Best Garlic Bread Recipe from Scratch: Step by Step Guide

Quick Summary

Making garlic bread from scratch is simple and fun. This recipe gives you soft, fluffy bread with a crispy top and rich garlic butter spread. Ready in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, it serves 8 and beats store-bought every time.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Garlic Bread from Scratch

Have you ever bitten into store-bought garlic bread and thought, “It could be so much better”? I know I have. As a food blogger who’s tested hundreds of recipes in my home kitchen, I faced the same issue: that frozen stuff is often dry and lacks real flavor. That’s why I created this best garlic bread recipe from scratch—it’s my go-to fix for pasta nights or game days. With fresh garlic cloves and a homemade garlic bread dough, it comes out soft and fluffy every time, solving the bland bread blues.

This easy garlic bread recipe from scratch uses basic pantry items like all-purpose flour and active dry yeast. No fancy tools needed—just your oven and a bit of patience for rising. It’s perfect for beginners who want to impress friends with pull-apart garlic bread vibes. Plus, it’s versatile: add parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness or keep it classic.

In the next sections, I’ll break down the ingredients and tips so you can nail it on your first try. Trust me, once you smell that garlic butter spread baking, you’ll never go back.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Bread from Scratch

Let’s talk about what makes this garlic bread recipe from scratch shine. Choosing the right items ensures a fluffy garlic bread that’s not too dense or tough. I’ll explain each one simply, so you know why it works.

• All-purpose flour: The base for our dough. It gives structure without being heavy. Use bleached flour for extra softness, like in many top recipes.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise for that light, airy texture. Proof it in warm water first to check it’s alive.
• Butter and fresh garlic cloves: The star of the garlic butter. Fresh minced garlic adds punch—way better than powder alone.
• Chopped parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the flavor and add a pop of green. Dried works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
• Sugar and salt: Balance the dough. A touch of sugar feeds the yeast for a better rise.

Pro Tip: For a cheesy garlic bread twist, grate Parmesan cheese into the butter mix. This deep dive helps you swap if needed, like using olive oil for a lighter version.

Related Recipe: Easy Homemade Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Step-by-Step Tips and Techniques for Success

Now, the “how to make garlic bread from scratch” part. Follow these steps closely for foolproof results. I’ll share why each technique matters to build your skills.

1. Proof the yeast: Mix it with warm water (around 110°F) and sugar. Wait 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates it—skip and your bread stays flat.
2. Knead the dough: Use your hands or a mixer for 8 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic, like a soft stress ball. This develops gluten for chewiness without toughness.
3. Let it rise: Cover in a warm spot for 1 hour. It doubles in size, trapping air for fluffiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Over-kneading: Makes bread tough. Stop when it’s smooth.
• Cold oven: Always preheat to garlic bread temperature of 400°F for even baking.
• Soggy topping: Spread butter after the first bake, then broil for crisp edges.

For a quick garlic bread from scratch, use instant yeast to cut the rise time by 20 minutes. These tips come from years of tweaking—your bread will be golden and irresistible.

Related Recipe: Honey Wheat Bread Recipe

Best Garlic Bread Recipe from Scratch

Description: This homemade garlic bread from scratch is soft inside, crispy outside, and bursting with garlic flavor. An easy side for dinners that everyone loves.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Rise Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mix and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F. Punch down the dough and shape it into a 12-inch loaf on a baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes until golden.
5. While baking, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, and parmesan (if using).
6. Remove bread from oven, slice halfway through into 1-inch pieces (don’t cut all the way). Spread garlic butter between slices.
7. Return to oven for 5 minutes, then broil 1-2 minutes until edges are crispy. Serve warm.

Related Recipe: BEST Whole Wheat Bread Machine Recipe

Notes/Tips

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer, freeze-baked bread up to 1 month—thaw and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Reheating: Wrap in foil and warm in the oven to keep soft. The microwave makes it chewy.
• Substitutions: Use vegan butter for dairy-free. For the soft garlic bread recipe, add an extra tbsp of milk to the dough. If no fresh parsley, use 1 tsp dried.
• Make-Ahead: Prep dough the night before and refrigerate for slow rise—flavor deepens!

Nutrition Information (per slice, approximate): Calories: 250 | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 30g | Protein: 5g | Sodium: 300mg (Values based on standard calculations; adjust for add-ins.)

Related Guide: Easy Brookie Caramel Slice Recipe 

Wrap It Up: Your New Favorite Side Dish

There you have it—the ultimate garlic bread from scratch that’s easy, delicious, and sure to wow. Whether pairing with spaghetti or snacking solo, this recipe brings restaurant-quality home. Give it a try this weekend and tag me in your photos—I love seeing your twists!

For more bread recipes, check out my easy focaccia guide or classic pizza dough tutorial. What’s your go-to topping? Drop a comment below. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best garlic bread temperature for baking?

Bake the dough at 400°F for a crispy crust and soft inside. For the butter topping, broil at high for 1-2 minutes to golden edges without burning. This even heat prevents sogginess.

How can I make a quick garlic bread from scratch?

Use instant yeast instead of active dry to skip proofing—mix right into dry ingredients. Total time drops to 1 hour. It’s still fresh and flavorful, ideal for weeknights.

What’s the secret to a soft garlic bread recipe?

Let the dough rise fully in a warm, draft-free spot. Knead just enough for elasticity, and avoid overbaking. Adding a bit of milk or oil keeps it moist and tender.

Can I make a fluffy garlic bread recipe without kneading?

Yes! Try a no-knead version: Mix ingredients loosely, let rest 12 hours overnight. It develops gluten slowly for ultra-fluffy results with zero effort.

How to make cheesy garlic bread from scratch?

Stir 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan into the garlic butter before spreading. Bake an extra 2 minutes for melty goodness. It’s a crowd-pleaser for parties.