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

Craving garlic bread but only have sliced bread on hand? No worries—you’re about to discover how to turn those humble slices into a crispy, buttery, garlicky masterpiece. Whether it’s a last-minute side dish or a snack to satisfy your carb cravings, this guide will walk you through the process. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need to make garlic bread with sliced bread:

• 6 slices of bread (white or whole wheat—your choice!)
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened (because melted butter just doesn’t spread the same way)
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced (adjust to your garlic-loving heart’s desire)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (for that pop of color and freshness)
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt (to balance the flavors)
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended for extra richness)
• 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (optional, but it adds a nice herby kick)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whip Up the Garlic Butter

First things first: the garlic butter. This is where the magic happens. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and well combined. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Trust me, it’s worth it.

2. Preheat Your Oven

While your garlic butter is coming together, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the sweet spot for getting that perfect golden crisp without burning the bread. Pro tip: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Because who wants to scrub melted butter off a pan later?

3. Spread the Love (aka Garlic Butter)

Now, grab your slices of bread and slather that garlic butter mixture on one side. Be generous—this is no time to skimp. Make sure every inch of the bread is covered so every bite is packed with flavor. Think of it as buttering toast, but with a garlicky upgrade.

4. Arrange the Bread

Place the buttered slices on your prepared baking sheet, buttered side up. Make sure they’re in a single layer and not overlapping. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven baking, and we want every slice to be perfectly crispy.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for golden brown edges and a crispy texture. If you’re a fan of extra crunch, you can broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes. Just don’t walk away; broiling can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.

6. Serve and Devour

Once your garlic bread is out of the oven, let it cool for a minute (if you can resist). Then, serve it hot and crispy. The aroma alone will have everyone at the table reaching for a slice.

What to Serve with Your Garlic Bread

This garlic bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with just about anything. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spaghetti Bolognese: Classic combo alert!
• Tomato Soup: Perfect for dipping.
• Caesar Salad: Add some carbs to your greens.
• Grilled Chicken: A hearty main with a flavorful side.
• Lasagna: Because garlic bread makes everything better.

Feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top or serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. This garlic bread is so good, it might just steal the show.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this garlic bread so special? It’s all about simplicity and quality ingredients. Using sliced bread means you don’t need a fancy loaf, and the garlic butter mixture is easy to customize. Want more garlic? Add it. Prefer a cheesy version? Load up on Parmesan. The possibilities are endless, and the result is always delicious.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for garlic bread but don’t have a baguette handy, remember this recipe. With just a few slices of bread and some pantry staples, you can whip up a side dish that’s sure to impress. Happy baking!