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Buttery Garlic Bread Recipe for Crispy Flavorful Slices

Buttery Garlic Bread Recipe

Golden, crisp edges and a soft buttery center make this buttery garlic bread recipe one of the easiest ways to upgrade any meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 240
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Garlic Butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
For the Bread
  • 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional for cheesy garlic bread

Method
 

  1. Combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until fully mixed and creamy. Mixing thoroughly ensures the garlic flavor spreads evenly throughout the bread.
  2. Slice the baguette lengthwise and place both halves on a parchment-lined baking tray with the cut side facing upward. This positioning helps the bread crisp properly while holding the butter mixture in place.
  3. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the bread and top with mozzarella cheese if desired. Covering the bread evenly prevents dry areas and creates consistent flavor in every slice.
  4. Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until the edges become golden and crisp. Broil briefly at the end for deeper color, but watch closely to avoid burning the garlic.
  5. Allow the bread to rest for 2 minutes before slicing and serving warm. This short cooling period helps the butter settle into the bread and improves texture.

Notes

  • Softened butter creates a smoother garlic spread and helps prevent oily patches on the bread. Room-temperature butter blends better with herbs and seasonings for more balanced flavor.
  • Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but finely mincing it is important so it cooks evenly during baking. Large chunks can burn before the bread finishes crisping.
  • Baking on the middle oven rack helps the bread toast evenly while protecting the garlic from burning too quickly under direct heat.
  • Fresh parsley added after baking keeps its bright color and fresh flavor much better than parsley cooked in the oven for the full baking time.