EASY Garlic Bread

This easy garlic bread is simple to make with a homemade garlic butter spread on a loaf of French bread. It’s an irresistible crowd-pleasing side dish, ready in 10 minutes!

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Best 3-Ingredient Homemade Garlic Bread

This has been a staple in our house for years! My kids always request it whenever we have meatballs with spaghetti or cheesy baked ziti. It’s made with an easy garlic herb butter and is the perfect compliment to any Italian dish!

This easy garlic bread recipe is made with only 3 ingredients in 10 minutes or less! Whenever I make my homemade French bread recipe, I use the second loaf to make this quick garlic bread, but store bought works just as well.

Easy Garlic Bread Ingredients

This recipe only takes 3 simple ingredients and couldn’t be easier to make.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• French Bread: Buy a fresh loaf from the store or make your own, a French baguette works, too. You can also use homemade Italian bread.
• Butter: Make sure it has softened so that it’s easy to spread. I let mine sit out for about 30 minutes beforehand, here is a refresher on how to soften butter.
• Garlic powder: This gets mixed with the butter for flavor. Add as much or as little as you like, depending on how bold you like your garlic.

How to Make Garlic Bread

Your kitchen will smell amazing with this easy garlic bread in the oven! It’s so simple to put together, then just pop in the oven.

1. Slice the French bread loaf in half vertically (a bread knife works best for this). Italian bread works, too!
2. Stir together the softened butter and garlic powder in a small bowl. You can also mix in parsley or cheese if desired.
3. Spread the butter mixture evenly on top of French bread.
4. Bake at 425°F for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it is lightly browned around the edges. Then slice each loaf into 6 pieces.

Tips and Variations

• Use fresh garlic by swapping out the 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder with 3-4 cloves garlic, minced.
• Bake immediately after spreading the garlic butter on the bread, this bread is best fresh!
• Use all the butter. I know it may seem like a lot but it is what will make your bread moist and tender.
• Don’t overbake! This bread bakes quickly and all ovens bake differently, so keep a close eye on it.
• Cool slightly before cutting. It allows everything to settle as well as you won’t burn your fingers.

Favorite Ways to Serve

We love to pair the easy garlic bread with Italian recipes, but it honestly makes a great addition to any meal.

• As a side with classic Italian dishes like lasagna or lasagna soup.
• Use it as a base to make a French bread pizza
• Served alongside an Italian salad
• Use it to make a meatball sub

Storing Leftovers

• Store: If you have leftovers, just store it in a zip top plastic bag at room temperature. I wouldn’t recommend storing in the fridge, as it usually makes it stale (it draws the moisture out of the bread). It will keep for about 2-3 days if stored in a plastic bag at room temp.
• Reheat: Wrap in foil and reheat in the oven for a few minutes, or use the microwave and heat for 10 seconds. Any longer than 10 seconds and your bread will become hard.
• Freeze: If freezing a whole half loaf, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and then place in a zip top freezer bag. You can also add slices to a zip top bag and freeze that way. To reheat, place on a baking sheet and warm in oven for a few minutes.

Make Ahead and Freeze

DIY frozen garlic bread and skip ever buying it again!

• Follow the recipe and prepare the bread with or without cheese.
• Place on a baking sheet and flash freeze in the freezer for about an hour.
• After bread is frozen wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Store safely in your freezer for 3 months.
• When ready to bake, discard both plastic wrap and foil. Bake at 425 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.