Garlic bread with sliced bread is one of those side dishes I make on autopilot now because it takes almost no thought and the result is always exactly what everyone wants. Buttery, garlicky, golden at the edges, and ready in about 20 minutes using bread you already have sitting on the counter. My kids specifically request it whenever pasta is on the dinner menu.
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Ingredients for Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread
I always have everything for this recipe already in the kitchen, which is exactly why it has become such a reliable go-to for weeknight dinners. Here is what you need:
- 1 loaf sliced bread (16 slices) – I recommend a sturdy white sandwich bread or sourdough for the best texture after baking; thin bread can go soft in the center
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature – my preference is always unsalted so you can control the final salt level yourself
- 6 to 8 cloves garlic, minced fresh – pro tip: skip the pre-minced jarred garlic here since the flavor is noticeably flat compared to fresh
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – in my experience, even a light dusting takes this from a simple side to something people go back for seconds
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend letting the butter soften for at least 30 minutes before you start so it blends smoothly without any lumps in the spread.
Step 1: Let butter sit at room temperature until fully soft. Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth, evenly blended, and fragrant. Give it a quick taste before spreading and adjust the salt if needed.
Step 2: Lay all bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter generously on each slice, covering all the way to the edges. Leaving the edges bare is the most common mistake and gives you dry, flavorless corners on every slice.
Step 3: Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden and the butter has soaked fully into the bread. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the very end. Watch it closely because garlic bread can go from golden to burned in under a minute under the broiler.
Step 4: If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on during the last 3 minutes of baking so it has time to melt into the surface. Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Best Things to Serve with Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread
Garlic bread with sliced bread belongs alongside anything saucy, soupy, or rich enough to make good use of a buttery slice.
Creamy Pasta Dishes: This is the pairing most people think of first, and for good reason. Try it alongside our creamy Italian sausage rigatoni for a dinner that feels like it came from a real Italian kitchen without leaving home.
Tomato-Based Pasta or Bakes: Garlic bread soaks up a bold red sauce like nothing else. Pair it with our baked ziti for a crowd-pleasing, family-style dinner that comes together with very little effort.
Stuffed Shells: For a more filling Italian-style dinner, our spinach and ricotta stuffed shells pair perfectly with garlic bread and make the whole meal feel complete.
Hearty Soups: A thick, creamy soup needs something to dip into it. Serve this alongside our loaded baked potato soup for a cozy dinner combination that hits every time.
Meatball Dishes: Garlic bread and meatballs belong together. Use it as a base for our easy weeknight meatball subs or serve it as a side to soak up the sauce.
Chicken Marsala: For a more elevated dinner pairing, our chicken marsala with its rich pan sauce is a natural match for warm garlic bread on the side.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is best straight from the oven, but leftovers store well. Keep any uneaten slices in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, the oven is your best option. Place slices on a baking sheet at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes. The air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes works even faster and produces a crisper result. Skip the microwave if you can since it makes the bread soft and slightly chewy rather than crispy.
Pro tip: make a double batch of the garlic butter and store the extra covered in the fridge for up to a week. It works on toast, steamed vegetables, cooked pasta, and pretty much anything else that needs a quick flavor boost.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per 1/2 cup of butter as a substitute. The flavor is milder and less sharp than fresh, but the result is still tasty and works well when you need a quick shortcut on a busy night.
What type of sliced bread holds up best for this recipe?
Sturdier breads work better than thin sandwich slices. Sourdough, Italian white bread, and thick-cut sandwich bread all hold their structure through baking and give you a crispier edge. Very thin bread can go too soft in the center before the edges have a chance to crisp up.
Can I make the garlic butter in advance?
Yes, and it actually saves time on busy weeknights. Mix the butter up to 3 days ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Take it out about 20 to 30 minutes before you plan to use it so it softens back up enough to spread easily without tearing the bread.
Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Let butter soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly blended. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Lay all bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spread garlic butter generously on each slice, covering all the way to the edges to prevent dry corners.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden at the edges and butter is fully absorbed. For extra crispiness, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- If using Parmesan, sprinkle on top during the last 3 minutes of baking. Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot.
