This is the ultimate Homemade Garlic Bread recipe: golden, buttery, and packed with savory garlic flavor in every bite. Whether you like it with crispy edges or soft and tender all the way through, this versatile recipe has a method for everyone. Made with real butter, garlic, herbs, and optional cheese, it transforms a simple loaf into the star of any dinner table.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 (16-oz) loaf of French bread

• ¾ cup salted butter (1½ sticks), softened

• ⅛ tsp kosher salt (or up to ½ tsp if using unsalted butter)

• ¼ tsp high-quality garlic powder

• 5–6 cloves fresh garlic, minced (about 3 tbsp)

• Optional herbs:

  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh thyme

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional for cheesy version:

  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese

Directions

To Make Garlic Butter:

1. In a bowl, soften the butter (microwave on low if needed, but don’t fully melt).

2. Mix in garlic powder, salt, minced garlic, and herbs (if using).

Crispy-Edge Garlic Bread Method (Best for Texture):

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Slice bread lengthwise and spread garlic butter generously across the cut sides and edges.

3. Place on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

4. Broil on high for 1–2 minutes until golden and crispy.

5. For cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle with cheeses before broiling.

Soft Garlic Bread Method:

1. Slice bread into 1-inch slices. Spread garlic butter on one side of each slice.

2. Arrange slices upright in loaf shape on a foil sheet, then wrap and seal.

3. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until heated through and butter is melted.

4. For cheesy version, add cheese between slices and bake for 20 minutes at 325°F.

Quick Weeknight Garlic Bread:

1. Slice bread on a bias into 1-inch slices and lay on a baking sheet.

2. Spread garlic butter on each slice.

3. Bake at 425°F for 3–7 minutes.

4. For cheese, add it and broil for 1–2 minutes until melted and golden.

Nutrients (Per serving)

• Calories: 225 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 2 g

• Protein: 5 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Saturated Fat: 14 g

• Cholesterol: 62 mg

• Sodium: 261 mg

• Sugar: 0.2 g

• Fiber: 0.1 g

• Calcium: 137 mg

• Iron: 0.2 mg

• Vitamin A: 777 IU

• Vitamin C: 2 mg

The Secret Is in the Garlic Butter

At the heart of exceptional garlic bread lies the garlic butter—a simple but powerful blend of softened butter, fresh minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and herbs. This mixture infuses the bread with bold flavor and rich aroma. Using both garlic powder and fresh garlic creates layers of flavor: garlic powder delivers even coverage and deep umami, while fresh garlic provides a pungent, aromatic kick. High-quality salted butter is ideal for maximum flavor, but unsalted butter with added kosher salt gives you more control over the seasoning. The result is a spread that enhances without overpowering.

Fresh Herbs for a Gourmet Finish

Incorporating herbs into garlic butter brings a fresh, aromatic dimension that makes this bread feel extra special. Parsley adds a bright, slightly peppery note; rosemary contributes a woodsy depth; and thyme lends an earthiness that pairs beautifully with butter and garlic. These herbs not only enhance the flavor but also give the bread a visually appealing, speckled appearance that hints at its homemade nature. While optional, herbs are a simple upgrade that can make the dish feel more refined and thoughtfully prepared.

Cheesy Garlic Bread: A Crowd Favorite

Few things elevate garlic bread more than melted cheese. By adding shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, you introduce creamy, salty, and slightly nutty flavors that complement the garlic and butter perfectly. The mozzarella melts into gooey ribbons, while Parmesan crisps up into golden, flavorful bites. This cheesy option turns a side dish into a crave-worthy indulgence and is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s ideal for special dinners, party appetizers, or just treating yourself on a Friday night.

Choose Your Texture: Crispy or Soft

One of the standout features of this homemade garlic bread recipe is its versatility in texture. Some people love the crunchy edges and toasty surface of oven-baked garlic bread, while others prefer the soft, almost pull-apart consistency of bread baked in foil. This recipe delivers both options with clear, easy methods. The crispy-edge method highlights the contrast between golden, buttery crust and tender interior. The soft version, baked enclosed in foil, creates a uniformly moist and tender bread that’s perfect for absorbing sauces. You don’t have to choose one forever—you can switch it up based on your mood or meal.

Quick Enough for Weeknights

Busy weeknights often leave little time for homemade touches, but this garlic bread proves that you don’t need a lot of time to make something memorable. The quick method, which involves slicing the bread and spreading the garlic butter before a short stint in a hot oven, gives you delicious results in under 10 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for turning a simple dinner into something special. This method is also great for last-minute entertaining when you need a warm, delicious snack or side dish without any stress.

Perfect Pairings for Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a universal companion, working beautifully alongside a wide range of meals. It’s a natural fit with Italian dishes—think spaghetti, lasagna, or creamy Alfredo—but it also shines beside hearty soups, fresh salads, or grilled proteins. The garlicky, buttery richness balances acidic or savory mains, and its texture provides a satisfying counterpoint to soft or saucy dishes. Garlic bread is also great on its own as an appetizer or served with dips like marinara, pesto, or whipped feta.

Kid-Friendly and Family Approved

Garlic bread is almost always a hit with kids, especially the cheesy version. Its familiar flavors and soft, satisfying texture make it appealing even to picky eaters. For families, it’s a reliable addition to mealtimes that requires no persuasion to enjoy. It also offers an opportunity to get kids involved in the kitchen—spreading the butter, sprinkling cheese, or arranging slices on a tray can be a fun and easy way to involve little hands in cooking.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

Homemade garlic bread is simple enough to whip up on the spot, but it’s also very freezer-friendly. You can prepare a full loaf in advance, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic, and freeze it for future use. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake straight from frozen with an extra few minutes in the oven. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in a toaster oven or under the broiler to regain that golden crispness. This make-ahead flexibility makes it a go-to for meal prepping or entertaining.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the best aspects of this garlic bread recipe is its adaptability. You can adjust the garlic level based on your preference—more for boldness, less for subtlety. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can swap the butter for a vegan alternative and skip the cheese. Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Love lemon? A touch of zest brightens the flavor. The recipe provides a solid foundation that you can tweak endlessly, making it a reliable favorite that always feels a little new.

Conclusion: More Than a Side, It’s a Staple

Homemade Garlic Bread is one of those beloved staples that can instantly elevate a meal from simple to spectacular. With its golden crust, melt-in-your-mouth center, and deeply savory garlic flavor, it’s more than just a side—it’s often the star of the table. Whether you opt for the crispy version, the soft and tender one, or the indulgent cheesy take, this versatile recipe guarantees satisfaction every time. Made with real ingredients and a touch of personal flair, this garlic bread reminds us why the classics never go out of style. Easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again—for everyday dinners, festive gatherings, and everything in between.