Name: Garlic Bread with Fresh Garlic & Parsley Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 loaf Italian (or French) bread; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 medium cloves garlic (about 2 teaspoons), finely minced; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

I absolutely adore making and sharing my Garlic Bread with Fresh Garlic & Parsley Recipe because it’s such a humble yet incredibly flavorful treat that instantly transforms any meal into something special. The fresh garlic and vibrant parsley bring this classic bread to life with bright, aromatic flavors that feel both comforting and elegant. Every time I prepare it, the warm, buttery aroma fills my kitchen and makes it impossible to wait for that first delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Bread with Fresh Garlic & Parsley Recipe

What makes this recipe so close to my heart is how perfectly balanced the flavors are. The fresh garlic isn’t overpowering but delivers a wonderful punch, while the parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the butter and olive oil. I’m always surprised at how these simple, fresh ingredients can create such a mouthwatering experience that complements so many dishes.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is how effortless it is to prepare. I love that with just a few pantry staples I can whip up something that feels artisanal and indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner accompaniment or a crowd-pleasing dish for holiday gatherings, this garlic bread always hits the spot. It really stands out as my go-to when I want to impress effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing a mixture with three visible layers: at the bottom is a pool of golden yellow olive oil, on the right side finely chopped white garlic pieces form a dense layer, and covering most of the left and upper parts is a layer of finely chopped green herbs, likely parsley, with some small scattered pieces around the bowl rim. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Garlic Bread with Fresh Garlic & Parsley Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the texture from the butter, the kick from the garlic, or the color from the parsley, making the bread irresistibly flavorful.

Italian or French bread: The perfect sturdy base for soaking up the garlic butter while remaining soft inside.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature for easy mixing and creamy richness without any added saltiness.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity depth and helps keep the butter mixture smooth.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
Fresh garlic cloves: Finely minced and mashed to release bold, fresh flavor and aroma.
Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a burst of color and a bright, herbal note that lifts the whole bread.

Directions

Step 1: Adjust your oven rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking, helping the garlic butter soak perfectly into the bread.

Step 2: Slice your bread into 1-inch thick pieces, careful not to cut all the way through so the loaf stays intact at the bottom — this keeps serving super easy and neat.

Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter, olive oil, and salt until smooth. Then, use a fork to mash the minced garlic cloves into a paste and mix it into the butter blend along with the chopped parsley, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Spread this vibrant garlic butter on one side of each bread slice, making sure to get into every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Wrap the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes — this allows the butter to melt deeply into the bread, infusing every slice.

Step 6: Carefully open the top of the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the garlic bread edges just enough to get that irresistible crunch while keeping the inside soft and buttery.

Step 7: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the amazing aroma and flavor bursting from this delightful garlic bread.

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Bread with Fresh Garlic & Parsley Recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings — perfect for sharing with family or friends. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep, mainly mixing and slicing, and 20 minutes of cooking time in the oven, totaling 30 minutes from start to finish. There’s no need to let it rest, so you can serve it as soon as it’s done baking for the freshest, warmest experience.

How to Serve This Garlic Bread with Fresh Garlic & Parsley Recipe

The image shows four slices of golden yellow garlic bread layered in a row on white crumpled paper on a white marbled surface. Each slice has a crispy brown crust and a soft, porous interior dotted with finely chopped green herbs. The front slice has a small melting pat of pale yellow butter resting in the middle, adding a glossy texture. The bread looks warm and inviting with bits of toasted garlic visible near the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For me, this garlic bread shines as a perfect companion to hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese or creamy Alfredo because the buttery garlic notes complement those sauces so well. I also love serving it alongside a simple salad with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast or pairing it with soup on chilly evenings — tomato basil soup and this bread are an unbeatable duo.

When plating, I like to present the loaf whole on a wooden board with extra chopped parsley sprinkled on top for a fresh pop of green color. Serving the bread still warm is key because it makes the butter melt delightfully in your mouth. For drinks, I’ve found that a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager pairs beautifully, but a sparkling water with fresh lime also keeps things refreshingly balanced.

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday party, this bread always adds that little extra wow factor. I usually portion it so everyone gets two or three slices, allowing the herb and garlic flavors to complement whatever else is on the table without overpowering. It’s one of those dishes I can’t recommend enough for all sorts of occasions.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, you can swap out the Italian bread for a gluten-free baguette if you’re catering to gluten sensitivities; just watch your baking time as gluten-free breads can crisp faster. For a vegan twist, I replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and sometimes add a pinch of nutritional yeast to mimic those savory, cheesy notes.

In terms of flavor, you could add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter if you like a little heat, or even a dash of grated Parmesan for a cheesier finish. I’ve also tried roasting the garlic first instead of using it raw, which gives a mellower, sweeter garlic flavor that’s lovely if you want a softer garlic presence.

While baking wrapped in foil is my favorite method for soft, infused bread, I sometimes try toasting the slices under the broiler for a few minutes to get an extra crunchy texture on top. Just be sure to watch closely so they don’t burn. These simple tweaks make it fun to personalize the recipe to your mood or the occasion.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover garlic bread, I recommend wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 2 days. I find that this method maintains the moisture and flavor well without letting the bread get too soggy or stale.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to make it ahead of time. After baking and cooling completely, wrap the garlic bread loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with foil, or use a freezer-safe zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the best texture, I reheat garlic bread in the oven at 350°F, wrapped loosely in foil to warm it through without drying it out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed and the butter is melted again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the bread soggy or chewy instead of crisp and flavorful. A quick broil for a minute or two at the end of reheating can restore some of that lovely, crispy crust.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh garlic?

While pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch, I highly recommend fresh garlic for this recipe to get that vibrant, pungent flavor and aroma. Freshly minced garlic also blends better into the butter mixture, creating a more authentic taste.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Italian or French bread with a sturdy crust and soft interior works best because it soaks up the garlic butter without falling apart. You want something with enough structure to hold the slices together but still tender inside for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Can I prepare this garlic bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture and spread it on the bread up to a day ahead. Keep it wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator, then bake it fresh before serving. This is a great timesaver for busy nights or entertaining.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s perfect for kids who enjoy mild garlic flavor and buttery bread. However, if your child is sensitive to strong flavors, you could reduce the garlic amount slightly. It’s a wonderful way to introduce fresh herbs and new flavors in a familiar format.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based margarine or vegan butter spread, and use olive oil as usual. Double-check that your bread is vegan-friendly, then proceed as directed. The flavor will still be incredible!

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Garlic Bread with Fresh Garlic & Parsley Recipe enough because it’s one of those dishes that feels luxurious yet is so easy and quick to make. It elevates any meal with its fresh, aromatic flavors and comforting buttery texture. Whether you’re serving a simple dinner or a festive feast, this garlic bread will always be a crowd-pleaser in my home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too!