Garlic Bread Classic Side

The first time I burned garlic bread, I learned everything about it. I'd been too ambitious, thinking I could chat with friends while the oven did its work, and ten minutes later the kitchen smelled like charred dreams. Since then, I've made it dozens of times, and it's become one of those dishes that feels almost silly in its simplicity until you bite into it warm and realize why it's beloved at every table.

I remember making this for a dinner party where I'd accidentally overcooked the pasta, and somehow the garlic bread saved the evening. People tore into those golden slices like they were the main event, and suddenly my timing disaster felt intentional. That's when I realized this humble side dish has quiet power.

Ingredients

• 1 large baguette or Italian loaf: Look for one with a sturdy crust and airy crumb, something that won't collapse under the butter and can handle the high heat.
• 100 g unsalted butter, softened: Room temperature butter spreads like a dream and distributes the garlic evenly without leaving thick patches.
• 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced: Mince them small so they toast rather than burn, and use fresh garlic because jarred just doesn't have the same snap.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped: This adds brightness and stops the bread from tasting one-note, plus it looks intentional when people see those green flecks.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Season boldly here because bread is mild and your butter needs to speak for itself.
• 40 g grated Parmesan cheese (optional): If you add this, the bread transforms into something almost decadent, though it's completely delicious without it.

Instructions

Heat your oven and prep the stage:

Preheat to 200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup stays simple. A hot oven means the bread will crisp up while the butter stays creamy inside.

Slice your bread with intention:

Halve the loaf lengthwise and place both halves cut side up. You want that flat surface exposed so the butter can settle in and the heat can reach every corner.

Make your golden mixture:

Combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl and stir until everything is evenly distributed. The smell at this moment is a preview of what's coming.

Spread generously and fearlessly:

Apply the garlic butter to each bread half in an even layer. Don't be timid; this is the flavor anchor of the whole thing.

Add cheese if the mood strikes:

Sprinkle Parmesan over top if using, and you'll see it melt and brown during baking.

Bake until golden:

Into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, watching as the edges turn golden and the butter soaks into the bread. The kitchen will smell like garlic heaven.

Optional broiler finish:

For extra crispiness, hit it with the broiler for another 1 to 2 minutes, but stay close because this step moves fast and too much char undoes all the good work.

Slice, serve, and enjoy the moment:

Slice the bread into pieces while it's still warm and get it to the table before it cools.

Save

There's something about serving warm garlic bread that makes people slow down and actually talk to each other. It became my quiet weapon for hosting, the thing I could always pull together when the main dish needed another five minutes.

Why This Matters

Garlic bread is proof that three or four great ingredients, handled with care, can upstage complicated dishes. The butter melts into the bread, the garlic gets soft and sweet in the heat, and the parsley adds a note of freshness that keeps it from feeling heavy.

Variations That Work

Swap the parsley for fresh basil if you're serving with Italian food and want to echo those flavors. Chives bring a lighter onion note if you want something less herbal. For a richer version, mix in shredded mozzarella before baking and you'll get those melty pockets that disappear into the bread.

Serving and Storage Wisdom

Serve this hot or warm; letting it cool to room temperature means you lose the butter's comfort and the bread's softness inside the crust. Store leftovers wrapped in foil and reheat gently, though honestly, if any actually makes it to leftovers, you're doing something wrong.

• Rewarm in a 160°C oven wrapped in foil so the bread doesn't dry out.
• Make the garlic butter ahead and freeze it so you can bake fresh bread anytime the craving hits.
• This pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, salads, or anytime you want something warm and buttery beside you.

Save

This recipe is forgiving and fast, which makes it the kind of dish you actually cook instead of thinking about cooking. It's become my proof that the simplest meals often taste the best.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best?

A large baguette or Italian loaf provides a sturdy base that crisps beautifully while baking.

→ Can I customize the herb used?

Yes, parsley can be substituted with basil or chives for a different flavor profile.

→ How long should I bake the bread?

Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and crisp. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.

→ Is it possible to add cheese?

Sprinkling grated Parmesan on top before baking adds a savory, melty finish. Mozzarella can be added for a cheesy variation.

→ What are some suitable pairings?

This garlic buttered bread complements pasta dishes, soups, and fresh salads perfectly.