Aug 26 2026
RestaurantsElizabeth’s ItalianGarlic Bread Recipe

Garlic Bread Recipe

Time35m
Serves6

Make Garlic Bread Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Garlic Butter

Method

Garlic Butter

  1. 1

    Soften butter

    Let the unsalted butter sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until soft but still spreadable. If short on time, microwave in 5–7 second bursts until just soft.

  2. 2

    Prepare garlic

    Peel and finely mince 4 garlic cloves (or grate with a microplane). For a milder garlic flavor, smash cloves and soak in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and mince.

  3. 3

    Mix garlic butter

    In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (if using). Stir thoroughly until smooth and homogenous. Taste and adjust salt or lemon zest as desired.

Bread & Finish

  1. 4

    Prepare oven and bread

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If using a baguette, slice the loaf in half lengthwise. For garlic pull-apart style, slice crosswise into 1-inch thick slices without cutting through the bottom (keep loaf intact).

  2. 5

    Spread butter

    Use a spatula or butter knife to spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over the cut surfaces of the bread (or into each slice if using pull-apart). Make sure garlic and Parmesan are distributed evenly so every piece gets flavor.

  3. 6

    Add cheese (optional)

    If using mozzarella, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the buttered surfaces. For extra browning, leave some cheese-free areas so the top crisps more.

  4. 7

    Bake

    Place the prepared bread on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until butter has melted and the edges begin to brown. If you added mozzarella and want a golden top, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.

  5. 8

    Garnish and serve

    Remove garlic bread from the oven. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and a light dusting of red pepper flakes if desired. Let rest 1–2 minutes, then slice (if you halved the loaf) and serve warm.

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