This recipe packs a punch of flavor with a garlicky butter mixture that’s full of herbs and Parmesan cheese. French bread is already an amazing side, but when you add the amazing butter and garlic mixture and toast it, it turns this French bread otherworldly. It’s the perfect side dish for everything from pasta night to backyard barbecues.

You may also be interested in our delicious breadstick recipe or our famous garlic parmesan herb bread.

Why Our Recipe

  • Packed with garlicky butter, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
  • A little olive oil is our secret addition for maximum butteriness.
  • Quick and easy to make in just 10 minutes using any bread option.
  • Broiling gives it that crispy, bubbly perfection, or use the baked option.
Overhead view of garlic bread on a baking sheet that has been cut into slices.

Who doesn’t love garlic bread? Really, we don’t think it’s possible. While approximately 2 slices of this is probably the appropriate amount to eat in one sitting, that just never happens. We’re not proud to say that we take more than our fair share whenever we make this. Once you try it, you’ll understand.

Ingredient Notes

Overhead view of a baking sheet with a loaf of French bread, olive oil, butter, garlic, shredded parmesan, and measured out herbs and spices in glass bowls.
  • French Bread: Choose a fresh, crusty loaf from your grocery store’s bakery section for the best results.
  • Salted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If you only have unsalted butter, add a pinch more salt to the mixture.
  • Olive Oil: One of the secrets to this garlic bread that helps it crisp and brown.
  • Dried Basil and Oregano: Adds herby goodness
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for the best flavor, but pre-grated will also work.
  • Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic has the absolute best flavor. The jarred variety of minced garlic is a little more bitter.

Bread Options

French Bread: The classic choice for its crusty exterior and soft, fluffy interior. It crisps up so nicely under the broiler or in the oven.

Italian Bread: Slightly denser than French bread, this works wonderfully for a chewier garlic bread.

Ciabatta: A rustic option with an open crumb structure that soaks up the buttery garlic mixture all dreamy-like.

Sourdough: For a tangy twist, sourdough always pairs well with garlic and Parmesan.

Sub Rolls: Like for sandwiches! Great for individual servings or if you prefer thinner, crispier slices.

Sliced Sandwich Bread: Perfect for a quick and easy option. It works great for individual portions or kid-friendly servings.

The Science Behind Olive Oil

Adding olive oil to your garlic bread mixture isn’t just about flavor—there’s science behind it! The liquid consistency of olive oil makes the butter mixture smoother and easier to spread. This allows it to penetrate the porous surface of the bread better than butter alone, allowing all that buttery goodness to soak deeper into the bread.

Olive oil also works magic during cooking, helping the bread achieve that crispy, golden crust we all love. It conducts heat efficiently, creating a perfectly crisp exterior, while the butter locks in moisture to keep the inside tender and soft. Together, they deliver garlic bread that’s irresistibly crisp on the outside and buttery perfection on the inside.

A collage of six images showing slicing a loaf of French bread in half, butter and garlic and herbs in a bowl, the garlic butter mixture mixed together, spreading the garlic butter on the bread, and then the finished bread cooked. .

No Broiler? No Problem!

You can easily bake your garlic bread in a 450°F oven for a crispy, golden finish. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbly. Keep a close eye toward the end to avoid over-browning.

Soft Bakery Style Garlic Bread

If you prefer a softer garlic bread, similar to the loaves you’d find at the bakery, wrapping it in foil is the way to go. Spread the butter mixture generously on both halves of the bread, then place the halves back together with the buttered sides facing inward.

Wrap the loaf tightly in aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the bread soft while infusing it with buttery, garlicky goodness.

Troubleshooting: Uneven Browning

Some broilers have hot spots that can cause certain areas of your garlic bread to brown more quickly than others. There are some things you can do to adjust.

Rotate the Pan: About halfway through the broiling process, rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees. This helps ensure that all parts of the bread are exposed to the broiler’s heat evenly.

Adjust the Position: If you notice one side of the bread browning faster, move the baking sheet slightly to balance the heat exposure. For example, if the back of the bread is getting darker, pull the baking sheet forward a bit.

Use the Middle Rack: Placing your bread on the middle rack can help minimize the impact of hot spots while still giving you that golden, bubbly finish.

Close up view of homemade garlic bread with parsley on top.

Air Fryer Option

If you love your air fryer, making garlic bread in it is a game-changer! Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. Make sure you cut your bread to a size that fits in your air fryer.

Spread the butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread, ensuring every inch is covered with garlicky goodness. Place the bread in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to work in batches.

Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is perfectly golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times can vary between air fryers, but you’ll have irresistible garlic bread in no time!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispier texture, unwrap the foil for the last 5 minutes.

Reheat in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds for a softer texture.

Serve garlic bread with…

Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.