If you are craving a simple yet incredibly flavorful snack or side, this Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It takes ordinary sliced bread and transforms it into golden, buttery, garlicky goodness that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you choose white, whole wheat, or tangy sourdough, this easy-to-make bread will become a family favorite, perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or your favorite Italian dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of basic pantry staples come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor, richness, and freshness.
- 8 slices sliced bread: Choose your favorite type, whether soft white, hearty whole wheat, or crusty sourdough for different textures and tastes.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides the creamy, rich base that carries the garlic flavor perfectly without being salty.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): The star ingredient that adds robust flavor and amazing aroma.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the natural richness of the butter and garlic.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a savory, nutty topping that melts into the bread for extra indulgence.
How to Make Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for getting your garlic bread golden and crisp without drying it out. Having the oven ready beforehand makes the process smooth and quick.
Step 2: Mix Your Garlic Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. Stir until you achieve a smooth, fragrant spread bursting with the promise of deliciousness. This mixture is the heart of the recipe and sets the flavor tone.
Step 3: Spread the Flavor
Generously slather your garlic butter mixture over each slice of bread. Be sure to cover every corner for consistent flavor in every bite. This generous layer ensures the bread absorbs all that garlicky richness during baking.
Step 4: Add Cheese If You Like
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top of each slice. It adds a savory, melty dimension that complements the garlic and butter perfectly. But this step is optional, so you can keep it simple or dress it up.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your prepared bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the tops are bubbling slightly if you added cheese.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, let your garlic bread rest briefly so it cools just enough to enjoy without burning your mouth. Serving it warm ensures the butter is still soft and the flavors shine brightest.
How to Serve Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a final touch, try sprinkling some extra fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add color and a hint of spice. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish and an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
Garlic bread is incredibly versatile! It pairs beautifully with a steaming bowl of tomato soup, a crisp Caesar salad, or alongside any pasta dish, like spaghetti bolognese or creamy Alfredo. It’s also perfect as a snack on its own when you just need a little garlic fix.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your garlic bread into an appetizer by cutting the slices into smaller pieces and serving with a marinara or pesto dipping sauce. You can also top the garlic bread with a sprinkle of mozzarella and broil it for extra gooeyness, turning it into a cheesy garlic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover garlic bread (though it’s hard to resist!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it from getting soggy, you can also wrap it tightly in foil.
Freezing
Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Place the prepared, buttered slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer container for up to 3 months. This way, you’ll have quick garlic bread ready whenever you want.
Reheating
Reheat your frozen or leftover garlic bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps restore the crisp edges and warm softness inside, just like freshly baked. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sliced white, whole wheat, or sourdough are ideal, you can experiment with multigrain, rye, or even gluten-free bread. Just keep in mind that thinner breads might crisp faster, so adjust baking times accordingly.
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic really makes the difference here, as it provides the brightest and most robust flavor. Garlic powders won’t deliver the same punch or aroma, so fresh minced garlic is strongly recommended.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh parsley?
If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley works as a substitute, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also try fresh basil or oregano for a different herbal twist.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a vegan butter alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese. The garlic and herbs will still shine beautifully.
How do I make the bread extra crispy?
For extra crispy garlic bread, try broiling it for the last 2 minutes of baking, but watch it closely to prevent burning. Using a sturdier bread like sourdough also helps achieve a satisfying crunch.
Final Thoughts
Making Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread Recipe is like inviting a warm hug to your taste buds. It’s effortless, adaptable, and endlessly delicious, whether as a quick snack or the perfect companion to your meals. Next time you want to add a golden, buttery, garlicky touch to your day, don’t hesitate to whip up this cozy, crowd-pleasing treat. Your kitchen will thank you for the aroma, and your family will thank you for the flavor!
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: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This easy garlic bread recipe uses sliced bread, butter, garlic, and parsley to create a delicious, aromatic accompaniment perfect for any meal. Optional Parmesan cheese adds a savory, cheesy touch. Ready in under 25 minutes, this garlic bread is crispy, buttery, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Bread and Toppings
- 8 slices sliced bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to toast the bread evenly and melt the garlic butter mixture.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix well until smooth and fully blended.
- Spread Mixture: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture on each slice of bread, covering the surface evenly for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese: If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each buttered slice for a cheesy, savory addition.
- Bake Bread: Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the garlic bread to cool slightly. Serve warm to enjoy the full buttery garlic aroma and crisp texture.
Notes
- You can use any type of sliced bread you prefer, such as white, whole wheat, or sourdough.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- For a more intense garlic flavor, let the garlic butter mixture rest for 10 minutes before spreading.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a rich, savory taste.
- Serve garlic bread alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads for a perfect complement.
