Real Garlic Bread
A crisp, buttery loaf infused with garlic and herbs, baked to golden perfection for the ultimate simple side dish. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs (12-inch) loaf baguette, softened unsalted butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-inch) loaf baguette
- 4 tbsp, softened unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices, cutting through the crust but not all the way to the bottom to create a fan shape.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese until fully combined.
- Step 3: Spread the garlic-butter mixture evenly between each slice of the baguette, pressing gently to fill the gaps. Wrap the loaf tightly in aluminum foil.
- Step 4: Bake for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Unwrap and bake for 5 more minutes until crust is crisp. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Real Garlic Bread take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Real Garlic Bread?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (12-inch) loaf baguette from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Real Garlic Bread?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Real Garlic Bread for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Real Garlic Bread?
Italian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
