Homemade garlic bread recipe with a simple three-ingredient spread. Crushed cloves of roasted garlic give the bread a slightly caramelized and savory flavor. It’s a crispy side to serve with any feast!
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Who doesn’t love hot, buttery pieces of tender bread with a savory garlic spread on top? Whenever I set a basket of garlic bread on the table at our house, it disappears fast! This recipe is a family favorite and was inspired by my mom Janet. With a family of five to feed, she always made it whenever we had spaghetti night.
Instead of jarred crushed garlic, I roast an entire bulb in the oven for the most luxurious and tender paste. The roasted garlic is combined with mayonnaise and green onions, layered on top of two pieces of French loaf, then baked until golden brown—this homemade version highlights sweet garlic notes, complemented by fresh green onion slices.
Garlic spread ingredients
What makes this recipe unique is the use of whole roasted garlic cloves. It might take a little extra time to prepare, but I think the flavor transformation is worth the wait. The cloves soften and deepen in color & flavor, and the spicy, raw taste diminishes. To add back in a mild fresh onion taste, green onions give a hint of bite.
The garlic is mashed into a paste and combined with mayonnaise and green onion. I like making homemade mayonnaise, but if you’re in a pinch, store-bought works well. Since mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil and eggs, it creates a creamy texture on the surface, which bursts with garlic flavor. As the spread heats in the oven, a golden-brown crust forms on the surface, giving an excellent contrast of textures.
How to make garlic bread
Grab a large 1-pound French loaf or Italian bread from the store to feed a crowd. Slice the loaf in half and then spread some softened butter on top. This adds extra flavor and creates a protective layer between the bread and the spread so it doesn’t become soggy.
Evenly distribute the garlic spread on both halves of the bread, then sprinkle with more green onions. I bake this at a lower oven temperature, 325ºF (163ºC), which makes the bread crunchy around the edges, and gives ample time for the garlic paste to become golden on top.
If you like the bread to be extra crispy, broil for a minute or two just before serving, but keep a close eye that it doesn’t burn! The garlic bread tastes the best when fresh out of the oven, but I never have to worry about it cooling down too much because it gets devoured in seconds!
Additional toppings
This recipe makes for a classic garlic bread base, but adding other ingredients to switch up the flavor is easy. If you’re missing that strong garlic bite, chop up a raw clove or two and stir it into the spread.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, black pepper, or minced jalapenos can all be mixed in or sprinkled on top.
Serving suggestions
More bread recipes
Recipe Science
Bake on a wire rack
If you have a baking rack that you can set on top of a sheet pan, use it! The air is able to circulate under the bread so that it stays crisp around the entire loaf instead of creating a harder bottom of the bread from direct contact with the pan.
Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 head garlic
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 loaf French bread
- ½ cup mayonnaise, store bought or homemade
- ¼ cup sliced green onions, divided
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set the oven rack to center position. Preheat to 400ºF (204ºC).
- Prepare the Garlic – Peel the white papery skin off the garlic, making sure to keep the cloves intact with the root. Cut about ¼-inch off the top. If any cloves on the sides don't get cut, then carefully use a knife to slice off the top.
- Roast the Garlic – Place garlic in the center of a piece of foil large enough to completely wrap. Drizzle olive oil over and tightly wrap. Roast until fragrant, lightly browned, and tender when pierced with a fork, 40 to 60 minutes. Check at 40 minutes, then every 10 minutes for doneness. When roasted garlic has cooled slightly, transfer them to a small bowl. Lower oven temperature to 325ºF (163ºC).
- Mix the Garlic Spread – Combine roasted garlic cloves, mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons of sliced green onions in a small bowl. Use a fork to mash and mix the ingredients into a smooth spread.
- Prepare the Bread – Slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise. Place on a baking tray topped with a wire rack. Spread equal amounts of softened butter over the slices. Spread equal amounts of the garlic mixture over the butter. Sprinkle additional green onions on top.
- Bake – Bake until crispy and when the topping is set and lightly golden, about 12 to 15 minutes. For extra crunch, broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice and serve hot.
Recipe Video
Equipment
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Maria T. says
I was looking for additions to my usual garlic bread spread to add more flavor and temper the bite of raw garlic, which is what I usually use. I thought about roasting garlic but never did. I never thought about mayonnaise or adding green onion as a topping. I added mayo to my softened butter, roasted garlic, parmesan, salt and pepper. I sprinkled a little more parmesan on top of the slathered bread before putting it in the oven. It turned out great. I am always inspired to do better because of your recipes and videos.
Jessica Gavin says
I’m so happy that you tried my mamas version of garlic bread. Love the addition of cheese!
Maggie Morris says
Jessica,
This is Maggie. Katie’s sister in the Midwest. I tried this garlic bread Sunday to go with homemade meatballs and spaghetti. The garlic bread was awesome.
In these times of using everything up – I saved the extra mayo in the refrigerator and then pulled it out tonight for a dip with artichokes.
Very very yummy! My husband said it would be great on a burger also.
Thanks for inspiring the cooking in my kitchen.
Be safe.
Maggie Morris
Paula says
Made this last night for a dinner party….. best garlic bread I’ve ever made. Thanks for the recipe. Made the spread the day before and assembled the bread before arrived… refrigerated until shortly before putting in oven. Delicous
Jessica Gavin says
This made my day Paula! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the garlic bread.
Trang says
Your description of the garlic bread makes my mouth water, dying of hunger over here!
Jessica Gavin says
Something savory to bake for a change 🙂 I miss my moms spaghetti nights!
Syd says
This works well on the grill also!!
Jessica Gavin says
Oh, I will definitely have to try that! Do you wrap it up?