This homemade Garlic Bread Spread is buttery, cheesy, and loaded with garlicky flavor. It comes together in minutes and bakes to golden, crispy perfection—perfect for spaghetti night, soups, or as an easy appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can skip the store-bought loaf and make the best garlic bread ever.
This garlic bread spread is extremely versatile and could be used with a multitude of bread options. If you’re exploring other yummy spreads, try my Basil Pesto without Pine Nuts. It’s made with walnuts instead of pricey pine nuts, so it’s more budget-friendly but still packed with flavor. Plus, a touch of lemon juice and zest makes it super fresh and vibrant.
Looking for more garlic bread recipes? Try my Garlic Bread Rolls or my Texas Toast Garlic Bread Recipe! Both of these recipes pair perfectly with any Italian dish.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Worthy Flavor at Home: Buttery, garlicky, and cheesy with a perfect golden crust.
- Fast & Foolproof: Just mix, spread, and bake. Ready in about 15 minutes start to finish.
- Customizable: Add herbs, spice, or extra cheese to suit any meal or occasion.
- Perfect Make-Ahead: Prep the spread days in advance or freeze for last-minute pasta nights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Works with everything from spaghetti and lasagna to soups and salads.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salted Butter: Softened butter is key for an easy, even spread and rich flavor. If you only have unsalted, add about 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt to the mixture.
- Olive Oil: Adds a depth to the flavor and helps create a crisp crust. Avocado oil or more butter can be used instead.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: Classic nutty-salty taste. Substitute with parmesan, pecorino romano, or asiago. Freshly grated is best for smooth melting.
- Garlic: Fresh pressed or minced garlic delivers bold flavor. For milder notes, roast the garlic first or use 1 teaspoon garlic powder per 2 cloves.
- Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Swap with 1 teaspoon dried oregano plus 1 teaspoon dried basil, or customize with your favorite dried herbs.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds gentle spice. A small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes also work.
- Flaky Salt: Finishing with flaky sea salt (like Maldon) adds crunch and a gourmet touch. Kosher salt or fine sea salt can be used for a subtler finish.
- French Bread: A loaf of French bread is classic for garlic bread. Baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough all toast beautifully. Whole wheat or gluten-free loaves can be used if preferred.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Garlic Bread Spread
Quick Overview
- Combine all of the ingredients.
- Spread on french bread & bake.
Step by Step Instructions
Be sure the butter is softened but not melted or it will be difficult to spread.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients.
- Mix Spread: Using the back of a fork, mash until well combined.
- Spread on Bread: Spread on bread using a knife or spatula. Sprinkle with flaky salt, if using.
- Bake & Broil: Bake for 10-12 minutes and broil for 1-2 to brown the top more if desired. Slice into individual pieces and serve warm.
Recipe Serving Suggestions
It’s only right to serve this delicious garlic bread spread with a comforting bowl of pasta! Here are some of my favorite recipes:
- Cheesy Baked Spaghetti: A deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for a night in with family or get-togethers with friends.
- Shrimp Scampi: Made with fresh herbs, shrimp, and a creamy butter sauce, this easy shrimp scampi recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
- Baked Tortellini Alfredo: The pasta sauce comes together in about 15 minutes, and is total Italian comfort food!
Expert Tips
- Use Room-Temperature Butter: Soft butter ensures the spread blends smoothly and spreads evenly, preventing soggy spots.
- Watch the Broiler: Broilers vary. Check every 30 seconds to avoid burning.
- Prep Ahead: – Mix the spread up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before spreading.
Most Common Mistakes
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Bagged parmesan is coated with anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and can leave a grainy texture.
- Not Toasting Long Enough Before Broiling: If the bread isn’t hot and lightly crisp first, the broil can burn the top while leaving the center cold.
- Overloading with Garlic: Too much raw garlic can taste harsh or bitter once baked. Stick to the suggested 7–8 cloves or roast them for a milder flavor.
- Skipping the Olive Oil: The olive adds a really nice flavor note.
- Slicing the Bread Too Thin: Very thin pieces brown too quickly and dry out before the cheese and butter can meld.
Additions & Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella, provolone, or more parmesan before baking for gooey, cheesy garlic bread.
- Herb Twist: Add 1 Tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, basil, or chives to the spread.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Roasted Garlic: Swap raw garlic for 1-2 heads of roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Mini Crostini: Use baguette slices and bake until crisp for bite-size party snacks.
Recipe FAQs
You can use more olive or mayo in place of butter, but butter will give you a much better flavor.
Store the prepared garlic bread spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before spreading so it softens again.
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Garlic Bread Spread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 stick (8 Tablespoons) salted butter, softened to room temperature*
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 ounces (1/2 cup) parmigiano reggiano, grated
- 7-8 cloves garlic, pressed or minced finely
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- flaky salt, for sprinkling
- 8 ounces french bread, sliced lengthwise for serving*
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients.1 stick (8 Tablespoons) salted butter, softened to room temperature*, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1.5 ounces (1/2 cup) parmigiano reggiano, grated, 7-8 cloves garlic, pressed or minced finely, 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Mix Spread: Using the back of a fork, mash until well combined.
- Spread on Bread: Spread on bread using a knife or spatula. Sprinkle with flaky salt, if using.flaky salt, for sprinkling, 8 ounces french bread, sliced lengthwise for serving*
- Bake & Broil: Bake for 10-12 minutes and broil for 1-2 to brown the top more if desired. Slice into individual pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Salted Butter: Softened butter is key for an easy, even spread and rich flavor. I love to use Kerrygold butter! If you only have unsalted, add about 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt to the mixture.
- French Bread: A loaf of French bread is classic for garlic bread. Baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough all toast beautifully. Whole wheat or gluten-free loaves can be used if preferred.
- Use Room-Temperature Butter: Soft butter ensures the spread blends smoothly and spreads evenly, preventing soggy spots.
- Don’t Use Pre-Shredded Cheese: Bagged parmesan is coated with anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and can leave a grainy texture. Use freshly grated parmigiano reggiano.
- Watch the Broiler: Broilers vary. Check every 30 seconds to avoid burning.
- Add More Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated mozzarella on top of the bread for an even gooey cheese bread. Serve with marinara for dipping.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Awesome! This garlic bread spread is a blast, looks incredibly delicious and yummy! An instant favorite, loved it!
My family inhaled this!! I loved the combo of olive oil and butter—great idea!