Golden, crispy on the outside and buttery soft on the inside, this Crusty Garlic Bread is the sidekick every meal deserves. Whether it’s paired with pasta, soup, or enjoyed straight from the oven, it’s impossible to resist a warm slice dripping with garlicky goodness.
What makes this garlic bread truly stand out is its simplicity and bold flavor. Using just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a bakery-style loaf that tastes like it came straight from a trattoria. Once toasted to golden perfection, each bite delivers the satisfying crunch and deep flavor you want in a comforting bread.
What Kind of Bread Should I Use?
For the ultimate crusty texture and hearty bite, go with a French baguette or Italian loaf. These breads have the ideal balance of chewy interior and crisp exterior. Avoid overly soft breads like sandwich loaves, which won’t hold up well to the butter and oven heat.
Ingredients for the Crusty Garlic Bread
- 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How To Make the Crusty Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prep the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt until well combined. If using, fold in the Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Slice and Spread
Cut the loaf in half horizontally. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across both cut sides of the bread, making sure to coat every inch.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
Step 4: Optional Broil
For extra crispiness, broil the bread on high for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Serving and Storing Your Garlic Bread
Slice and serve your crusty garlic bread while it’s hot and fragrant. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
To freeze, wrap the buttered (but unbaked) bread tightly in foil and store for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this dairy-free?
You can use vegan butter or olive oil as a substitute for the regular butter.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, though fresh garlic offers the most robust flavor. Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute.
What’s the best way to reheat garlic bread?
Wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid the microwave—it makes the bread soggy.
Can I add herbs or cheese?
Absolutely. Rosemary, thyme, or oregano all pair beautifully, and Parmesan or mozzarella add a cheesy finish.
Is it okay to make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and butter the bread, then refrigerate up to a day ahead or freeze for longer storage.
Want More Bread Ideas?
If you love this crusty garlic bread, you’ll probably enjoy these other savory bakes:
- Nutella French Toast Casserole
- Cinnamon Donut Bread
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
- Giant Zucchini Parmesan
- Funeral Potatoes
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Nina Dishes on Pinterest
Let me know in the comments how your crusty garlic bread turned out. Did you go for cheesy or keep it classic? Did you use fresh herbs?
I love hearing your twists. Ask away if you have questions—we’re in this flavor journey together.
Crusty Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside—this crusty garlic bread is the perfect side for any savory meal. Quick to prepare and loaded with flavor, it’s a must-have for pasta nights or soup dinners.
Ingredients
1 large French baguette or Italian loaf
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Fold in the Parmesan cheese if using.
2. Slice the loaf in half horizontally. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place bread halves on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden.
4. For extra crispiness, broil on high for 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Slice and serve warm. Wrap leftovers in foil to reheat later.
Notes
Use fresh garlic for the richest flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Want more crisp? Don’t skip the broil at the end.
To make ahead, prep and butter the bread and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Protein: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: garlic bread, side dish, crusty, butter, parsley
