Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe from Scratch

Garlic bread is a comforting classic that never goes out of style, and there’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade garlic bread.

This recipe guides you through the process of making soft, fluffy breadsticks that are perfect for slathering with a rich, garlicky butter.

Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, soup, or enjoying it as a standalone treat, homemade garlic bread takes your meal to the next level.

With just a few basic ingredients and some time, you can create breadsticks that are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with garlic flavor.

Garlic Bread

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Rising Time: 1 hour

Baking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Golden, buttery, and irresistibly garlicky—these homemade breadsticks are the ultimate comfort food! 🥖🧄

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• For the Garlic Butter:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Making the Bread:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that your yeast is active and ready to help the bread rise.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour a little at a time until it’s manageable. Proper kneading is key to developing the gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to the floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into two smaller loaves. You can also shape it into a long baguette, depending on your preference.
6. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.

Baking the Bread:

7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is doing its second rise.
8. Bake the Bread: Once the bread has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you prefer a crustier loaf, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for a slightly shorter time.

Infusing the Flavour and Finishing:

9. Make the Garlic Butter: While the bread is baking, prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. If you like, add the Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
10. Serve: Serve the garlic bread warm, and enjoy the perfect combination of soft, homemade bread and savory garlic butter.
11. Slice and Butter the Bread: Once the bread has cooled slightly, slice it into thick pieces or cut it in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter generously over each slice or half.
12. Final Toast: For a perfectly toasted finish, place the buttered bread slices back in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Just add the instant yeast directly to the flour without proofing it in water first.

Q2: How do I store leftover garlic bread?
Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap it in foil. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.

Q3: Can I freeze the bread dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just shape it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw the dough, let it rise a second time, and bake as directed.

Q4: What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can increase the garlic powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons. The flavor will still be delicious!

Q5: Can I add other herbs or spices to the garlic butter?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick.