Crusty Garlic Bread

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Golden, buttery, and bursting with flavor, Crusty Garlic Bread is the ultimate sidekick to almost any meal. Each slice is perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and loaded with rich garlic butter and fresh herbs. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, or just enjoying a slice on its own, it always delivers that comforting crunch and aromatic warmth that turns a simple meal into something memorable.

Homemade garlic bread is a game-changer. You get to control the freshness, adjust the garlic intensity, and use high-quality ingredients that make a difference. And the best part? It takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and bake, making it a go-to recipe for weeknights, dinner parties, or cozy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Crusty Garlic Bread

• Ultra crispy edges with a soft, fluffy interior
• Uses real garlic for authentic flavor
• Ready in under 15 minutes
• Budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Easily customizable with cheese, herbs, or chili flakes

What Kind of Bread Works Best for Garlic Bread?

The best bread for garlic bread is a crusty French or Italian loaf—think baguette or ciabatta. These types of bread hold up well under butter without becoming soggy, and they toast beautifully in the oven. Avoid sandwich bread or anything too soft, as it won’t give you that iconic crunchy texture.

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Ingredients for the Crusty Garlic Bread

A few key ingredients come together for maximum flavor:

• 1 large French baguette – The backbone of this recipe, providing that crispy crust and chewy middle.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Helps create that rich, golden finish.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with bold flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped – Adds a pop of freshness and color.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and depth.

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How To Make the Crusty Garlic Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make Garlic Butter

In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Slice the Bread

Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick pieces, cutting almost all the way through but leaving the bottom intact. This allows the butter to melt between the slices.

Step 4: Spread the Garlic Butter

Generously spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice and over the top of the loaf.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the prepared loaf on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven, slice fully if desired, and serve warm. The aroma alone will have everyone at the table in seconds.

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How to Serve and Store Crusty Garlic Bread

This recipe makes about 12 slices, enough to feed 6 people comfortably as a side dish. It pairs beautifully with soups, stews, pastas, and salads.

To store, wrap leftovers in foil and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to revive the crispiness. For longer storage, freeze wrapped slices in a zip-top bag and reheat straight from frozen.

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What to Serve With Crusty Garlic Bread?

Creamy Tomato Soup

The classic pairing that never fails. Dunk away!

Spaghetti Bolognese

Garlic bread soaks up the meaty sauce perfectly.

Caesar Salad

A refreshing crunch with creamy dressing and this bread is a win.

Baked Ziti

Layered cheesy pasta needs a crusty, buttery companion.

Lasagna

Whether meat or veggie, lasagna and garlic bread are a duo you can’t resist.

Minestrone Soup

Rustic veggie soup meets crunchy golden carbs.

Grilled Chicken Alfredo

Creamy pasta and this bread make for a rich, comforting combo.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If using garlic powder, use 1 teaspoon for this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and butter the loaf, wrap in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Can I freeze garlic bread?
Absolutely. After assembling, wrap it in foil and freeze. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

Can I add cheese?
Definitely! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking for a cheesy crust.

How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for heat.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go the cheesy route or keep it classic? Did you sneak in some chili flakes?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Crusty Garlic Bread is more than just a side dish—it’s an experience. It elevates any dinner spread, impresses guests, and satisfies those cozy carb cravings. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought. And if you’re looking for more ideas like this, check out Meals We Share on Pinterest for your next inspiration.

For more pairing inspiration, explore:

• Rainbow Smoothie Bowls
• Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheese & Herbs
• Snack-Prep Veggie Sticks with Pesto Hummus
• Tomato Basil Bruschetta
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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