Easy Homemade Garlic Bread Spread Recipe

This garlic bread spread recipe calls for simple ingredients you already have in your pantry, so you can whip it up whenever you have a hankering for melt-in-your-mouth garlic bread!

With both minced garlic and garlic powder, it’s loaded with savory garlic flavor, and a bit of parmesan makes it extra tasty. When you see how easy and delicious it is, you’ll never want to buy garlic bread from the grocery store again!

What is the best bread for garlic bread?

For traditional garlic bread, use a loaf of French bread, either homemade or store bought. For Texas toast, use a good quality thickly sliced white bread.

But honestly, you can use this garlic butter spread on any type of bread you’ve had on hand. I’ve even used it on leftover hamburger buns!

How to make easy garlic bread spread

1. PREP – Let your stick of butter come to room temperature so it is nice and soft.
2. MIX – In a small bowl, stir or beat together the butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, parmesan cheese, and parsley until thoroughly blended.
3. STORE – You can use the spread immediately, or cover and store it at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will last for several weeks. Let it come to room temp before using.

This easy garlic butter spread will keep at room temperature for several days, but you can whip up extra and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Pull it out when you need a fantastic side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from ravioli soup to crockpot spaghetti sauce.

A few ways to make garlic bread:

1. SOFT BREAD – Cut a loaf of French bread in half lengthwise using a sharp serrated knife and cutting board. Spread half of the garlic butter mixture on each side. Wrap the entire loaf of bread tightly in aluminum foil. Place on a large baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Cut into slices and serve.
2. CRUNCHY BREAD – Spread the garlic butter on both sides of the sliced loaf as directed above. Instead of wrapping, just place the bread butter side up on a cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350° for about 5-7 minutes, then broil for 2-4 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown around the edges. Watch closely!
3. BROILED SLICES – Cut the bread into slices and spread each slice with garlic butter. Arrange in an even layer on a cookie sheet. Broil for 2-4 minutes.

However you prepare it, garlic bread is best served hot right out of the oven!

PRO TIPS

• For best flavor, make sure you use real butter. Margarine and other spreads just don’t taste the same.
• If you happen to use unsalted butter, add a bit of extra salt. I recommend about 1/4 teaspoon per stick of butter.

VARIATIONS

• Instead of parsley, use Italian seasoning for an even more robust herb flavor.
• A dash of onion powder is tasty.
• If you happen to have fresh parsley on hand, you can use it instead. You will need 1-2 teaspoons finely minced.

More ways to use this homemade garlic butter recipe:

• Spread it on a baked potato instead of regular butter. Delicious!
• Slather it on a warm slice of your favorite bread. (We like it with my homemade Italian bread!)
• Use it to make any roasted vegetables.
• Try it with my garlic bread grilled cheese.
• My family is particularly fond of steak cooked in garlic butter. It’s also tasty over tilapia and salmon.
• Toss it with hot cooked rice or pasta for a quick side dish.

MORE TASTY ITALIAN SIDE DISHES:

• Pull Apart Garlic Rolls
• Zucchini and Carrots
• Macaroni Grill Bread Recipe
• Simple Side Salad
• Foccacia Cheese Bread

This is the best garlic bread spread recipe I’ve ever tried, and it makes unforgettable garlic bread!