For a truly religious Garlic Bread experience, skip the fancy bread and use a basic French baguette. The right salt-and-garlic ratio is key. And don’t even think about skimping on butter!
Garlic Bread
You can’t order pizza without a side of garlic bread. It would be like ordering a burger at Maccers with no fries. (Oh the sacrilege, talking about so much fast food in one post! 🙈)
And while some people dive straight for the biggest slice of pizza, I always – ALWAYS – go for the garlic bread first.
Who’s with me here??? 🙋🏻♀️
How to make garlic bread
There are many ways to make garlic bread, using all types of bread. But for me, the Pizza Hut / Dominos way will always be the best way: a baguette sliced almost all the way through, then each piece slathered with garlic butter, wrapped in foil and baked until toasty.
My garlic butter is made with 2 tsp freshly minced garlic, 1/2 tsp salt and 125g / 1 stick butter. The perfect garlic-salty balance!
Best bread for garlic bread
For a truly epic, classic Garlic Bread experience, my one firm rule I’ll never budge on is this:
NO FANCY BREAD ALLOWED
In my world, classic Garlic Bread should always be made with stock standard supermarket or basic bakery French stick / baguette. The crust isn’t that thick, and it’s usually pretty soft rather than crispy. Once slathered with butter and baked in foil, I find it yields the perfect ratio of crust crunch to soft, warm, garlic butter soaked bread.
On the other hand, a thick crust like you get with fancy artisan baguettes is no good – too much crispy crust compared to soft bread inside. Too hard to swallow!
Basic French stick is perfect. See? 😍
Fresh garlic is essential!
Bread aside, I only have one other rule: please use real garlic. As much as I will rip into Dominos and Pizza Hut garlic bread with enthusiasm, there’s no denying that it has an element of sourness to it which is probably due to using jarred garlic because that’s the main difference I notice between fresh and jarred garlic. From the preservatives, I expect.
Hence why homemade will always be so much better than Dominos. 🙂 Because the garlic is real and fresh!!
Homemade Garlic Bread.
Completely, utterly, ridiculously, insanely, can’t-stop-eating-it delicious.
Put a juicy, perfectly cooked steak and Garlic Bread in front of me, and I’d choose the Garlic Bread every time, any day and twice on Sunday.
These photos are killing me. Gotta stop looking at them! – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
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Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 French stick / baguette , ~ 60cm / 2ft long (Note 1)
- 125 g / 1 US stick unsalted butter , softened
- 2 tsp fresh garlic , very finely minced (~3 – 4 cloves, pack the teaspoon)
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve for table salt, +50% for flakes)
- 2 tsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C/390F.
- Cut the French stick in half. Then cut the bread almost all the way through into 2cm / 4/5″ thick slices.
- Mix together the butter, garlic, salt and parsley. Taste to see if it’s salty / garlicky enough for your taste (Note 2).
- Smear garlic butter over cut side of bread (Note 2).
- Smear remaining butter on the top and sides of the bread.
- Wrap each bread in foil.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is crispy (check through foil).
- Unwrap and serve!
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Originally published March 2018. Updated with housekeeping matters April 2019 – no change to recipe.
Just a few things you could serve with garlic bread….
Spaghetti Bolognese, a slow cooked Shredded Beef Ragu or any other pasta
Dunk in soup – try Pumpkin Soup, Minestrone, Lentil Soup, Cauliflower Soup or Broccoli Cheese Soup
On the side of a big salad – make a meal of it!
A quick chicken main like juicy Baked Chicken Breast, Honey Garlic Chicken, Sticky Baked Thighs or Honey Mustard Baked Drumsticks
The “other” garlic bread
Here’s my “other” garlic bread that sends people into a tizzy – Cheese & Garlic Crack Bread! Aptly named as such because of how it’s cut and also because it’s said to be garlic bread…. on crack! A bit of fun, great for sharing and ridiculously addictive. Great party food. 🙂
Life of Dozer
Little souvenir from Tokyo. He’s not a fan. I think he prefers cotton to polyester. Yeah, that’s the problem. For sure. 🤣
PS I had a vision of making him wear this for every “Life of Dozer” photo for Asian recipes. That’s how I justified this “business cost”….. Poor, poor Dozer…..
Best garlic bread recipe ever!
🙌🏻
Great garlic bread – no more will i buy shop bought. 👌👍😁
So pleased to hear that Justine! Thanks for letting me know 🙂 N x
Times have certainly changed. I remember when the rule was “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” That sentiment has been relaxed a bit in families and within friendships but undoubtedly social media, as well as the current POTUS, share responsibility for the permission to make unkind comments to people you do not know. It is appalling to me that Ms Qazamel felt entitled to deride the happiest part of your blog. You were incredibly polite, Nagi, in your response.
Please don’t stop talking about your life and Dozer and your mom and your travels, it’s what makes your blog so wonderful, puts smiles on many faces and makes the world a better place for those of us who love to read whatever you write. And Dozer in that kimono! He looks fabulous and so elegant.
Take-out pizza here in the states is now including garlic bread bites, I think, but then I don’t do take-out pizza here in the back country of southwestern Missouri. But I’m happy to do garlic bread anytime and I have vague memories of the ’60s and making garlic bread just like your recipe. Very yummy and thanks for all your efforts as well as wonderful recipes.
Thanks for your lovely words of support Faith! I have no plans to change the way I do anything 🙂 I consider this website to be my home, I can’t do with it as I please!!! N xx
Please, don’t change a thing. I always get a chuckle when reading your posts (along with a sideways glance from the hubby). Love Dozer – Ba Ha Ha Ha!
Thanks for sharing the recipe Nagi. I tried this garlic bread in a restaurant in Paris last Sept. Was wondering how they made it and really wanted to make it at home.
Oooh hope you try this!!! N xx
Wow! Sandra Q certainly doesn’t know how to give constructive feedback in a polite way. Even more rude due to the fact that you already provide a “recipe” link she was too blind to notice. Please keep up the “waffle” about your life 😊 It’s what makes this a great blog not a boring list of recipes. I feel like this is a wonderful community of people passionate about learning to cook yummy food….and a sprinkle of Dozer for the the warm and fuzzys 🐶💕
Oh, the waffle will continue!!! As will Dozer! 😂 N xx
Listen you Two its3.40 AM and am laughing head off with your photos!! Love, Love the way you try measure Dozer with French stick, BRILIANT!! His new outfit Utah, cotton is better. How old is he? Love, love garlic bread have been making it for years. Oh it’s sooo good in winter with any home made soup. Love both versions, Thank you. Will be going to Art Craft market there is Festival today. Afternoon am making home grown figs jam with ginger. Dear neighbour gave me figs, yum, Love it. When we had big house there was an old fig tree but so plentiful with fruit and jam is the way to go. Nagi I would shared it with you if you were around corner. Have good week!
WHAT ARE YOU DOING UP AT 3.40 AM??!!!
Dear Nagi , the most important is we-I love you and Dozer , bless your Mom , I love to hear about you , your life and follow you and when I see you on my email I look right away , there will always be people with no class ,but you Nagi first class and never forget that ,your on the right road , you have a good foundation and of course Dozer is where it’s at ,garlic bread is beautiful, Dozer all dressed up , be well ,,Lily Gar
BIG HUGS Lily! Thanks you for your lovely words of support! N xx
Love your recipes, comments, blog and photo’s and not forgetting the star of the show …..Dozer!
Just been prepping some of your Asian dishes and now wondering how I can sneak this garlic bread into it then i saw …your garlic cheese on crack bread ….THEN pizza garlic bread….is there any way i can sneak all 3 into the Asian feast i have planned! ?? Don’t stop doing what u do. We truely appreciate the entire lot 👌😁
BA HA HA! You crack me up! Asian food is probably the ONLY thing I wouldn’t combine with garlic bread!! 😂
Just got home from work so it’s probably afternoon in Australia..good afternoon..stopped at the all night grocery store and picked up a soft italian loaf my god son and daughter over for lunch sunday we.are.doing italian and your garlic bread..have a great weekend with Dozer🐕👍
Do it do it!!!!!!
Sandra Q is one rude woman-if it is not to your liking Sandra go away don’t post a comment and let the many fans of Nagi’s site enjoy her blog-Nagi’s reply was so polite-I would tell you where to go
Thank you for the kind words of support Kym! Sending over virtual hugs 🙂 N xx
Love, love, love your recipes – and the commentary of your life. Also love Dozer in his new outfit (even if he doesn’t). A great tip for making garlic bread is to roll the garlicky butter up in some cling wrap and pop in the fridge/freezer for a few minutes to get hard. Then you can just slice off rounds and pop into the slices on your baguette. Voila! Lot less messy on the fingers. Also if you add a little lemon juice it gives it a glorious tang that cuts through the buttery goodness (or even a bit of chilli too). Yum – we’re having pizza tonight and might just make this to go with it. Thanks for the inspiration.
NINA! You are a GENIUS!!! N xx
Dear Dozer: I so wish I spoke ‘dog’ to tell you how handsome you look in what I suppose we can call a canine version hoari hakama – uhuh! must feel a little strange but Mommy has picked such an elegant ‘garment’ . . . . *big smile* Pizza Hut and garlic bread are not in my vocabulary either, well we are all different . . . .
Te he he!! Isn’t his kimono ADORABLE??!!! 👘
A proper Samurai Warrior . . . . wish he knew what the word ‘elegant’ means . . . .
Hi Nagi,
have you ever tried using “roasted garlic” as opposed to fresh garlic. It tends to mute the “tang” of the garlic but not the flavor.
https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/roasted_garlic/
i also add a tablespoon of seeded mustard to my garlic butter mix for added flavor, texture, and aesthetics.
cheers,
Michael.
ps. love your work
LOVE roasted garlic! Bet it makes an amazing garlic bread!!! (Simply recipes is one of my favourite food blogs, I love Elise, she is a wonderful person and amazing cook!)
I love Dozer in his kimono (is that the right term?) Very regal.
And the garlic bread is nothing short of inspiring!
It’s SO CRUEL!!!!! I couldn’t stop giggling he looked so ridiculous!!
I love it! Dozer looks so cute! I have a cheeseburger costume for my dog Cheeseburger. He absolutely hates it and goes bananas every Halloween when I make him wear it to hand out candy. They just look so darn cute though! (And really, my mum made me wear dresses/outfits that I hated when I was little. It’s what “parents” get to do lol.)
OMG I LOVE IT!!!!!!🍔
This is a “must” try tecipe for sure. Hahaha love how you use Dozer for measurement purposes, very clever, and handsome with that costume, just love him❤️
Seriously, he makes a giant French stick look TINY!!!
This is why you are the QUEEN of the blogosphere. Of course, this is the way to make garlic bread!!! We’ve made it hundreds of times throughout the years. Did I think of advising my readers of this wonderful method??? NO!! I just assumed that they knew. I thought everyone was born with this lust for fantastic garlic bread and would inherently know that fresh garlic and lots of butter is the key before wrapping in foil. Well, slap my forehead for being so stupid. That’s why you’re you and I’m me. Never presume someone knows — gently instruct and taunt them with drooling worthy photos of hot bread😋 I love how you use Dozer as a measure — he’s probably waiting for you to turn your back before he runs off with that loaf. 🤣 And his jacket is very sophisticated. I’m thinking David Nivenish. Have a great weekend. Sending hugs. xoxo
Oh Marisa, you’re embarrassing me!!! 😉
Hey, I just had breakfast, but now I’m craving garlic bread. Do you drive Dozer nuts with all the great smells? Love your site and all the comments you give.
Dozer’s whole LIFE is about being tortured with cooking smells!!!😇
Your recipes are, without doubt great.BUT why do you waffle on about your life so much. Get to the point. I for one am not interested in the essay that comes before you actually give the recipe
Hi Sandra! I’m so sorry you don’t enjoy reading my commentary before the recipe. I know there are some people who don’t enjoy the waffle which is exactly why I provide a “Jump to Recipe button at the top of each post. 🙂 I hope that makes it easier for you to just skip straight to the recipe!! N x
Well done Nagi.
Oh please don’t stop with the “waffle”. Your stories are reflective of your fun and warm persona. I get such a kick out of the way you weave your favourite guy Dozer into the story. He’s such a good sport to model his new outfit… thank him for the giggle.
I’m SO CRUEL to him!! 😂
Nagi, you are the Audrey Hepburn of the cooking world: grace, class, and a true star.
I had to look up the phrase “waffle on” as I’d never heard it before and it seems rather ironic that this phrase was chosen as it in and of itself “wasn’t important or useful”.
As Nagi so elegantly pointed out, you can easily move directly to the recipe, however, if you take the time to actually read the post you will see that Nagi is describing the food, the cooking process, tips on the ingredients, etc.
My apologies for “waffling on” but I think I speak for this community in saying that Nagi’s commentary is at the very least half of why we all subscribe to this amazing blog (and as originally stated, the recipes are without a doubt, great).
I love your comentary Nagi. I look forward to receiving the new posts/recipes and updates on the life of Dozer. Thank you for doing what you do; you’ve brought a lot of amazing food into our home along with a lot of smiles and good times.
Happy cooking to everyone! This garlic bread is mouthwateringly delicious!
To Becca and Nagi,
From an avid reader of Nagi’s blog, thank you!! The internet is full of criticism, mostly negative and I sincerely appreciate that this site has such a warm following and vibe (Big thx to Nagi of course). Not to mention the amazingly delicious recipes Nagi provides. Keep up the good work Nagi as well as the avid food enthusiasts that continue to grow this amazing site!!
Cheers to all ( *and haters goin to hate, as we say here in the States.. hahaha)
Sending over big hugs Zach! Thanks for the kind words of support! N xx
Thanks for the kind words Becca 🙂 Sending you hugs across the internet!! N xx
Looks very good, Nagi, but I prefer sourdough, and make my garlic toast (fresh sourdough loaf if possible).
Slice sourdough fairly thick, slather on garlic butter–one side only, then top with shredded parmesan. Toast both sides at once in toaster oven… when the parmesan is golden-brown, it’s done.
Give it a go, won’t you?
YES of COURSE! With cheese, I am 100% with you on SOURDOUGH!!!
I am with you in choosing garlic bread over (practically) anything else. I ate (with a steak dinner) 2 1/2 pieces of big long buns the other night for dinner. Where we differ is our choice of breads…I prefer Italian bread ie ciabatta or sourdough for my garlic bread. I could just it gb for dinner all by it self.
I hear you Wendy! I would go the GB over steak anyday…..