15-Minute Garlic Bread

There’s something truly magical about garlic bread—the way the crispy, golden crust shatters beneath your teeth, revealing a soft, buttery interior infused with garlicky goodness. It’s the ultimate sidekick to pasta, soups, and even a simple salad. Whether you’re dipping it in marinara or using it as a spoon for your favorite spaghetti, one thing’s for sure: homemade garlic bread beats anything store-bought by a mile.

This recipe is all about speed and simplicity without sacrificing flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a perfectly toasted, cheesy, and fragrant garlic bread ready in under 15 minutes. No frozen loaves, no artificial flavors—just real, fresh ingredients coming together to create pure comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick & Easy – Only 15 minutes from start to finish!

• Better Than Store-Bought – Fresh garlic, real butter, and parmesan make all the difference.

• Perfectly Crispy & Buttery – Toasty on the edges, soft in the center, and bursting with flavor.

• Versatile – Works as a side, snack, or even the base for a garlic bread pizza!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Italian or French Bread – Choose a fresh, crusty loaf for the best texture.

• Garlic – Freshly minced for that bold garlicky punch.

• Kosher Salt – Helps intensify the garlic flavor.

• Unsalted Butter – Softened for easy mixing and spreading.

• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, cheesy bite.

• Fresh Parsley – Brightens up the flavors and adds a pop of color.

How to Make 15-Minute Garlic Bread

Step 1: Prep the Garlic Paste

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a cutting board, mince 3 cloves of garlic, then sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Using the edge of a knife or a fork, mash it into a smooth paste. This helps evenly distribute the garlic flavor throughout the butter.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine:

• 1 stick (½ cup) softened unsalted butter

• Garlic paste

• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

Use a fork to mash everything together until well blended, then switch to a spatula to fully incorporate.

Step 3: Slice & Butter the Bread

Take one loaf of Italian or French bread, slice it in half horizontally, and place both halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across each piece, making sure to reach the edges.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the bread on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Slice & Serve

Let the bread cool slightly before slicing into pieces. Serve immediately and enjoy while warm!

Variations

• Extra Cheesy – Add shredded mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy pull-apart version.

• Spicy Kick – Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter mixture.

• Herby Twist – Mix in dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning.

• Garlic Bread Sticks – Slice into thin strips before baking for snackable portions.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers? Here’s How to Store & Reheat:

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

• Refrigerator – Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Freezer – Wrap in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

• To Reheat – Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or pop in an air fryer for a crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for maximum flavor, but if using pre-minced, reduce the amount slightly since it’s often stronger.

2. What’s the best bread for garlic bread?

Italian or French bread works best because of its crispy crust and soft interior. Baguettes will give a crunchier result.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the garlic butter and spread it on the bread in advance. Wrap and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

The Goods