 2 minutes
• Prevention: Keep an eye on the bread during the last few minutes

Problem: Garlic tastes bitter

• Solution: Make sure garlic pieces aren’t too large
• Prevention: Don’t over-brown the garlic

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Version:
  • Use vegan butter substitute
  • Skip the Parmesan cheese
• Herbs & Spices:
  • Replace parsley with fresh basil or oregano
  • Add dried Italian seasoning
  • Include red pepper flakes for heat
• Cheese Options:
  • Add mozzarella for extra richness
  • Try Romano instead of Parmesan
  • Mix in shredded cheddar

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Wrap cooled leftover bread in foil
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days

Reheating Methods:

1. Oven (Best Method):
   • Wrap in foil
   • Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes
2. Toaster Oven:
   • Heat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes
   • Watch carefully to prevent burning
3. Microwave (Quick Method):
   • Heat for 20-30 seconds
   • Note: Bread will be softer, not crispy

Safety Notes & Tips

• Always check bread temperature before serving
• Use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheets
• Keep children away from hot surfaces
• Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning
• Clean cutting board thoroughly after use

Pro Tips:

• Choose fresh bread from your local bakery for best results
• Mince garlic just before using for strongest flavor
• Press down slightly on bread while spreading butter
• Let butter mixture rest for 5 minutes before spreading for better flavor distribution