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Homemade Garlic Bread - Simple, Buttery, and Crispy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large baguette or Italian loaf (day-old works great)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced or grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
  2. Prep the bread. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. If you prefer individual pieces, slice it into thick 1–1.5 inch slices on a slight angle.
  3. Make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). It should be spreadable and fragrant.
  4. Spread generously. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly spread the garlic butter over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure it reaches the edges—those crispy bits are the best.
  5. Add cheese if you like. Sprinkle a light layer of grated Parmesan over the top for a savory kick. This is optional but delicious.
  6. Bake. Place the bread, cut side up, on the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the butter is melted and the edges are starting to crisp.
  7. Broil briefly. Switch to broil for 1–2 minutes to get a golden, toasty top. Keep a close eye on it—garlic can go from perfect to burnt fast.
  8. Rest and slice. Let the bread sit for 2–3 minutes to set slightly, then slice into pieces and serve warm.