Easy, Make-Ahead Garlic Bread Recipe

This easy, soft & crispy garlic bread recipe is packed with flavor. With just 5 ingredients and 2 make-ahead tips, you’ll never buy from the store again! Makes 1 large loaf.

Garlic bread: a much loved combo of punchy fresh garlic, salted butter and top quality bread (sourdough perhaps?) is simple and delicious food at it’s finest. However, the success of simple food relies on the quality of your ingredients. Choose wisely and you’ll level up your cooking every time!

Here’s my take on homemade garlic bread, with just 5 simple ingredients and 2 make-ahead strategies to deploy any night of the week. Recipe adapted from my first book: The Clever Cookbook.

How To Make Garlic Bread {Step-By-Step Recipe}

Step 1: Make Garlic Butter

To start, soften your butter at room temperature. Kerry Gold salted butter is my top pick. When it goes on sale, I stock up and freeze for holiday baking (you can find it at Costco too).

Meanwhile, roughly chop 2-3 garlic cloves. Add more or less, to taste.

Process the butter and garlic in a mini food processor until smooth. If you don’t have a food processor, grate or finely chop the garlic and mix by hand. Then add chopped parsley. I do not process the parsley with the butter – the whole thing will turn green! I fold it in afterwards.

Make-Ahead Tip: How to store garlic butter? Garlic butter can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Alternatively, using a 1-inch (2.5 cm) mini ice cream scoop, portion the butter into tablespoon-size scoops and freeze. Transfer to an airtight container of zip-top back. Bring to room temperature before using.

Step 2: Assemble & Bake The Bread

Grab a good-quality serrated bread knife and slice the bread in half lengthwise.

Smear 4 tbsp (56 g) of the garlic butter onto each half. Bake cut side up @ 350 F (175 C) for up to 10 minutes, or until the butter is melted. I like to broil it for a minute or so to crisp the edges! Just don’t walk away from the oven – it might burn.

To finish, dust with Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, to taste. Cut into slices and serve warm.

Make-Ahead Tip: How to freeze garlic bread? Assembled garlic bread, minus the cheese, can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place the buttered halves on top of each other, and wrap tightly in a few layers of foil. Add a label with baking instructions so anyone can easily make it. To serve, warm the frozen bread, still wrapped in foil, in a 350 F (175 C) oven for 10+ minutes. Open the halves and broil. Baking times will vary depending on the thickness of your bread.

How to Store Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is best on the same day it’s made.

However, if you have any leftover, wrap in foil and reheat to serve. You can also make crispy garlic bread croutons, which are excellent tossed with fresh tomato & arugula.