Garlic Bread Recipe

Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.

If using a whole loaf, slice the bread: cut the baguette or loaf on a slight diagonal into 1 to 1 1/4-inch (2.5–3 cm) thick slices, keeping the base intact if you want pull-apart style, or slice fully through for individual pieces. For a full-slab garlic bread, slice the loaf horizontally in half.

In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter (0.5 cup) and 1 tablespoon olive oil. The oil keeps the butter spreadable and helps browning.

Add the minced garlic (4 tsp), chopped fresh parsley (2 tbsp), grated Parmesan (2 tbsp) if using, lemon zest (0.5 tsp) if using, salt (0.5 tsp) and black pepper (0.25 tsp). Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly distributed.

Taste a small smear and adjust seasoning — add a pinch more salt or parsley if desired.

For sliced pieces: spread about 1 tablespoon of garlic butter on each slice, reaching to the edges. If you kept the loaf intact (pull-apart), spread butter between slices and on top of the loaf so all layers are well coated.

For halved loaf: spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut surface of each half. If making cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar (about 1 cup) evenly over the buttered surface. Add a light pinch of chili flakes if you want a bit of heat.

Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 8–12 minutes, until the butter has melted and the edges of the bread begin to turn golden.

If you added cheese and want it browned and bubbly, switch oven to broil (or move rack to upper third) for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning. Remove when cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Remove from oven and let rest 1–2 minutes. If desired, brush a little extra olive oil on top or sprinkle a pinch more chopped parsley for freshness.

Serve warm. For pull-apart style, transfer to a serving plate and separate pieces. For sliced bread, serve pieces individually.