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A close-up shows several slices of golden-brown Garlic Bread, brushed with butter and herbs, ready to serve.

Classic Crispy Garlic Bread

This simple yet irresistible garlic bread recipe features a rich, buttery, and aromatic garlic-herb spread on a crusty baguette, baked to golden perfection for an ultimate side dish or appetizer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Garlic Butter Spread
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4-6 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor
For the Bread
  • 1 baguette or Italian bread 16 oz, preferably day-old

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Pastry Brush

Method
 

Prepare the Oven and Bread
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Slice the baguette lengthwise down the middle, creating two long halves. If your bread is very wide, you can also slice it into 1-inch thick individual slices, but ensure they remain connected at the bottom if possible.
Make the Garlic Butter
  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced fresh garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the garlic butter is evenly distributed.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both baguette halves, ensuring an even coating from edge to edge. You can use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon.
  2. Place the buttered bread halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the butter is bubbly.
  4. For extra crispiness and a golden-brown top, you can carefully broil for an additional 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Serve
  1. Remove from the oven, slice into individual portions (about 1.5-inch wide slices), and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Classic Crispy Garlic Bread!

Notes

For an even stronger garlic flavor, let the butter mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before spreading. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, but use half the amount (1 tbsp). Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage, then reheated in the oven.