Garlic Bread Seasoning Recipe

I’m obsessed with this garlic bread seasoning recipe because it can turn an ordinary loaf into something downright irresistible. I mix butter, garlic, herbs, and seasonings into a rich spread, then slather it over bread for a golden, savory finish. It takes less than 20 minutes and makes even plain bread taste special.

To me, garlic bread is totally irresistible; the ultimate comfort food. Even the slightest whiff of this garlic bread recipe takes me on a trip down nostalgia lane, where I’m relaxing in some little village in Italy, and lost in the deliciousness of every bite. There’s something dreamy about that combination of butter, garlic, and herbs. And this homemade recipe is SO MUCH better than any store-bought or pre-made version. Plus, you have complete quality control, which is a major win in my kitchen. Like my jalapeno cheddar cornbread, this garlic bread is the perfect pairing with any dish and soaks up everything from marinara sauce to juicy steak drippings. This is one of those easy, simple recipes that is so flavorful, that it’s bound to become a staple in your home, like it’s become in mine.

Suzy – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We can not get enough! One of our favorites to make along the side of pasta!

Key Ingredients and Tips

• Large fluffy bread loaf – I always use a large French or Italian bread to make the perfect garlic bread using this seasoning. Basically, any fluffy bread works, just make sure to avoid using a skinny baguette!
• Butter – Obviously, this is a must. I suggest using unsalted butter, so you have more control over the sodium content.
• Parmesan cheese – I like to mix some shaved parmesan into the butter and shmear it all over the bread to create a unique, thin, cheesy crust.
• Olive oil – I use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil because it helps the butter spread more easily over the bread.
• Garlic – The key to this delicious seasoning is fresh minced garlic, and lots of it! The powdered kind just doesn’t have as much of that bold flavor that fresh garlic delivers. Buy whole cloves and mince them yourself. You’ll be glad you did!
• Fresh herbs – You need about two tablespoons of fresh herbs, and I usually go for a combo of thyme, parsley, rosemary, and some basil… Whatever I have in the garden. If you’re in a hurry, you can always use a store-bought dried Italian seasoning blend.

How to Make

Find the full recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.

Do the prep work – Before anything, I always start by preheating the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit so that it’s nice and toasty when I’m ready to bake the bread.

Slice the bread – Then, I slice my fluffy loaf of bread in half, lengthwise. I place both pieces, crumb side up, on a baking sheet.

Make the garlic butter seasoning – In a small bowl, I combine the butter, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I mix it all up until it’s totally combined and mostly smooth.

Smear – Now, my favorite part! I generously smear the bread with that garlic butter mixture so that it’s all covered from edge to edge. This is super satisfying to me; I try to fill every nook and cranny.

Bake – Finally, I pop the coated bread into the oven for a couple of minutes until the toast is perfectly golden brown. Now is when the kitchen starts smelling absolutely AMAZING! Once the bread is baked to my liking, I remove it from the oven and slice it into smaller pieces. That’s it! I’m ready to serve!

Recipe Variations

• Extra cheesy – I love to add in some shredded mozzarella before baking. It makes the end result totally gooey and cheesy!
• Spicy – Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for a fiery twist on this classic.
• Roasted garlic – Instead of fresh garlic, use minced roasted garlic for extra depth and savory-sweetness.
• Other herbs – I always use parsley and thyme, then sometimes add in rosemary and/or basil. However, feel free to use more, less, or totally omit any of these.
• Dried herbs – We make this recipe using fresh herbs, but dried herbs work well in a pinch! If using dried herbs, reduce to 2 teaspoons. 

Serving Suggestions

This herby bread recipe is so good that I could honestly eat it straight off the baking tray. But could you believe that it’s actually even more delicious when you pair it with the right sides?! Yes, it’s the perfect tool to soak up all the incredible flavors of your favorite sauces, from marinara to alfredo sauce and everything in between. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve up this garlic bread:

• Pair it with some spaghetti and meat sauce.
• Soak up every last drop of this marinara sauce.
• Serve a slice or two alongside this chicken parmesan casserole or with these Italian sausage meatballs.

You can also use thick slices of cheesy, garlicky bread to sop up soups, like:

• Creamy white chicken chili
• Italian sausage tortellini soup
• Easy lasagna soup

You can also load up this garlic bread by topping it off with crumbled bacon or sausage, some fresh mozzarella, and a diced tomato mixture. It’s like bruschetta, but even better.

Storing

In my house, we never have leftover garlic bread, but if you do, then you can wrap up each slice and refrigerate it for 3-5 days. These are best reheated in the oven because they get soggy in the microwave.

After prepping the bread with the garlic bread seasoning, wrap it well before popping it into the freezer. Then unwrap and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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