This is my go-to homemade Garlic Bread recipe. I use only fresh ingredients for the ultimate flavor. It’s so easy to prepare, I literally want to make it every day. I’ve provided make-ahead and freezer instructions, so dinner time can be even easier.

Best Garlic Bread Recipe

Both my kids love this homemade garlic bread, so much so that they request it every day, and if an entire week goes by without me making it, there’s some serious complaining.

What makes this garlic bread so great? All the ingredients are fresh! I use fresh garlic, fresh parsley, freshly grated Parmesan, real butter, and a beautiful loaf of French bread from the market bakery.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with garlic powder, dried herbs, and Parmesan that comes in a container. I’m all for shortcuts. But not with homemade garlic bread. When I want the absolute best flavor, I go with fresh. This recipe is still so easy to make, since prepping the ingredients only takes 5 minutes. I find the result is so worth it.

Helpful Tips

• Fresh bread. This recipe calls for a regular loaf of French bread. Ideally, you’ll want to use it the day you buy it (or freeze for later, see below), otherwise, the outside will get hard as a rock. 
• Use freshly grated cheese. Skip the pre-grated stuff in the container and opt for freshly grated. The difference in flavor is night and day here.
• Prepare the butter mixture in advance. Make the butter mixture up to 1 week ahead of time, transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator. Or mound the spread onto a piece of plastic wrap and tightly seal; transfer to a freezer safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.

How to Make Garlic Bread Step by Step

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Prepare the butter mixture: Combine ½ cup butter, ⅓ cup Parmesan, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 tbsp parsley, ½ tsp salt, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and spreadable.

Butter the bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture onto the the cut sides of bread.

Bake: Bake the bread for about 10 minutes or until it is golden brown and the edges are toasted.

Serve: Slice and serve!

How To Store

After it bakes, slice it and allow to cool completely. Then transfer the slices to an airtight resealable plastic bag, squeezing out as much air as possible, and store on the kitchen counter for up to 3 days.

To reheat, wrap leftover bread halves or slices in foil (in a single layer) and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

If you don’t finish all the baked bread within a few days, you can freeze it. Double wrap the slices in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, remove foil and plastic wrap and place bread on a baking sheet. Transfer to a 300°F preheated oven for 20 minutes or so, until warmed through.

To prep and freeze the garlic bread, follow the recipe, then lay both sides of the bread on a cookie sheet (butter side up), and place in the freezer for about 45 minutes. Remove from the freezer and put the halves together, butter side in. Wrap thoroughly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator the night before and bake per recipe instructions. If baking from frozen, bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or so, until warmed through.

What Goes with Garlic Bread

I could—and have—made a meal out of the garlic bread alone, but it definitely pairs perfectly with chili and tomato soup, and it’s great for dipping into homemade spaghetti sauce. I can’t think of a time when homemade garlic bread didn’t make a meal better!

More Bread Recipes

• Sandwich Bread
• Pizza Dough
• Naan Bread
• Cheese Zombies
• Challah
• Focaccia