Imagine pulling a golden, crispy, and aromatic loaf of garlic bread straight from the oven, with melted butter glistening and the rich aroma of fresh garlic and herbs filling your kitchen. This isn't just any garlic bread – this is Mom's Quick and Easy Garlic Bread, a recipe so simple yet so delicious that it will become your go-to side dish for every meal. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests, complement a pasta night, or just indulge in a warm, buttery treat, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
- Take the softened butter and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Let the butter sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to ensure it's perfectly soft and spreadable.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife or a garlic press. The finer the mince, the more evenly the garlic flavor will distribute.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt to the softened butter. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and create a smooth, fragrant garlic butter mixture.
- Slice the French bread horizontally lengthwise, creating two long halves. This will maximize the surface area for the garlic butter.
- Using a spatula or butter knife, spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across both halves of the bread, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
- Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet, with the buttered side facing up. For easy cleanup, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the butter is completely melted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Slice into serving portions and serve warm.
Tips
- Use room temperature butter for the easiest spreading and most even coverage.
- Mince garlic as finely as possible to distribute flavor evenly throughout the butter.
- Choose a fresh, high-quality French bread for the best texture and taste.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Watch the bread closely in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest, most delicious results.
- Experiment with additional herbs like basil or oregano to customize your garlic bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
