Garlic Bread (The Only Side Dish That Steals the Show)

Garlic bread is not a side dish. It’s the main event.

Butter. Garlic. Parsley. Toasty bread. That’s it. That’s the recipe. Ten minutes from start to plate. Crispy edges. Soft, buttery center. Pasta is just the excuse.

Ingredients

Serves 4.

• 1 loaf French or Italian bread (about 12 inches)
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, pinch of red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Slice bread in half horizontally (like a hot dog bun).

Step 2: Make Garlic Butter

1. Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
2. Spread generously on both cut sides of the bread.

Step 3: Bake

1. Place bread on baking sheet, butter side up.
2. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden and crispy.
3. Optional: Broil for 1 extra minute for extra crunch.

Step 4: Serve

1. Slice into pieces. Sprinkle with Parmesan if using. Serve hot. Fight over the crispy ends.

Summary

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Difficulty: Super Easy

Storage Notes

Best fresh. But leftovers keep in the fridge for 2 days.

Reheat: Air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes or oven at 375°F for 5 minutes. Microwave makes it rubbery—don’t do it.

Make garlic butter ahead: Keeps in the fridge for 1 week or freezer for 3 months.