A classic side dish, appetizer or snack. It's so incredibly easy to make and so delicious, there are really no excuses! Use purchased bread or bake our no-knead baguettes and make this garlic bread recipe as soon as you can.
An easy appetizer or side dish
I never know what category to put this recipe in, as garlic bread can be eaten before or as a side dish at a barbecue or cookout and as a snack while you wait for dinner or during movie nights.
So let's wing it and talk about how ridiculously easy and quick it is to make it! There are really no excuses.
Why use French baguettes?
They have a good ratio of crust and crumb, so you can easily make the pieces softer or crisper. The crumb is sturdy enough to hold the melted butter mixture and maintain its structure without becoming soggy.
How to make quick garlic bread
Butter mixture
It's as simple as melting the butter and mixing it with the chopped garlic and parsley. Brush it on the bread halves and immediately bake them.
Softer or crisper?
You can bake the baguettes for more or less time and achieve different textures. I like it on the crisper side, but many like a softer bite. Your call.
Kitchen Notes
- Organization: read the recipe first and ensure you have ingredients at the correct temperature, utensils and equipment needed, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier.
- Baking time: consider that all ovens and pans are different, even if they look similar. The baking time in my recipes is as accurate as possible, but it might take you more or less time. You can use a thermometer(like the OXO oven thermometer) to check that your oven is at the right temperature. I recommend keeping track of how your oven works and what tiny details you might need to adjust.
- Storage: place leftovers in an airtight container or wrap well in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to eat, warm them in a medium oven until shiny and crips again. Reheating it is essential as homemade garlic bread is not good cold or at room temperature; the flavor and texture are different and not as delicious.
- Variations: use different fresh herbs (like thyme or oregano), more garlic or add spices for a spicy kick. Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese or other sharp one.
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Quick Garlic Bread Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 medium baguette, loaf of French bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon salt, if using unsalted butter
- A few grindings of fresh black pepper, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Cut 1 medium baguette lengthwise into two halves.
- Melt 4 tablespoons butter (or let it soften to room temperature) and mix in the 3 chopped garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Add ⅛ teaspoon salt and a few grindings of black pepper if using it.
- Brush the baguette halves with the garlic butter mixture on the crumb side.
- Place butter side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10 minutes if you want a softer garlic bread, and for about 15 minutes until a deeper golden brown for a crisper bite.
- Before serving, cut the baguette and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon parsley.
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