Garlic Bread with Slice Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (16 slices)sliced bread
• 226 gunsalted butter, softened
• 6–8 clovesgarlic, minced
• 2 tablespoonsfresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoonsalt
• ⅛ teaspoonblack pepper
• ¼ cup (about 25 g)grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven

   Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. 2

   Mix the garlic butter

   In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt and black pepper.

3. 3

   Butter the bread

   Spread the garlic butter mixture over each slice of bread.

4. 4

   Add the Parmesan

   Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the slices if desired.

5. 5

   Bake until crisp

   Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden and crisp.

6. 6

   Serve warm

   Serve the garlic bread warm.

What is garlic bread?

Garlic bread is a familiar side dish in many cuisines, often served alongside pasta, soup or a shared meal. This version uses ordinary sliced bread rather than a split loaf, so each piece gets its own layer of garlic butter.

Even coverage and a brief bake help the edges turn crisp while the middle stays tender. Parmesan adds a savoury finish when included.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 180 calories, 3g protein, 15g carbs, 12g fat.

The bread supplies most of the carbohydrate, while butter provides most of the fat; Parmesan contributes some protein and fat. Pair a slice with a protein-rich main and vegetables for a more balanced plate.

Choosing the bread

Bread slices: A standard loaf gives you 16 pieces, as specified here. Thicker slices may need a little longer in the oven to become crisp.

Freshness: Fresh or day-old bread both work; day-old slices may crisp a little more readily.

Making the garlic butter

Softened butter: Let the butter soften enough to spread without tearing the bread. It should be pliable, not melted.

Garlic and parsley: Mince the garlic finely and chop the parsley finely so they distribute through the butter instead of clumping on individual slices.

Getting an even topping

Spread gently: Cover each slice with a thin, even layer of garlic butter, reaching close to the edges. This helps the bread toast consistently.

Parmesan: The recipe makes the cheese optional. If using it, sprinkle it over the buttered slices before baking.

Checking for doneness

Oven timing: Bake at 190°C for 10–12 minutes, checking near the end because slice thickness and ovens can affect browning.

Visual cue: Look for golden edges and a crisp surface. Take the slices out sooner if they are browning faster than expected.

Serving the slices

Serve the bread warm, when the butter is fragrant and the edges are at their crispest. It pairs well with tomato-based pasta, soup or a green salad.

For a shared meal, put the slices on a warm plate shortly before serving so they do not cool while waiting.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use softened rather than melted butter so the mixture stays easy to spread.
• Mince the garlic finely for an even flavour across the slices.
• Spread the butter mixture in a thin, consistent layer.
• Leave a little space between slices on the baking sheet so they toast evenly.
• Check the bread at 10 minutes, then bake longer only if it needs more colour.

Variations

• Add herbs: Mix in finely chopped chives or oregano with the parsley.
• Make it cheesier: Add a little extra Parmesan over the top before baking.
• Use brown bread: Swap in sliced wholemeal bread for a deeper, nuttier flavour.
• Add chilli: Stir a pinch of chilli flakes into the garlic butter.
• Roast the garlic: Use roasted, mashed garlic for a milder, sweeter topping.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using melted butter: It can run off the bread; soften it until spreadable instead.
• Leaving garlic in large pieces: It may cook unevenly; mince it finely before mixing.
• Applying uneven topping: Bare patches toast differently; spread the mixture across each slice.
• Overbaking: The edges can become too hard; check from 10 minutes onwards.
• Crowding the tray: Overlapping slices do not crisp evenly; arrange them in a single layer.

How to store

Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 180°C until warmed through and crisp; the texture may soften during storage.

Frequently asked questions