If you’ve ever craved that irresistible aroma of garlic bread wafting through your kitchen, you’ve got to try this Simple Roasted Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe. It’s hands down one of my all-time favorite comfort snacks that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Not only does it fill the house with warm, cozy scents, but it also transforms simple bread and garlic into a flavor-packed delight that everyone will love. Stick around—I’ll walk you through every step so you’ll absolutely nail it, whether it’s a last-minute side or a star appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Roasting garlic unlocks deep flavors with minimal effort, perfect for any home cook.
- Versatile: Whether as a side, snack, or party dipper, this garlic bread fits the bill.
- Customizable Flavors: Spice it up or keep it classic with simple herb and chili flake options.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The roasted garlic butter can be stored, making weeknight prep a breeze.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Simple Roasted Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe plays a part in creating that irresistible combination of buttery, garlicky, and herbaceous goodness. The quality of your garlic really shines here, so choosing fresh, plump heads will make all the difference.
- Garlic heads: Roasting mellows and sweetens the garlic, turning pungent cloves into soft, spreadable gold.
- Olive oil: Used to coat the garlic heads before roasting, it helps caramelize the cloves and adds subtle richness.
- Baguette: A sturdy French or Italian baguette holds the garlic butter beautifully and crisps up just right in the oven.
- Unsalted butter: The base of the garlic butter – unsalted lets you control seasoning and brings a creamy texture.
- Parsley (fresh or dried): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Sea salt flakes: To season and bring out the garlic’s natural sweetness and butter’s flavor.
- Black pepper: For gentle heat and depth.
- Chili flakes (optional): My little secret to add a smoky kick that balances the creaminess—adjust to taste!
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I adore about this Simple Roasted Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or have on hand. I’ve played around with all sorts of combos, so feel free to make it yours!
- Variation: I sometimes swap parsley for dried oregano or Italian seasoning for a different herby vibe—both work beautifully.
- Dietary tweaks: Using a dairy-free butter substitute keeps this recipe vegan-friendly without losing any yumminess.
- Spice it up or tone it down: Want milder garlic bread? Skip the chili flakes. Love the heat? Add a bit more, or sprinkle in smoked paprika.
- Bread choice: French and Italian baguettes are my personal picks, but you can try ciabatta or even thick slices of sourdough if that’s what’s available.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Simple Roasted Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Roast the garlic until sweet and tender
Start by slicing about half an inch off the root end of each garlic head—you’ll expose the cloves, perfect for roasting. Then, brush a little olive oil over the exposed garlic to help caramelize it beautifully. Wrap each head in tin foil, place on a baking sheet, and roast at 400ºF (200ºC) for about 30 to 50 minutes. You want the garlic to be soft, golden, and smelling amazing—testing a clove with a little squeeze is the best way to know if it’s ready. Just be careful, it’ll be hot!
Step 2: Prep your bread exactly how you like it
While the garlic roasts, get your bread ready. I usually slice mine lengthwise for an easy-to-spread surface, but don’t hesitate to slice into individual rounds or even try the “Hasselback” style by making several cuts about an inch apart without slicing all the way through. This lets the garlic butter melt between slices for a fun pull-apart effect. And if you happen to have focaccia or flatbread, that works wonderfully too—those need no slicing.
Step 3: Whip up that luscious roasted garlic butter
When your garlic is cool enough to handle, gently squeeze out all the soft cloves into a bowl. This part feels like magic—what was once firm, harsh garlic becomes a silky, fragrant spread. Use a fork to mash it up slightly, keeping a bit of texture for interest. Then, finely chop your parsley (or chosen herbs) and combine it with softened butter, sea salt flakes, black pepper, and chili flakes if you’re adding some heat. Stir everything well until you get a creamy, vibrant spread.
Step 4: Spread, bake, and enjoy!
Brush your garlic butter mixture generously over the bread slices or between Hasselback cuts. Don’t be shy here—the butter is where the flavor’s at! Bake your prepared bread at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 10 minutes or until you see golden edges and your kitchen fills with that dream-worthy roasted garlic aroma. Slice into smaller pieces if you want to share, then dive right in—the melty, garlicky goodness is so worth it.
Pro Tips for Making Simple Roasted Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe
- Choose Fresh Garlic: Fresher heads roast better and taste sweeter—avoid sprouted or shriveled bulbs.
- Don’t Overcook Garlic: Keep an eye after 30 minutes, as over-roasting can turn garlic bitter.
- Softened Butter is Key: Let your butter sit at room temp a bit so it mixes easily without lumps.
- Cut Bread Just Before Serving: Slice fresh so the bread stays crispy and the garlic butter melts just right.
How to Serve Simple Roasted Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my garlic bread with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley—makes the color pop and adds that fresh herb punch. Sometimes, I throw on just a pinch of grated Parmesan or a few chili flakes right before serving if I want an extra flavor boost. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add a silky finish too.
Side Dishes
This roasted garlic bread pairs insanely well with simple, hearty meals. Think a rich bowl of tomato soup, comforting pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese, or even alongside a fresh salad to balance richness. I’ve also served it with a cozy stew for a perfect soul-warming combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or casual gatherings, I’ve arranged the garlic bread in a basket lined with a cozy tea towel, or stacked it alongside dipping bowls filled with extra roasted garlic butter or olive oil infused with herbs. You can even cut the bread into bite-sized cubes for an easy, shareable appetizer board—guests love dipping these into warmed herb butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After a garlic bread feast, if you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. I find the bread is at its peak the day of baking, but properly wrapped it’s still enjoyable the next couple of days without drying out too much.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, I recommend freezing the garlic butter separately in a small container—it keeps for up to a month frozen. You can also freeze the butter-coated bread before baking by placing slices on a tray to freeze solid, then wrapping tightly and storing in a freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh garlic bread straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
Reheating
When reheating, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC), then warm the bread for about 5-7 minutes until it’s heated through and crisp again. To keep the bread softer, wrap it loosely in foil or sprinkle a little water on top before reheating—it’s a trick I swear by for leftovers that don’t feel dry.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-minced garlic for this recipe?
While pre-minced garlic is convenient, it won’t deliver the same rich, mellow flavor as roasting fresh garlic heads whole. Roasting transforms the garlic’s bite into a sweet, buttery softness that’s essential to this recipe’s magic. For best results, always roast fresh garlic heads.
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How do I know when the garlic is perfectly roasted?
Look for golden, slightly caramelized cloves that feel soft when you lightly squeeze the bulb (using an oven mitt!). The cloves should mash easily with a fork and smell sweet and rich – if it’s still firm or bitter, roast a bit longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
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Can I use other types of bread besides a baguette?
Absolutely! French and Italian baguettes work best because of their crust-to-crumb ratio, but ciabatta, sourdough, or even hearty flatbreads like focaccia can be delicious alternatives. Adjust baking time slightly depending on the bread’s thickness.
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How spicy does the garlic bread get with chili flakes?
Chili flakes add a warm, smoky kick without overwhelming the garlic’s buttery flavor. Using about 1 teaspoon makes the bread moderately spicy, but feel free to reduce or increase to suit your heat preference. You can always skip them if you want a milder treat.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Roasted Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe is my go-to when I want something fast, comforting, and downright delicious. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is totally accessible to anyone making it at home, and trust me, friends and family will ask you for seconds (or how you made it). Give it a try—you’ll find it easy to personalize, and the reward is that perfect golden, garlicky slice you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
PrintSimple Roasted Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe
This Simple Roasted Garlic Bread recipe combines the rich, mellow flavors of slow-roasted garlic with a buttery herb spread, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a savory appetizer or side dish, this recipe features a homemade roasted garlic butter infused with parsley, chili flakes, and seasoning, spread generously on fresh baguette slices and baked until crispy and aromatic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 8.5 oz garlic (3 heads)
- 2 tsp olive oil (for brushing garlic)
Bread
- 1 baguette (French or Italian)
Roasted Garlic Butter
- 4 oz unsalted butter (about 1/2 cup, dairy-free optional)
- 0.88 oz parsley (1 handful, or 2-3 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning as substitute)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili flakes (red pepper flakes, optional, more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Roast the garlic: Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Slice approximately ½ inch off the root end of each garlic head to expose the cloves. Brush the garlic heads with olive oil. Wrap each head tightly in aluminum foil to form a parcel. Place on a baking tray and roast for 40 minutes or until the garlic is golden, soft, and tender.
- Prepare the bread: Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, slice the baguette lengthwise in half, or into individual rounds, or slice in the Hasselback style by cutting about every 1 inch into the bread but not all the way through. If using flatbread or focaccia, no slicing is needed.
- Make roasted garlic butter: Finely chop the parsley. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped parsley, chili flakes (if using), sea salt flakes, and black pepper. Remove roasted garlic cloves by squeezing them out of the heads while warm. Mash the garlic cloves lightly with a fork to create a chunky puree and mix them thoroughly into the butter mixture.
- Brush and bake the bread: Using a pastry or silicone brush, spread the roasted garlic butter generously over the bread slices or between slices for the Hasselback style. Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet and bake in a 350ºF (175ºC) oven for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown with slightly crispy edges. Slice into smaller pieces if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- The roasted garlic butter mixture can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, or frozen for up to one month.
- To freeze assembled but unbaked bread, place bread pieces on a tray without touching, freeze until solid, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a Ziplock bag for up to three months.
- Bread can be baked from frozen; add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Store leftover roasted garlic bread wrapped in foil at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- For reheating, bake thawed bread at 350ºF (175ºC) until warmed through; optionally sprinkle water or wrap in foil to keep it moist.
- Dairy-free butter can be used to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
