SaveGarlic Bread
Crispy on the outside, soft and buttery inside, with roasted garlic and fresh herbs. The garlic bread that makes people eat the whole loaf.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $4.00 · $0.67/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 1 large French baguette (or Italian bread)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant. Do not let it brown. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Cooking the garlic gently in oil mellows its raw bite and brings out sweetness. Raw garlic in butter is too sharp.
- 2
Mix softened butter with the cooked garlic and its oil, parsley, parmesan, salt, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- 3
Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter generously over both cut halves. Place on a baking sheet cut-side up.
- 4
Bake 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy but the center is still soft. For extra crunch, broil the last 1-2 minutes. Slice and serve immediately.
Restaurant secret: Wrap in foil for 8 minutes to steam the inside, then unwrap and broil 2 minutes for the ultimate crispy-outside, soft-inside texture.
Pairs With
Light Italian Chianti
Garlic bread and Italian red wine is a universal truth
Crisp Italian or American lager
Clean and effervescent, perfect for a buttery side
Cold sparkling mineral water
Bubbles cut through the butter and refresh your palate
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Dean Martin, Italian jazz, and bossa nova. The soundtrack to every great pasta night.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •Cook the garlic in oil first. This one step elevates it from okay to incredible.
- •Day-old bread actually works better. The drier surface absorbs more butter.
- •Restaurant secret: A tiny bit of lemon zest in the butter adds brightness that makes people ask what is different.
Substitutions
- French baguette → ciabatta or sourdough
- unsalted butter → garlic-infused olive oil for dairy-free
- parmesan cheese → nutritional yeast for vegan
Leftovers
Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat in foil at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
