Easy Garlic Bread is a delicious and simple side dish that perfectly complements pasta, soups, and salads. With its buttery, garlicky flavor and crispy texture, this garlic bread is sure to be a hit at any meal!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (or Italian bread)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Timing

Making Easy Garlic Bread takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 10-15 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

1. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

1. Slice the Bread: Cut the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise.
2. Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread.

Step 4: Bake the Garlic Bread

1. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. For extra browning, you can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve

1. Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic bread during the last few minutes of baking.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, slice into pieces, and serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Easy Garlic Bread (per slice, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	2g
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Herb Variations: Add other herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil for different flavor profiles.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy garlic bread variation.
• Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic for a stronger flavor, or use roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder taste.

Conclusion

Easy Garlic Bread is a quick and delicious side dish that enhances any meal with its rich garlic flavor and crispy texture. Perfect for sharing, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!