Easy & Customizable Garlic Bread to Serve with Any Meal

Garlic Bread
Photo by Ihjaaz Manarikk on Unsplash

Savory, buttery, and golden brown, there’s no dish that can’t be improved with a side of garlic bread fresh from the oven. Olive Garden knew what they were doing when they decided to make unlimited garlic breadsticks a central part of the dining experience, and with a few simple ingredients, you can easily make your own version at home. Read on for our quick and customizable go-to recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 French baguette or similar type of bread
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter or plant-based alternative, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F or 190°C.
  2. Slice the bread in half lengthwise to create two long pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
  5. If you’d like to add cheese, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread.
  6. Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to get a golden brown crust on the top if desired.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
  9. Slice the garlic bread into individual servings and enjoy!