Italian Garlic Bread Recipe

This crispy, buttery Italian Garlic Bread is made with a soft loaf, fresh garlic, and parsley, ready in just 20 minutes. The butter melts deep into the crumb while the edges toast to a perfect golden crunch. I love serving this warm right from the oven alongside a big bowl of pasta to soak up every drop of sauce.

Why This Classic Works

Many recipes rely solely on garlic powder, but using fresh minced garlic creates a punchy, aromatic depth that dried spices just can’t match. Combining the butter with a splash of olive oil not only prevents the garlic from burning too quickly but also gives the bread a glossy, restaurant-style finish.

I used to make the mistake of broiling the bread for too long, turning the garlic bitter and charred. I learned that baking it first at a steady temperature allows the butter to permeate the soft center, leaving the high heat only for the final minute to crisp the edges.

Italian Garlic Bread Ingredients

• 1 large loaf Italian bread (soft center with a crusty exterior)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt (reduce if using salted butter)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

How To Make Italian Garlic Bread

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
3. Prep Bread: Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise using a serrated knife. Place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Spread Mixture: Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut surfaces of the bread, ensuring you reach all the way to the edges.
5. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the butter is fully melted and bubbling. If you prefer extra crispy edges, broil on high for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Recipe Tips

• Soften the Butter: Ensure your butter is completely at room temperature before mixing. Cold butter will tear the soft bread surface and won’t blend evenly with the oil and garlic.
• Watch the Broil: If you choose to broil at the end, do not walk away. Garlic can go from golden to burnt in less than 30 seconds under high heat.
• Fresh over Dried: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh parsley adds a brightness that cuts through the rich butter fat, balancing the heavy garlic flavor.

What To Serve With Italian Garlic Bread

This bread is the ultimate partner for tomato-based pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese or lasagna, where it acts as a vehicle for leftover sauce. It also pairs beautifully with hearty soups like minestrone or Zuppa Toscana, adding a crunchy texture to the meal.

How To Store

Wrap any leftover bread tightly in aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the foil-wrapped bread in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes; avoid microwaving as it will make the texture chewy and tough.

FAQs

• Can I freeze this bread before baking?
  Yes. Spread the butter mixture on the bread, reassemble the loaf, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes.
• Can I use salted butter?
  Absolutely. If you use salted butter, simply omit the additional 1/2 teaspoon of salt listed in the ingredients to keep the seasoning balanced.
• Why is my bread soggy?
  Sogginess usually happens if the oven isn’t hot enough or if too much butter was applied to a very airy loaf. Stick to 400°F to ensure the surface toasts quickly.

Nutrition

• Calories: 185 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 290mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 13g
• Protein: 3g

Try More Recipes:

• Italian Cheese Bread Recipe
• Bread Machine Italian Bread
• Easy Homemade Crusty Italian Bread Recipe

Italian Garlic Bread

Recipe by Paula

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Total time

22

minutes

Italian Garlic Bread featuring crispy edges and a soft buttery center made with fresh garlic, parsley, and Parmesan in 20 minutes. This easy side dish uses a blend of butter and olive oil for the perfect golden toast without burning. It’s the ultimate comfort food for pasta night.

Ingredients

• 1 large loaf Italian bread (soft center with a crusty exterior)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/2 tsp salt (reduce if using salted butter)

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
• Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise using a serrated knife. Place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
• Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut surfaces of the bread, ensuring you reach all the way to the edges.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes until the butter is fully melted and bubbling. If you prefer extra crispy edges, broil on high for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.