Summary:
I vividly remember the first time I helped my mother make garlic bread. The kitchen filled with the warm aroma of garlic and butter, and I was hooked for life. Even now, this garlic bread recipe brings back that nostalgic comfort with every batch. However, it’s not just bread – it’s a garlicky hug for the soul, delivering warmth and delight in each bite. And in this recipe, I’m sharing the tips and little secrets I’ve learned over the years to ensure you get perfect results every time. Whether achieving the ideal golden crust or balancing the rich butter and fresh herbs, I’ve got you covered. It feels like I’m in the kitchen with you, guiding you to buttery, crispy bliss.
Equipment
- Oven (or toaster oven)
- Air fryer (for the air fryer method)
- Skillet or frying pan (for stovetop method)
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Spoon or pastry brush
- Aluminium foil (optional, for keeping bread warm)
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread or baguette (about 12–16 inches), preferably day-old, for extra crunch
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced (or one teaspoon garlic paste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, less if using salted butter)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (for a cheesy garlic bread variation) – Optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano (for extra herby flavour) – Optional
Instructions: Garlic Bread Recipe (3 Ways)
Depending on your kitchen tools and desired result, there are a few ways to make this garlic bread recipe. Whether you prefer the classic oven method, a quick air fryer fix, or a stovetop toast, each approach will give you irresistibly savoury bread. Moreover, each approach will provide you with irresistibly savoury bread. Next, choose your method below and follow these simple steps for perfect garlic bread:
Oven Method (Classic and Crispy)
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt to create a rich garlic butter spread.
- Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise (so you have two long halves). Then, spread the garlic butter mixture generously onto the cut sides of each half. Make sure to cover every inch for ultimate flavour.
- Place the buttered halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Then, bake for 10 minutes until the butter melts and the bread turns golden at the edges. If you prefer extra crunch, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool for a minute, then slice each half into pieces. Finally, warmly serve your oven-fresh garlic bread and enjoy the heavenly aroma as everyone digs in!
Air Fryer Method (Quick & Golden)
- Alternatively, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes (if your model requires preheating). While it heats, cut your loaf into smaller sections that can fit into the air fryer basket.
- Prepare the garlic butter spread by mixing softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a bowl (if you haven’t already done so). After that, spread a generous layer of this garlic butter on each piece of bread.
- Arrange the buttered pieces in a single layer, garlic side up, in the air fryer basket. Then, air fry at 350°F for about 5–6 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the edges are crisp. (You might need to work in batches if all pieces don’t fit simultaneously.)
- Carefully remove the hot garlic bread from the air fryer using tongs. Take a moment to savour that garlic bliss wafting up. Then, serve immediately. Also, this method makes garlicky slices crispy outside and soft inside, perfect for when you’re short on time.
Stovetop Method (Buttery Skillet Toast)
- No oven? No problem – instead, use a skillet on the stove to get a lovely golden crust. Adding a tiny dab of butter or a drizzle of olive oil to the pan to help toast is unnecessary if your bread is well-buttered.
- Spread the prepared garlic butter on one side of each bread slice or half. Once the skillet is hot, place the bread buttered side in the pan. Gently press it with a spatula to ensure even contact.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, check frequently, checking the buttered side turns golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic — if the bread is browning too fast, lower the heat.
- Remove the bread from the skillet when the bottoms are toasted to your liking. The top will be warm and soft, and the bottom will be crisp. Finally, slice (if you used half loaves) and serve immediately. Enjoy this stovetop garlic bread, a great option when an oven isn’t available.
Notes:
- Cheesy Variation: For an irresistibly cheesy garlic bread recipe, sprinkle grated mozzarella or Parmesan on the bread after spreading the garlic butter. Then bake (or air fry) for 2 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. As a result, you get a decadent, cheesy crust that takes your garlic bread to the next level.
- Party Serving – Garlic Bread Bar: This garlic bread recipe is a crowd-pleaser, making it great for gatherings. For parties or game nights, consider a garlic bread bar setup. Keep the bread warm (wrap it in foil in a low oven) and set out toppings like extra cheese, red pepper flakes, chopped herbs, or even marinara sauce for dipping. Also, guests will love customising their slices, which keeps everyone returning for more.
- Storing & Reheating: If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence with garlic bread!), wrap them in foil to keep them fresh. You can leave it at room temperature for up to a day, or refrigerate it for 2–3 days. To reheat, warm the bread in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or re-toast slices in an air fryer for 2–3 minutes. Additionally, you can freeze this garlic bread recipe for later. Wrap the prepared (unbaked) bread tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze it. When you’re ready to indulge again, bake straight from frozen at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, until it’s hot, fragrant, and crispy.