If you’ve ever craved something buttery, garlicky, and utterly comforting, this Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes everyday sliced bread and transforms it into golden slices of aromatic delight that can elevate any meal or satisfy those snack-time cravings. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, soup, or simply enjoying it on its own, the perfect combination of rich butter, fresh garlic, and fragrant parsley will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so flavorful and satisfying. Each component in this Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe plays a key role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make the final dish irresistible.
- 8 slices sliced bread: Choose white, whole wheat, or sourdough depending on your preference and texture desired.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): The creamy base that carries the garlic flavor and crisps up beautifully when baked.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic ensures that signature bold aroma and punch we all adore in garlic bread.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors seamlessly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For an extra layer of nutty richness and a slight crisp on top if you love cheesy garlic bread.
How to Make Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for melting the butter and crisping the edges of the bread without burning the garlic or drying out the slices.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, fragrant spread. The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not liquid – this ensures even coverage on the bread and consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture on the Bread
Generously slather the garlic butter blend on each slice of bread. Don’t hold back here – the more evenly coated, the more flavorful your garlic bread will be. Make sure to cover every corner for that perfect garlicky crunch.
Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle a nice layer of grated Parmesan cheese over each slice. This step adds a wonderful nutty depth to the garlic bread and gives it a golden, bubbly finish once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start to crisp. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen and the cheese is melted and slightly browned if you added it.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, let the garlic bread cool for a minute or two – this allows the butter to set just enough so it doesn’t slide off. Serve warm and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle a little more chopped parsley over the warm garlic bread just before serving. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also add a subtle kick and complexity.
Side Dishes
This garlic bread pairs beautifully with hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio or a rich marinara sauce. It’s equally fantastic alongside soups, especially tomato bisque or creamy potato leek, and can serve as a star accompaniment to salads or grilled veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the garlic bread into smaller, bite-sized squares and serving them as party appetizers with a side of marinara dipping sauce. You can also layer the bread slices with melted mozzarella and fresh tomatoes for a quick bruschetta twist or use them as croutons to add crunch to your salads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, though they are always best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared garlic bread before baking by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. This way, you can keep it for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring your garlic bread back to life, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes or until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it will make the bread soggy and lose that beloved crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread besides sliced bread?
Absolutely! While this Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe is designed specifically for sliced bread, you can experiment with baguettes, rolls, or Italian bread. Just adjust the baking time accordingly since thicker bread may need a bit longer to crisp perfectly.
How can I make the garlic bread vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or spread, and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. The garlic and parsley will still provide amazing flavor.
Is it better to use fresh or powdered garlic?
Fresh garlic is definitely the way to go here because it offers a vibrant, pungent garlic flavor that powders just can’t match. Mince it finely to evenly distribute its taste throughout the butter mixture.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
If fresh parsley isn’t available, dried parsley can work as a substitute but use it sparingly since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. Alternatively, fresh basil or chives can add a lovely herbal note too.
Can I add other herbs or spices to this recipe?
Definitely! This Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a unique twist that suits your palate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sinking your teeth into warm, buttery, and garlicky bread that speaks directly to the soul. This Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe is a simple yet incredibly rewarding way to bring a little magic to your kitchen without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make it a beloved staple in your home, just like I have!
Print
Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 slices per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and delicious garlic bread recipe uses simple sliced bread and a flavorful garlic butter spread, baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect as a quick appetizer or side dish, featuring a crispy crust with a rich, buttery, and garlicky topping enhanced by fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Other Ingredients
- 8 slices sliced bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the garlic bread slices evenly.
- Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Apply the garlic butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over each slice of bread, covering the surface evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Add Parmesan cheese (optional): If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each buttered bread slice to add a rich, cheesy layer.
- Bake the garlic bread: Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crisp around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm to enjoy the perfect balance of crunch and buttery garlic flavor.
Notes
- Use any type of sliced bread you prefer: white, whole wheat, or sourdough.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, mince extra cloves or allow the garlic butter mixture to sit for 10 minutes before spreading.
- The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory touch.
- To keep the bread crispier, serve immediately after baking.
- Leftover garlic bread can be reheated in a toaster oven or conventional oven for best texture retention.
