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Crispy Garlic Bread Loaf Recipe Easy Homemade Butter Herb Bread

crispy garlic bread loaf - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for a crispy garlic bread loaf with butter and herbs that is crunchy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and bursting with buttery herb goodness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large loaf of crusty bread (French baguette or Italian bread recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 45 large garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Using a serrated knife, cut the loaf into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick slices, but do not cut all the way through—leave about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) at the bottom so the loaf stays in one piece.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
  4. Using a spatula or butter knife, generously spread the garlic herb butter between each slice and also over the top and sides of the loaf.
  5. Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil to keep the butter from burning and to let the bread steam slightly while baking.
  6. Place the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
  7. Carefully unwrap the foil and bake the loaf for an additional 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

Use softened butter for easier mixing and better flavor distribution. Do not slice through the loaf completely to keep it intact. Wrap the loaf tightly in foil to keep moisture and prevent burning. Watch the bread closely during the final crisping phase to avoid burning. Fresh herbs are preferred but dried can be used in a pinch. For extra crispness, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes but watch carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic bread, crispy garlic bread, butter herb bread, homemade garlic bread, easy garlic bread recipe, garlic bread loaf