If you crave a warm, buttery treat that pairs perfectly with nearly any meal, this Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It takes simple sliced bread and transforms it into an irresistible snack loaded with roasted garlic flavor, fresh parsley brightness, and a golden, crisp finish that makes your kitchen smell divine. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, soup, or enjoying it straight from the baking sheet, this recipe brings comfort and flavor together in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe, it will quickly become a staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but essential to achieving that perfect balance of creamy, garlicky goodness and crispy, buttery bread. Each component adds its own magic, creating layers of flavor and texture that elevate simple sliced bread into something spectacular.
- 1 loaf of sliced bread (16 slices): Use your favorite soft or rustic loaf; slightly thick slices hold the garlic butter better for that perfect crunch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter blends easily and brings rich, creamy texture without overpowering the garlic.
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives vibrant, pungent flavor — the heart and soul of this recipe.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbal brightness that balances the rich butter.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the garlic and butter more pronounced.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle hint of spice that rounds out the savory profile beautifully.
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty twist and helps create a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
How to Make Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right to toast the bread perfectly, melting the butter while letting the garlic get tender and fragrant without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix all those flavors beautifully. If you’re opting for Parmesan, fold it in now to get those cheesy notes infusing into the butter.
Step 3: Spread the Garlic Mixture on the Bread
Lay out your sliced bread evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture across each slice, ensuring every corner is coated. This generous layer is key to getting that luscious bite of garlicky goodness in every mouthful.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges — they should turn a gorgeous golden brown and get delightfully crispy. For those who love extra crispiness, broil the bread for an additional minute, watching very closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top for freshness and a burst of green that looks as good as it tastes. Serve your garlic bread warm to enjoy that melting butter and fragrant garlic aroma at its peak.
How to Serve Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic topping that adds color and a subtle herbal note. You can also sprinkle a pinch of extra Parmesan cheese or a dash of smoked paprika for a colorful, smoky twist that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, creamy tomato soup, or even a fresh, crisp salad. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted chicken or grilled veggies to soak up all those delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and shareable approach, try stacking the slices in a bread basket lined with a clean kitchen towel. You can also cut the bread into smaller triangles for appetizers or serve it with a dipping bowl of marinara or melted cheese sauce for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover garlic bread, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 2 days while maintaining most of its flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the garlic bread before baking by spreading the garlic butter on the bread, then wrapping it tightly in foil and putting it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the baking steps as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the garlic bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bread for this Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe?
While fresh bread works best to achieve that crispy texture, frozen bread slices can be used if thawed properly. Just let them come to room temperature before spreading the garlic butter.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil, and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. The garlic and herbs will still make it delicious.
How can I make this garlic bread spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the garlic butter mixture before spreading it on the bread. It adds a lovely kick without overpowering the garlic flavor.
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the garlic butter up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the bread for easier application.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Sliced sandwich bread is perfect for this recipe’s convenience, but a rustic Italian or French bread sliced into similar-sized pieces also works well. Look for bread with a sturdy crust and soft interior for ideal texture.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe is such a simple joy — easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a cozy night in, this recipe brings everyone together over delicious, buttery, garlicky bites. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes your go-to for comfort food that never disappoints!
Print
Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-11 minutes
- Total Time: 20-21 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This easy and flavorful garlic bread recipe uses simple sliced bread topped with a rich garlic butter spread, baked to golden perfection. Ideal as a quick snack or a tasty side for pasta dishes, it offers a crisp texture and savory aroma with minimal ingredients and fuss.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Bread
- 1 loaf of sliced bread (16 slices)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the garlic bread.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using for an extra savory touch.
- Assemble Bread: Arrange the slices of bread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture on each slice, ensuring an even coating for optimal flavor.
- Bake Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges of the bread are crispy and golden brown.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): For an even crispier finish, broil the bread for an additional minute, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and garnish with extra fresh parsley before serving warm to enjoy the best flavor and aroma.
Notes
- Using softened butter allows for easy mixing and even spreading.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- The optional Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Keep an eye on the bread while broiling to avoid burning.
- For gluten-free variation, substitute the sliced bread with a gluten-free loaf.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
