House Favorite Garlic Bread Recipe
If you’re after a crowd-pleasing side that vanishes faster than you can say “pass the bread,” this House Favorite Garlic Bread is about to become your new secret weapon. Imagine a loaf of crusty bread layered with rich, garlicky butter, fresh parsley, melty cheese, and just the right hints of seasoning – baked until golden and irresistibly fragrant. Whether you serve it alongside pasta, soup, or simply as a starter for a casual night in, this is the garlic bread everyone asks for by name. Trust me, there’s a reason it’s called the House Favorite Garlic Bread!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This House Favorite Garlic Bread relies on simple, honest ingredients, each lending their own magic. There’s no fuss here – just classic flavors coming together to make something utterly crave-worthy, with a few optional upgrades if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
- French or Italian bread (1 loaf, about 16 inches): The canvas for all that buttery, garlicky goodness; pick a loaf with a crisp crust and soft inside.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Unsalted means you control the flavor, plus softened butter blends easily with the add-ins.
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): The absolute heart of garlic bread! Freshly minced delivers bold, punchy flavor.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds a pop of color and a hint of earthy brightness that lifts every bite.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Just enough to balance and enhance every other ingredient.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): For warmth and a bit of background complexity.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Savory, nutty, and perfectly salty – Parmesan creates that unbeatable crust!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup, optional): Craving cheesy garlic bread? This is your golden ticket; melty and gooey on top.
How to Make House Favorite Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Bread
Get started by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Slice your French or Italian loaf in half lengthwise, creating two identical slabs. Lay both pieces cut-side up on a baking sheet – lining it with parchment paper is optional, but makes for easy cleanup. This is your blank slate for all those garlicky dreams to come true.
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Butter Spread
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan. Stir and mash everything together until it’s well blended and the mixture turns creamy with little flecks of green and cheese throughout. The aroma at this point will make your kitchen smell amazing and leave you tempted to sneak a taste.
Step 3: Slather and Top
Using a spatula or butter knife, generously spread the garlic butter mixture over each open face of the bread. Make sure to hit every inch so no bite is left bland! If you’re in a cheesy mood, now’s the time to throw a generous handful of shredded mozzarella over the top for ultimate melty goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the prepared bread into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you’re looking for toasted edges and a molten, golden top. If you want an extra touch of color and crispiness, switch on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes right at the end. This step makes such a difference for that classic House Favorite Garlic Bread crunch!
Step 5: Slice and Serve Warm
Once bubbling and gorgeous, remove your bread from the oven. Let it cool for just a minute or two (if you can wait), then slice into thick, shareable pieces. Serve up your House Favorite Garlic Bread while it’s still warm and watch it disappear in a flash.
How to Serve House Favorite Garlic Bread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley over the top just before serving brightens the whole loaf and screams “fresh.” If you like a bit of heat, a dusting of red pepper flakes looks (and tastes) fantastic. Even a whisper of flaky sea salt can make every bite pop.
Side Dishes
The House Favorite Garlic Bread is a superstar with homemade tomato soup, classic pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna, or crispy Caesar salads. It’s equally at home with a bowl of chili or served alongside barbecued meats for a less traditional, but completely memorable, pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go beyond a classic side, try serving your House Favorite Garlic Bread as crostini topped with bruschetta, or pile it up on a board with dips like whipped feta or roasted red pepper hummus. For parties, slice into bite-size “dippers” and serve with marinara for a fun, shareable snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftover slices (which is rare!), let them cool completely, then wrap snugly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – they’ll reheat beautifully and taste almost as good as fresh.
Freezing
House Favorite Garlic Bread is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Assemble the bread with the garlic butter spread (and cheese, if using), wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to get it hot and golden.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes; the bread stays crisp and the cheese re-melts. You can also pop a slice or two in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes for an ultra-fast, ultra-crispy result.
FAQs
What kind of bread works best for House Favorite Garlic Bread?
French or Italian bread with a sturdy crust and soft, airy interior is ideal. These breads soak up the butter and flavors without getting soggy or falling apart. In a pinch, you could use a baguette or ciabatta for a twist!
Can I make House Favorite Garlic Bread dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite plant-based butter and skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The garlic and fresh parsley will still make the bread shine.
How do I make my garlic bread extra crispy?
For shatteringly crisp edges, leave the bread under the broiler for an extra minute, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Be generous with butter at the edges for maximum crunch factor!
Is there a way to make it spicier?
If you like heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes directly into the garlic butter mixture, or sprinkle them on top before baking. A dash of hot sauce or even some finely chopped fresh chili can give it a kick.
Can I prepare House Favorite Garlic Bread ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the bread and wrap it up tightly; keep it in the fridge for several hours or overnight, then bake right before serving. This is great for prepping ahead for parties or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste this House Favorite Garlic Bread, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen too. It’s easy, versatile, and flat-out delicious every single time. Gather your loved ones, make a loaf (or two), and watch it steal the show at your next meal!
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House Favorite Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This House Favorite Garlic Bread recipe is a family-friendly favorite that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes or as a side for soups and salads. With a crispy exterior and a soft, buttery center infused with garlic and herbs, this garlic bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread (about 16 inches)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Bread:
Garlic Butter:
Cheesy Option (Optional):
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Parmesan until well combined.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Add mozzarella cheese on top if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy. For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a punchier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers can be wrapped and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
