Garlic Bread with Herb Butter

My college roommate used to make this garlic bread whenever we had people over, and I swear it was the reason anyone actually showed up to our dinner parties. The whole apartment would smell like butter and garlic, and people would hover around the oven waiting for that first batch to come out. I finally learned her method, and now it is the one thing I can confidently make without measuring anything perfectly.

Last summer, I made eight loaves for a backyard pasta night because everyone kept asking for seconds. My friend Sarah stood at the counter eating slice after slice, claiming she was just quality control testing for the party. By the time guests arrived, we had to throw together a second batch.

Ingredients

• Bread: A baguette or Italian loaf works best because it has that perfect crust to crumb ratio that holds up to the butter without getting soggy
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it mixes evenly into the herbs and garlic without leaving chunks
• Fresh garlic: Minced finely because nobody wants an overwhelming bite of raw garlic in their bread
• Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and color that dried herbs just cannot replicate
• Fresh chives: Optional but they add a mild onion flavor that makes the butter taste more complex
• Salt and black pepper: Essential because plain butter needs seasoning to become something memorable
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Creates this salty, crispy crust on top that people fight over

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 200°C (400°F) because we want high heat to get that golden crunch quickly

Make the garlic butter:

Mix the softened butter with garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper until it looks like a bright green spread

Prep your bread:

Lay the slices on a parchment-lined baking tray so cleanup is literally just throwing away the paper

Spread generously:

Cover each slice with a thick layer of butter, reaching all the way to the edges

Add cheese if you want:

Sprinkle Parmesan on top now because it will melt into this beautiful golden crust

Bake until perfect:

Slide into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are browned and the cheese is bubbling

Serve immediately:

These are best eaten warm while the butter is still soft and the crust is at its crispiest

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My niece now asks for this every time she visits, and she has started helping me spread the butter herself. She calls it the fancy bread, and honestly, she is not wrong.

Choosing Your Bread

Sourdough gives you a tangy flavor and sturdy crunch while a regular baguette is more about that classic garlic bread experience. I have used ciabatta in a pinch and it works beautifully, especially if you want those extra crispy edges.

Make Ahead Butter

You can mix up a double batch of the garlic butter and roll it into a log using parchment paper. Store it in the freezer, and whenever you need garlic bread, just slice off what you need and let it soften while the oven preheats.

Serving Suggestions

This goes with literally anything Italian, but it is especially good alongside a simple tomato soup or a big bowl of pasta. I have also served it with scrambled eggs for brunch, which might sound strange but works surprisingly well.

• Try adding red pepper flakes to the butter if you like a little heat
• Vegan butter works perfectly fine if you are avoiding dairy
• Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated in the oven the next day

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There is something so comforting about pulling a tray of garlic bread out of the oven, and watching everyone reach for a slice immediately.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What bread works best for garlic bread?

A baguette or Italian loaf creates the ideal base—these breads have a sturdy crumb that crisps beautifully without becoming too hard. Sourdough adds tangy depth, while whole grain offers nuttier notes and extra fiber.

→ Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?

Absolutely. Mix the butter compound up to three days in advance and store it refrigerated. Let it soften for 15 minutes at room temperature before spreading for smooth, even coverage on your bread slices.

→ How do I prevent the bread from burning?

Watch closely during the final 2–3 minutes of baking. Different ovens vary in heat distribution. If the tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil while the edges finish crisping to golden perfection.

→ What variations can I add to the butter?

Elevate the classic blend with finely grated lemon zest for brightness, pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth, or chopped rosemary for pine notes. Each addition creates a unique flavor profile while maintaining the beloved garlic foundation.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the unsalted butter with your favorite vegan butter alternative. Most plant-based butters cream well with garlic and herbs, creating similar spreadability. The flavor remains robust and satisfying without dairy.