Rich, golden rustic garlic bread infused with slow-roasted cloves and buttery herbs—your perfect side for soups, pastas, or cozy dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep Flavor: Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and mellows the sharpness, creating a rich, savory spread.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe doesn’t require a trip to a specialty store.
- Versatile Pairing: Great with pasta dishes, soups, or as part of a charcuterie board.
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep with a big flavor payoff.
- Customizable: Add herbs, cheese, or spice it up—this base recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients
- 1 whole head garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf Italian or French bread
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes, until soft and caramelized. Let cool slightly.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic into a bowl and mash until smooth.
- Combine the mashed garlic with softened butter, parsley (if using), and salt.
- Cut the bread loaf in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter generously over both halves.
- Place on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Slice and serve warm.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories: Approximately 215 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter spread.
- Herbed Version: Use rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of parsley.
- Vegan Version: Substitute vegan butter for a plant-based alternative.
- Whole Grain: Use a whole wheat baguette or multigrain loaf for added fiber.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap in foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.
FAQs
How do I know when the garlic is fully roasted?
The garlic is done when the cloves are golden, soft, and can easily be squeezed out of their skins.
Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?
Yes, the garlic butter can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use pre-minced garlic instead?
Fresh roasted garlic is recommended for best flavor, but in a pinch, pre-minced garlic sautéed in butter can work.
What’s the best bread to use?
Italian or French bread with a firm crust and soft interior works best.
Can I freeze roasted garlic bread?
Yes, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in the oven from frozen.
What if I don’t have foil?
You can roast garlic in a covered oven-safe dish instead of foil.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Use your favorite gluten-free loaf to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute if preferred.
How can I make it more garlicky?
Add an extra head of roasted garlic or a raw minced garlic clove to the butter for a stronger flavor.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian as written.
Conclusion
Rustic roasted garlic bread is an easy, flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a cozy night in, this golden, buttery loaf delivers comfort and taste in every bite. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to garlic bread recipe.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Explore a cheesy twist on flatbread with Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Breadsticks — soft inside, crisp outside, and packed with garlicky goodness.
- For comfort food lovers, don’t miss this fusion of flavors in Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread — perfect for casual dinners or party snacks.
- Stay rustic and homemade with Crispy Stovetop Skillet Bread — a no-oven-needed option that’s golden and crusty.
- Try these bite-sized Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites for a savory snack or an easy appetizer full of umami.
- Add a garlicky, crispy side to any meal with Crispy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes — simple, hearty, and full of flavor.
Rustic Roasted Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rustic roasted garlic bread features a rich, buttery spread made with slow-roasted garlic, delivering deep, mellow flavor with every golden, crispy bite—ideal for pairing with hearty dishes or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 whole head garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf Italian or French bread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes, until soft and caramelized. Let cool slightly.
- Squeeze the garlic cloves into a small bowl and mash until smooth.
- Mix the mashed garlic with the softened butter, parsley (if using), and salt.
- Cut the bread loaf in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter generously over both halves.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan or mozzarella before baking.
- Use a combination of herbs like thyme or oregano for variation.
- Leftovers can be wrapped and reheated in the oven or toaster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg