Bake at home · Bread snack
Easy Homemade Garlic Bread
A quick garlic-butter topping for sliced bread, finished in an oven or covered pan.
Prep10 minutes
Cook12 minutes
Total22 minutes
Yield8 pieces
Ingredients
Volume measures are approximate; weighing flour gives the most consistent result.
- 1 loaf sturdy bread, about 400–500 g, cut into 8 thick slices
- 100 g softened butter (about 7 tablespoons)
- 15 g garlic, finely grated or minced (about 4–5 cloves)
- 10 g chopped fresh coriander or parsley (about 2 tablespoons), optional
- 2 g fine salt (about 1/3 teaspoon), or to taste
- 1 g black pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon), optional
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Garlic Bread
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Method
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F), or warm a heavy covered pan over low-medium heat.
- Mix softened butter with garlic, herbs, salt and pepper.
- Spread the garlic butter over one side of each bread slice, reaching close to the edges.
- For oven cooking, arrange slices butter-side up on a tray and bake for 8–12 minutes, until the edges are crisp and the top is lightly golden.
- For pan cooking, place slices butter-side up in the pan, cover and cook over low-medium heat for 5–7 minutes. Check the underside so it does not burn.
- Serve warm. If using cheese, add it during the final few minutes and cook until melted.
Helpful tips
- Use softened butter so it spreads without tearing the bread.
- Start checking early; thin slices brown faster than thick pieces.
Common mistakes
- High heat can burn the garlic before the bread warms through. Use moderate heat and check often.
- Too much topping can soak the crumb; spread a thin, even layer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make garlic bread without an oven?
Yes. Cook it butter-side up in a covered pan over low-medium heat and check the underside often.
Can I prepare garlic butter ahead?
You can mix it ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container. Let it soften enough to spread before using.
What bread works for garlic bread?
A sturdy loaf that can hold a topping works well. Slice it thick enough to stay soft inside while the edges toast.