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Why I Love This Garlic Bread
Garlic bread in our house was always a secret code for “everyone gather in the kitchen.” Mom would slide a tray into the oven, usually made out of hot dog buns if you can believe that, just as a pot of spaghetti was finishing, and the whole house would smell like warm bread, butter, and garlic. It felt special, but it was so simple, which is exactly what I love about classic garlic bread: just bread, garlic, butter, and a few herbs!
This version keeps all that nostalgia of my childhood, but leans into what people are really looking for right now in garlic bread: crispy edges, soft middle, lots of garlic, and a quick bake that fits with our busy lives. The little twist is the spread, a mixture of butter and mayonnaise, which gives a gorgeous golden top and the most tender interior. It is the kind of side that disappears as soon as it hits the table and is perfect to serve for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Here’s why you should make this garlic bread recipe:
- Uses pantry staples like garlic powder and dried Italian seasoning plus fresh garlic for layered flavor.
- A combination of mayonnaise (secret ingredient!) and butter for a delicious texture.
- Ready in about 20 minutes, so it works on a busy weeknight or next to a Sunday roast.
- Perfectly crispy edges and a soft middle because of the high-heat bake.
- Super easy to customize and make your own by adding cheese or extra herbs.
This recipe originally appeared in my 2025 Holiday Guide, which is available to order!
Garlic Bread Ingredients
You only need 7 ingredients to put together this delicious garlic-forward bread recipe:
- Italian bread – A wider Italian loaf that gives plenty of surface area for the spread and bakes up crisp at the edges while staying soft inside.
- Mayonnaise – Adds richness, helps the topping brown, and makes the interior of the bread extra tender and moist. You can make your own mayonnaise right at home, too!
- Salted butter – Classic garlic bread flavor and fat. Since we’re not adding any other salt, make sure to buy salted butter for the best flavor.
- Dried Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs that brings that familiar pizzeria-style flavor without needing multiple items.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds bright, punchy flavor and melts into the spread when it’s grated finely.
- Garlic powder – Added in addition to the fresh garlic to provide an even level of garlic flavor so every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Flat-leaf parsley – Sprinkled on at the end for a fresh herbal note. Plus, it makes the finished recipe look even prettier!
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Garlic Bread
It only takes 3 steps to make this garlic bread recipe:
Prepare the bread – Slice the Italian loaf in half horizontally to create a top and bottom. Place both halves cut side up on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Prepare the spread – In a medium bowl, stir together the softened butter and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Add the dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated fresh garlic. Mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the spread. Divide the garlic mixture between the two bread halves. Spread it all the way to the edges so every slice is well coated.
Bake – Place the baking sheet in the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the surface looks set and lightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Transfer the bread to a cutting board and slice into strips or wedges.
Recipe Tips
- Choose a sturdy loaf – Italian or French bread is ideal for garlic bread since it holds up to the rich spread while staying soft inside.
- Use softened butter – Trust me when I tell you that room temperature butter blends so much easier with mayonnaise!
- Spread all the way to the edges – Covering every bit of the cut surface prevents dry spots and gives each slice the same buttery, garlick-filled flavor.
- Adjust the bake for your texture – Ten minutes at 400°F gives a soft middle with lightly crisp edges. A quick broil at the end creates a more toasted, restaurant-style top.
- Make it cheesy – For cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan over the bread in the last 2-3 minutes of baking so it melts without overbrowning.
Follow These Tips
Serving
Serve the garlic bread still warm from the oven, when the butter and mayo mixture is still soft and the edges are just crisp. This works as the perfect complement to so many pasta dishes, but especially well with baked ziti and meatballs with spaghetti.
Storage
Room temperature – Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Just know that the texture will change slightly with the middle becoming softer and the exterior getting a bit harder.
Refrigerate – Let any leftover garlic bread cool completely. Wrap it tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best flavor and texture. When ready to enjoy, place individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave and warm gently.
Freeze – Cool baked garlic bread fully, then slice into serving pieces. Wrap slices in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the toaster oven or microwave.
More Bread Recipes
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Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf Italian bread cut in half horizontally to create a top and bottom
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) salted butter softened
- 1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place each half of the sliced Italian loaf on top.1 large loaf Italian bread
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with the mayonnaise and mix until combined. Fold in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated garlic. Spread onto the open face of the cut loaves and place in the preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 10 minutes, or until just golden brown.½ cup mayonnaise, 8 tbsp (1 stick) salted butter, 1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 cloves garlic
- Garnish with fresh parsley, then cut into strips.¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans | Photography: Dera Burreson
Made this garlic bread for my kids for Christmas and they absolutely loved it and declared it their favorite garlic bread,
I saw this a few days ago, loved the look & ease of it. Made it for Christmas and it was the perfect garlic bread four out Italian style meal. Honestly, this will be my go-to garlic bread going forward. Everyone loved!
Outstanding.
So wonderful.