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Better-Than-Restaurant Garlic Bread with Fresh Herb Butter

The Best Garlic Bread
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This golden-brown garlic bread transforms humble ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat that outshines any restaurant version.

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Italian or French bread
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Slice your Italian or French loaf in half lengthwise using a serrated knife, then place both halves cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, finely minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and sea salt. I like to use a fork to mash everything together until it forms a uniform, spreadable mixture with evenly distributed herbs.
  4. Generously spread the garlic herb butter over both cut surfaces of bread, making sure to reach all the way to the edges. The butter might seem like a lot, but trust me—it creates that irresistible flavor and perfect texture!
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the garlic becomes fragrant. For extra-crispy garlic bread, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  6. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle your parmesan or mozzarella over the bread during the final 2 minutes of baking—this gives it just enough time to melt without becoming too brown.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the bread cool for just a minute before sprinkling with additional chopped parsley and chives for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
  8. Slice into portions while still warm and serve immediately when the exterior is at its crispiest and the interior is perfectly soft and buttery.

Notes

  • Room temperature butter only: Cold butter won’t properly incorporate the garlic and herbs, while melted butter soaks in too quickly.
  • Crush before mincing: Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of your knife before mincing to release more of those aromatic oils.
  • Bread matters tremendously: The ideal loaf has a slightly chewy interior with a thin but substantial crust.
  • Don’t skimp on butter: That generous layer might look excessive when spreading, but it creates the perfect balance.
  • Rest before serving: Allow the garlic bread to cool for just 1-2 minutes after baking for better texture.

Find it online: https://www.sweethomecook.com/the-best-garlic-bread/