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EASY Garlic Bread

This easy garlic bread is simple to make with a homemade garlic butter that makes it an irresistible crowd-pleasing side dish! It’s toasty, flavorful and a favorite at dinnertime.

Sliced garlic bread on a white plate.
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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.

There are plenty of ways to adjust the flavor based on preference. Add cheese for a cheesy version or enhance the garlic flavor with 2 cloves of crush garlic. Fresh parsley on top will add a pop of flavor and color!

Easy Garlic Bread Ingredients

This recipe only takes 3 simple ingredients and couldn’t be easier to make. If I’m in the mood for cheesy garlic bread, I’ll add some mozzarella and parmesan cheese and then garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Mixing butter and parsley in a bowl.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • French bread: Buy a fresh loaf from the store or make your own homemade french bread or French baguette.
  • 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.

Spread butter on bread.
  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.

Expert Tips

  • 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

This recipe tastes absolutely amazing and pairs perfectly as an appetizer or side dish with so many dishes! We love to pair it with Italian recipes, but it honestly makes a great addition to any meal. Below are a few of my favorites.

Garlic bread loaf on pan.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder with 3-4 cloves garlic, minced. Or even better, roast a head of garlic and mix in a few cloves with the butter before spreading on the bread.

Can I use a different bread than French bread?

I like French bread because of its texture and how well it holds up after being baked again with the garlic butter, but there are plenty of other kinds of breads that will work just as well, such as ciabatta or a baguette. Browse your grocery store bakery section and you might find a new favorite to take and bake!

How do I make garlic bread better?

This easy garlic bread recipe is so good when freshly baked! To make it even better, add cheese and fresh herbs such as parsley to elevate the taste.

Do I need to wrap the garlic bread in foil?

No, unless you are reheating it to prevent drying it out. Otherwise, if you are baking it fresh keep it unwrapped to get those crusty pieces.

Storing Leftovers

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 wrapped in foil 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.

Alternatively, you can also freeze leftovers, too. 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

Skip by frozen ever again and DIY your own frozen garlic bread, it’s so easy.

  • 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.
Sliced garlic bread on white plate.

You may also love serving this bread with other pasta recipes such as million dollar spaghetti, Instant Pot spaghetti or baked spaghetti.

More Easy Bread Recipes

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Sliced garlic bread on a white plate.

Garlic Bread

5 from 10 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
This easy garlic bread is simple to make with a homemade garlic butter that makes it an irresistible crowd-pleasing side dish! It's toasty, flavorful and a favorite at dinnertime.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients 

  • 1 (12-ounce) loaf French bread
  • 4-6 Tablespoons salted butter , softened
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder

Optional: 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 grated parmesan cheese, Chopped parsley

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
    • Slice bread in half. In a small bowl, stir the butter and garlic powder until smooth. Add cheese and parsley, if desired. Spread garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut side of the bread halves. Place on the baking sheet.
    • Bake 5 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Slice each half into 6 and serve while hot. 

    Notes

    Storage: 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 to 3 days if stored in a plastic bag at room temperature.
    Freeze: If freezing a whole half loaf, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and 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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 117IU | Vitamin C: 0.003mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: bread
    Cuisine: Italian

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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