Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of perfectly crispy, golden-brown garlic bread that's bursting with rich, buttery flavor and aromatic garlic. This Super Easy Garlic Bread recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen - so simple that even novice cooks can create a restaurant-worthy side dish in just 15 minutes! Whether you're preparing for a family dinner, hosting a party, or just craving a delicious accompaniment to your meal, this Italian-inspired garlic bread will have everyone begging for more.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even heating.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the garlic is evenly distributed.
- Slice the French bread lengthwise horizontally, creating two long halves. This will help the garlic butter spread evenly and create maximum flavor coverage.
- Using a butter knife or spatula, spread the garlic butter mixture generously and evenly across both halves of the bread, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge.
- Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet, with the buttered side facing up. For extra crispiness, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the butter is completely melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Slice into portions and serve warm as a delicious side dish or appetizer.
Tips
- Use fresh garlic for the most intense flavor - pre-minced garlic from a jar can't compare to the vibrant taste of freshly chopped cloves.
- Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This helps the mixture spread evenly and creates a more consistent coating.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Watch the bread carefully in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on the color and adjust cooking time if needed.
- If you want to prepare ahead, you can assemble the garlic bread and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- For a crispier texture, you can briefly broil the bread for 1-2 minutes after baking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
