How to Make Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread?

Garlic bread is one of the most beloved side dishes around the world. Its buttery, garlicky flavor combined with the warm, crispy texture makes it an ideal accompaniment to pasta, soups, and salads or simply enjoyed on its own. While traditionally made with baguettes or other crusty bread, you can easily make garlic bread with everyday sliced bread. In this blog, we’ll show you how to create delicious garlic bread using sliced bread that’s simple, fast, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is a game-changer for garlic bread lovers.

Why Sliced Bread?

Sliced bread is accessible, affordable, and available in nearly every home. It makes for a convenient base for garlic bread, especially when you’re looking for a quick snack or side dish. You don’t need a fancy baguette or artisanal loaf—just plain white, whole wheat, or even multigrain sandwich bread will work perfectly. Plus, sliced bread provides a softer and more uniform texture, making the garlic butter soak into every nook and cranny, creating a mouthwatering treat.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the recipe, gather the following basic ingredients:

• Sliced bread (white, whole wheat, or multigrain) – 6 to 8 slices
• Butter (preferably unsalted) – ½ cup, softened at room temperature
• Garlic – 3 to 4 cloves, minced or grated
• Fresh parsley – 1 to 2 tablespoons, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
• Olive oil – 1 to 2 teaspoons (for extra flavor)
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional) – for an added cheesy flavor
• Mozzarella cheese (optional) – for cheesy garlic bread
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – for a spicy kick

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

The first and most important step is to make the garlic butter spread, which is the heart of this dish.

1. Soften the butter: Take ½ cup of unsalted butter and allow it to soften at room temperature. This makes it easier to mix and spread evenly on the bread.
2. Mince or grate the garlic: Take 3 to 4 garlic cloves, peel them, and finely mince or grate them. The finer the garlic, the more evenly it will distribute across the bread, infusing every bite with garlicky goodness.
3. Chop the parsley: If you want a pop of freshness, chop 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. This is optional, but it adds a fresh, herby flavor that balances out the richness of the butter and garlic.
4. Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley (if using). For extra flavor, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to taste and a dash of black pepper if you like a bit of a kick.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Sliced bread works wonderfully for this recipe because it absorbs the garlic butter mixture beautifully, creating a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

1. Choose your bread: You can use any type of sliced bread. White bread will give you a classic garlic bread taste, while whole wheat or multigrain options will add a more robust, nutty flavor. You can use fresh bread or even slightly stale bread—it will still turn out delicious.
2. Lay out the slices: Arrange 6 to 8 slices of bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. This will make it easier to clean up later.

Step 3: Spread the Garlic Butter

1. Generously spread the garlic butter: Using a butter knife or spatula, generously spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread. Be sure to cover the entire surface to ensure every bite is flavorful.
2. Flip for double-sided garlic bread (optional): If you want your garlic bread to be extra flavorful, you can also spread the garlic butter on both sides of the bread. This will make it even more garlicky and crispy.

Learn more about the health benefits of garlic : Healthline.

Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional but Delicious!)

If you’re a fan of cheesy garlic bread, this is where you can get creative.

1. Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle a light dusting of Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread for an added layer of flavor. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty taste that complements the garlic.
2. Mozzarella cheese: If you want to take it up a notch, add some shredded mozzarella on top of each slice. Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving you that gooey, stretchy cheese pull that everyone loves.
3. Red pepper flakes: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top for a spicy kick.

Step 5: Bake or Toast

Now it’s time to cook the garlic bread. There are two main methods to choose from: baking or pan-frying.

Method 1: Bake in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat fully.
2. Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet with the prepared bread into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are golden and crispy. If you’ve added cheese, it should be melted and bubbly by this point.
3. Broil for extra crispiness: If you like your garlic bread extra crispy, turn on the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on the bread to make sure it doesn’t burn.

Method 2: Pan-Fry on the Stovetop

1. Heat a skillet: Place a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat and allow it to get hot.
2. Fry the bread: Place the buttered side of the bread down onto the hot skillet. If you’ve buttered both sides, you can toast both sides for an extra crispy texture. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Melt the cheese: If you’re using cheese, you can cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt faster.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your garlic bread is golden, crispy, and fragrant, it’s time to serve it up. Remove the bread from the oven or skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve alongside your favorite pasta dish, soup, or salad, or simply enjoy it as a snack.

Variations on the Classic Garlic Bread Recipe

Garlic bread is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to put your own spin on it. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Herb and Garlic Bread: Add a variety of fresh or dried herbs to the garlic butter mixture, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or basil. This will give your garlic bread a more complex and aromatic flavor.
2. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Instead of regular sliced bread, use thin slices of bread and cut them into strips before adding the garlic butter. Bake them until crispy and serve as breadsticks.
3. Spicy Garlic Bread: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the garlic butter mixture. You can also sprinkle chili flakes on top for an extra fiery bite.
4. Garlic Bread with a Mediterranean Twist: Add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or feta cheese to the garlic butter mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
5. Sweet and Savory Garlic Bread: For a unique twist, add a touch of honey or brown sugar to the garlic butter mixture. This creates a sweet and savory contrast that works surprisingly well.

If you’re a fan of experimenting with bread-based dishes, you might enjoy trying Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs for an even more indulgent garlic experience. Another interesting read could be What’s the Difference Between a Stromboli and a Calzone?, which can inspire more creative uses of bread in your meals.

Tips for Making the Best Garlic Bread

1. Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor, so avoid using garlic powder unless you’re in a pinch. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before mixing them with the butter.
2. Don’t skimp on the butter: The butter is what gives garlic bread its rich, indulgent flavor. Make sure the butter is soft enough to spread evenly.
3. Customize the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gouda, cheddar, or even blue cheese can be used to create different flavor profiles.
4. Watch the bread closely while broiling: If you’re using the broiler for extra crispiness, keep a close eye on the bread as it can burn quickly.
5. Make it vegan: You can easily make this recipe vegan by using a plant-based butter substitute and leaving out the cheese or using dairy-free cheese.

Explore different types of bread for your garlic bread: The Spruce Eats

Storing and Reheating Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later.

• Refrigerator: Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: If you want to freeze garlic bread, wrap it in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet for a quick option.

Final Thoughts

Making garlic bread with sliced bread is a quick and easy way to satisfy your garlic bread cravings without needing a fancy loaf of bread. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or even as a snack. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious side dish that’s crispy, buttery, and full of flavor. Plus, you can customize it to your heart’s content, making it as simple or as indulgent as you like. Enjoy your garlic bread experience, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients!

Happy cooking!