This easy garlic bread is ready in 10 minutes with a simple no-fuss buttery garlic powder spread. If you make my homemade French bread, the second loaf was made for this!

Homemade garlic bread sliced on a white serving plate.

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Why I Love This Quick and Easy Garlic Bread Recipe

My kids ask for this easy garlic bread every single time we have pasta night. It comes together while dinner is finishing up, and makes the whole house smells amazing.

We love using our homemade French bread as the base, but store bought works just as well. Either way, it pairs perfectly with meatballs and spaghetti or cheesy baked ziti!

XO - Jamielyn

Ingredient Notes

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

Mixing garlic butter with some parsley in a bowl.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • French Bread: A fresh loaf from the store works perfectly, or use our homemade French bread or French baguette. You can also use homemade Italian bread. Look for a sturdy loaf with a good crust so it holds up to the butter without going soggy.
  • Butter: Make sure it has softened so it spreads easily without tearing the bread. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes beforehand. Here is a refresher on how to soften butter.
  • Garlic powder: Mixed into the butter for even garlicky flavor throughout. Add as much or as little as you like depending on how bold you want it.

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.

French bread split in half and covered in garlic butter for easy garlic bread.
  1. Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. A bread knife makes this much easier.
  2. Stir the softened butter and garlic powder together in a small bowl until smooth. Mix in parsley or cheese here if you’re using them.
  3. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the cut side of each bread half and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake at 425°F for 5 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Slice each half into 6 pieces and serve hot.
Toasty garlic bread on parchment paper line pan.

Recipe Tips

  • Fresh garlic: Swap the 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder for 3-4 cloves of minced garlic. You can also use our garlic herb butter instead.
  • Use all the butter. It may seem like a lot but it’s what keeps the bread moist and tender.
  • Bake immediately after spreading the garlic butter. This bread is best fresh out of the oven.
  • Don’t overbake. This easy garlic bread bakes quickly and every oven runs differently, so keep a close eye on it.
  • For crispier edges, switch to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes.
  • For softer garlic bread, place the two halves back together and wrap in foil before baking.
Homemade garlic bread sliced on a plate.

You may also love serving this bread with other pasta recipes such as million dollar spaghetti, chicken fettuccine Alfredo or easy baked spaghetti.

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Sliced garlic bread on white plate.

Easy Homemade Garlic Bread

5 from 11 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
This easy garlic bread uses a simple garlic powder butter spread on French bread and bakes up golden in just 10 minutes. Three ingredients, no fuss.
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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 French bread in half. In a small bowl, stir 4-6 Tablespoons softened butter and 3/4 teaspoon 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. 

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

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.
Make Ahead and Freeze: Spread the garlic butter on the bread, wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, unwrap and bake straight from frozen at 425°F for 10 to 15 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.