Description
This classic garlic bread recipe features a crusty French bread loaf slathered with a flavorful mixture of softened butter, fresh garlic, and a blend of herbs, then baked to golden perfection and broiled for a crisp finish. Perfect as a delicious side or appetizer, it’s quick and easy to prepare, bringing fragrant garlic goodness to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh garlic
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, or 1 tsp dried (optional)
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh basil, or 1/2 tsp dried (optional)
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano, or 1/2 tsp dried (optional)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Bread
- 1 (14 oz) loaf French bread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to reach the right temperature for baking the bread evenly.
- Prepare the bread: Cut the French bread loaf in half horizontally to create two long slices, which will hold the garlic butter mixture.
- Mix the garlic butter: In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, and freshly ground black pepper until evenly combined.
- Apply the topping: Using a brush or knife, spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both halves of the bread, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Bake the bread: Place the halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and bake in the center of the preheated oven for 8 minutes, allowing the butter to melt into the bread and the flavors to meld.
- Broil for crispness: Move the oven rack closer to the broiler element, then broil the bread for about 45 seconds to 3 minutes, watching carefully until the top is golden brown and crispy. This step is quick, so watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven, slice the garlic bread into individual servings, and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of garlic to the butter mixture.
- If fresh herbs are not available, dried herbs can be used as indicated in the recipe.
- Salted butter is recommended for balanced seasoning—if unsalted butter is used, consider adding a pinch of salt.
- Watch closely during broiling as the bread can brown very quickly and may burn if left unattended.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; leftover garlic bread can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
