Easy Garlic Bread (Cheesy & Homemade)

This super easy garlic bread takes ordinary bread to a whole new level. Whip up this Easy Garlic Bread Spread and slather it on top of bread. Ready to devour in less than 15 minutes.

Recipe Origin

Growing up in an Italian family, we had pasta for many meals. Lasagna, spaghetti, Manicotti, Fettuccine and more. And the best side to go with pasta was garlic bread. So my love for easy homemade garlic bread started at a young age.

Why You Should Make Homemade Garlic Bread

It’s easy to make garlic bread at home. You can certainly get as fancy as you like or just keep it simple. Homemade Garlic Bread has a better taste than store-bought bread, and you can control the ingredients. 

What About This Recipe is Fantastic

The fact that 3 of the best ingredients on earth – garlic, butter, and cheese- come together to make delicious Cheesy Garlic Bread. This bread goes perfectly with pasta night, as a side dish to grilled foods, or even as a snack or appetizer. I even reheated this bread for breakfast the following day.

Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Garlic Bread Spread

Simple ingredients are needed for this bread. Butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese are excellent on top of a nice French bread loaf. 

*French Bread— I buy this at my local grocery store in the bakery section.

*Minced Garlic– I like to use the minced garlic in a jar. It’s super convenient, easy to find, and always in my refrigerator. Use fresh if you prefer.

*Butter– I use a whole stick of softened butter for this recipe. 

*Grated Parmesan Cheese– This is my favorite cheese for garlic bread. Feel free to use your favorite. 

You can certainly experiment and add other ingredients to your liking, such as parsley, Italian seasoning, or even grated mozzarella cheese.

How to Make Garlic Bread in the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Slice the French bread in half horizontally and spread each cut side liberally with the butter mixture. Lay each half cut side up on a large baking sheet.
4. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Then broil on high 1-2 minutes, until the outside edges of the bread are toasty and the top is starting to brown. *Do not walk away while the oven is on broil. Watch closely. Let cool for a minute, then cut into 1-2 inch slices. Serve immediately.

Tools Needed to Make the Best Garlic Bread

Knife

Bowl

Baking Pan

Expert Tips and Variations

• This bread is simple and only takes about 5 minutes to slice and mix the butter/garlic.

• Use fresh bread. I buy mine at my local bakery for $1 a loaf.

• I like to use the minced garlic in a jar. I always buy a large jar (in my produce dept.) and keep it in the refrigerator. Use fresh if you prefer.

• Use softened butter. Set it out on the counter for at least 30 minutes before making this bread. It makes it easier to mix and spread.

• Use grated Parmesan cheese. Buy it grated or grate it yourself. I have used both, and they both work fine for this recipe.

• Spread mixture all over the top of the bread. You want to taste all of the goodness in every bite.

Watch closely in the oven. I am the “best” at burning bread. I usually stand at my oven door the entire time I make this recipe. It only takes minutes to prepare and minutes to burn it beyond recognition.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? I like to wrap mine in foil and place them in the refrigerator. To reheat: Place on a baking sheet in a 400-degree oven for a few minutes until hot.  

What Should I Serve with Easy Garlic Bread? 

Serve this delicious bread with Fettuccine, Manicotti, Italian Sausage & Pasta, Spaghetti, or any grilled food as a snack or appetizer. 

Other Dishes I Should Try

Southern Cornbread Salad–A crowd pleasing layered salad with bacon, cheese, and cornbread that comes together easily for all of your gatherings. Perfect for any time of the year.

Southern Fried Cabbage and Onion— Fried Cabbage and Onion is something you will find on many tables around the south. It’s just cabbage, and onion sauteed in a little fat and cooked down until tender.

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