Garlic Bread Recipe

Preheat and prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easier cleanup.

Prepare garlic butter

In a medium bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and olive oil until smooth. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until well combined and evenly distributed.

Cut the bread

If making slices: slice the loaf crosswise into 1- to 1.5-inch thick slices, stopping just before the bottom if you want a pull-apart style, or slice completely for individual pieces. If making a split loaf: slice the loaf lengthwise through the center to create two halves.

Apply the garlic butter

If slices: spread about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the garlic butter mixture between each slice and on the outer surfaces. If split loaf: spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut surfaces of both halves, making sure the butter reaches the edges.

Optional cheese topping

If using mozzarella: sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the split loaf halves or over the arranged slices. For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes lightly on top.

Wrap or place on baking sheet

For softer, steamed interior: loosely wrap the prepared loaf or slices in foil, shiny side in. For crisper exterior: place the prepared bread directly on the lined baking sheet without foil (or open-faced foil).

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes if wrapped (until butter melted and bread warmed through). If unwrapped and you want golden top and crisp edges, bake 8–12 minutes, then for extra browning broil for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.

Finish and serve

Remove from oven. If wrapped, open foil for a minute under the broiler if you want a slightly crisp top. Let cool 1–2 minutes, then slice fully if you used a pull-apart method. Serve warm.