Easy Garlic Bread Recipe

There’s nothing like the irresistible aroma of warm garlic bread fresh from the oven.

This recipe takes it up a notch with a rustic sourdough loaf, toasted to perfection and smothered in a luxurious homemade garlic butter infused with fresh parsley.

Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, a hearty soup, or enjoying it on its own, this garlic bread is the perfect blend of crispy, buttery, and garlicky goodness. Ready to turn a humble loaf of sourdough into something extraordinary?

Ingredients

These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create the ultimate garlic bread:

• 1 artisan sourdough loaf (halved lengthwise or sliced)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

This easy garlic bread recipe is as quick as it is delicious. Follow these steps to make it at home:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the garlic butter:
   In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and sea salt until well combined. For an extra kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
3. Toast the sourdough:
   Place the sourdough halves or slices on the baking sheet. Lightly toast them in the oven for 5–7 minutes, until they’re just starting to crisp.
4. Spread the garlic butter:
   Remove the sourdough from the oven and generously spread the garlic butter over each piece, ensuring the butter melts into the nooks and crannies of the bread.
5. Bake until golden:
   Return the bread to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy, and the butter has melted completely.
6. Serve and enjoy:
   Slice the garlic bread into servings and garnish with extra parsley and extra garlic butter if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tweaks and Additions

Make this garlic bread your own with these fun ideas and variations:

• Cheesy garlic bread: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the buttered bread before the final bake for a gooey, cheesy twist.
• Herbed variation: Add a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or fresh rosemary to the garlic butter for extra flavor depth.
• Zesty touch: Mix in a bit of lemon zest to the butter for a bright, citrusy kick that pairs well with seafood dishes.
• Spicy option: Double the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot honey after baking for a sweet and spicy combo.
• Pairing inspiration:
  • Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
  • Pair with a creamy tomato soup or hearty beef stew.
  • Use as the base for garlic bread bruschetta by topping with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze.

This easy garlic bread recipe transforms a simple sourdough loaf into a showstopping side dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The crisp edges, soft buttery center, and punch of fresh garlic and parsley make it completely irresistible.

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a dinner party appetizer, this garlic bread will be the star of the table. Grab that artisan loaf and whip up a batch—you won’t regret it!