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Olive Garden Garlic Bread

Helen T. Patterson
Olive Garden garlic bread is a fan-favorite that’s crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, and bursting with garlicky goodness. Recreating this iconic dish at home is easy with simple ingredients like fresh garlic, butter, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. This homemade garlic bread is the perfect complement to pasta, soups, and salads, or as a stand-alone appetizer.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 180-220 kcal, Total Fat: 9-12g, Saturated Fat: 3-5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 10-15mg, Sodium: 250-300mg, Total Carbohydrates: 20-25g, Dietary Fiber: 1-2g, Sugars: 1-2g, Protein: 3-4g, Vitamins & Minerals:Vitamin A: 2-4% of Daily Value (DV), Vitamin C: 0-2% of DV, Calcium: 2-4% of DV, Iron: 6-8% of DV
Estimated based on one serving (assuming 8 servings per batch)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 8 servings
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking sheet (for baking the garlic bread)
  • 1 Small mixing bowl (for garlic butter mixture)
  • 1 Knife (for slicing the bread)
  • 1 Pastry brush or butter knife (for spreading the butter)
  • 1 Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional, for easy cleanup)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf Italian bread or French baguette
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
  • 4-6 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese fresh
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:

  • In a small mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
    Mince the garlic cloves finely and add them to the melted butter, along with the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
    Stir until everything is evenly combined.

Slice the Bread:

  • Slice the loaf of Italian bread (or French baguette) into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
    You can also keep the loaf slightly attached at the bottom if you prefer the "family-style" presentation.

Spread the Garlic Butter:

  • Using a pastry brush or a butter knife, generously spread the garlic butter mixture on each slice of bread.
    Ensure that every slice gets an even coating, and don’t forget to spread a little extra between the slices as well.

Bake the Garlic Bread:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
    Bake the garlic bread for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
    If you want a crispier finish, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Once your garlic bread is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven.
    Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Bread Variety: For a softer texture, you can use French bread, sourdough, or even ciabatta. The key is to ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the garlic butter.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will provide the best flavor, but pre-grated will work in a pinch.
  • Adjusting Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves. For a milder version, reduce the amount of garlic.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the garlic butter mixture and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Also, you can assemble the garlic bread slices ahead of time and store them in the fridge, then bake just before serving.
  • Healthier Version: To make a lighter version, you can substitute light butter or olive oil, and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
Keyword Olive Garden Garlic Bread