Garlic Bread Recipe

Soften and mix

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil until smooth. This oil helps keep the butter spreadable and gives a glossy finish.

Add garlic and seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly so the garlic and seasonings are evenly distributed. Add the grated Parmesan and mix until incorporated; this gives the butter a savory, cheesy base.

Slice the loaf

Using a serrated knife, slice the baguette in half lengthwise to create two long halves. Alternatively, for pull-apart garlic bread, slice crosswise into 1–1.5 inch thick pieces without cutting all the way through the bottom.

Spread the garlic butter

Evenly spread the prepared garlic-Parmesan butter over the cut sides of the bread, covering to the edges. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture if you want an extra finish after baking.

Add mozzarella

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread halves. If using halves, divide the cheese between them; if using crosswise slices, press some cheese into the cuts so it melts between slices as well as on top.

Bake

Place the assembled bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil (for easy cleanup). Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the butter melts and the cheese is bubbly.

Broil for color

For a golden-brown top, switch the oven to broil on high and broil 1–2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning. Remove when the cheese is lightly browned and edges are crisp.

Finish and serve

If you reserved butter, brush it over the hot bread now. Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top. Let the garlic bread rest 1–2 minutes, then slice (if using halves) and serve warm.