Garlic Bread With Herb Butter

The smell of garlic butter hitting hot bread still pulls me into the kitchen like nothing else. I started making this on weeknight breaks during college when anything fancy felt impossible but comfort was nonnegotiable. Now its the one request everyone actually means when they say bring whatever.

My roommate once ate an entire batch straight off the baking sheet while I was setting the table. We ended up ordering pizza but nobody regretted those garlic bread moments.

Ingredients

• Bread: A fresh baguette or Italian loaf works best but day old bread actually holds up better under all that butter
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it mixes evenly into every garlicky corner
• Fresh garlic: Three cloves minced finely releases more flavor than garlic powder ever could
• Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and makes everything look restaurant worthy
• Fresh chives: Optional but they add this subtle onion note that keeps people guessing
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing the richness and making flavors pop
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Completely optional but creates this incredible crispy golden crust

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Get it to 200°C or fire up the grill to medium high while you prep everything

Mix the garlic butter:

Combine softened butter with minced garlic parsley chives salt and pepper until its evenly blended

Prep the bread:

Lay your slices on a parchment lined baking tray leaving some space between each piece

Spread generously:

Cover each slice with that garlic butter mixture reaching all the way to the edges

Add cheese if you want:

Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for that extra crispy golden layer

Bake until golden:

Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are crispy and the cheese if you used it is bubbling

Serve immediately:

This is best enjoyed warm right out of the oven while the butter is still melty

Save

This recipe became a regular at our Sunday pasta nights after my dad admitted he liked the garlic bread more than the actual pasta.

Bread Choices That Work

Sourdough adds tang while whole grain brings nuttiness and extra texture. Even ciabatta works beautifully if you want something lighter.

Make It Your Own

A pinch of chili flakes transforms it into something spicy and exciting. Lemon zest in the butter creates this bright unexpected twist.

Serving Ideas

This garlic bread complements almost anything but it truly shines alongside soups salads or pasta dishes. It can also stand alone as a casual appetizer.

• Pair with minestrone or tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal
• Crumbled over Caesar salad as massive garlic croutons
• Serve alongside simple red pasta for a restaurant style dinner at home

Save

Simple recipes like this remind me why I started cooking in the first place. Nothing beats watching people reach for seconds.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best?

A baguette or Italian loaf yields ideal results—their crusty exterior and soft interior create perfect texture when toasted. Sourdough or whole grain bread also adds delicious flavor variations.

→ Can I make garlic butter ahead?

Absolutely. Mix the butter blend up to three days early and refrigerate, or freeze for up to three months. Bring to room temperature before spreading for even coverage.

→ How do I achieve maximum crispiness?

Preheat your oven thoroughly and avoid overcrowding the baking tray. The 200°C temperature ensures even browning and crunch throughout each slice.

→ Is Parmesan essential?

Not at all. While Parmesan adds savory depth, the garlic butter alone provides rich flavor. The cheese is purely optional based on preference.

→ Can this be prepared dairy-free?

Simply substitute plant-based butter for the traditional version. The garlic and herbs still deliver excellent flavor and aroma.