Sep 04 2026

Garlic Bread Recipe

Time25m
Serves4

PLAIN 7.5 | TOMATO 8.5 | CHEESE 9.5

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Ingredients

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Plain Garlic Bread

Cheese Garlic Bread (adds)

Method

Plain Garlic Bread

  1. 1

    Preheat and prepare loaf

    Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Slice the loaf in half lengthwise, or cut into 1–2-inch thick diagonal slices without cutting all the way through if you prefer a pull-apart style.

  2. 2

    Make garlic butter

    In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined. If the butter is too firm, microwave for 5–8 seconds to soften further but do not melt.

  3. 3

    Assemble plain garlic bread

    Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the loaf (or each slice). If using, lightly brush the outside crust with 1 tbs olive oil for extra crispness.

  4. 4

    Bake

    Place the assembled loaf on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the edges begin to turn golden. For a crisper top, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Remove from oven, let rest 1–2 minutes, then slice (if whole) and serve warm.

Tomato Garlic Bread (adds)

  1. 6

    Prepare tomato topping

    While the oven is preheating, combine the diced tomato, finely chopped red onion (if using), chopped basil, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional), 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Toss gently and let sit 5 minutes to macerate.

  2. 7

    Top the bread

    After spreading the garlic butter on the cut loaf (see Plain Garlic Bread steps), spoon the tomato mixture evenly over the buttered surface. Lightly press so the topping adheres.

  3. 8

    Bake

    Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes until the bread is warm and the tomato mixture is slightly softened. If you want a slightly roasted tomato finish, bake up to 14 minutes.

  4. 9

    Finish and serve

    Remove from oven, garnish with additional fresh basil if desired, let cool 1 minute and serve warm.

Cheese Garlic Bread (adds)

  1. 10

    Assemble with cheese

    After spreading the garlic butter on the cut loaf (see Plain Garlic Bread), sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered surface, then dust with grated Parmesan and the dried oregano.

  2. 11

    Bake and melt

    Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and edges are golden. For a browned top, broil 1–2 minutes while watching closely.

  3. 12

    Serve

    Remove from oven, allow to cool 1–2 minutes so the cheese sets slightly, slice and serve warm.