Grilled Garlic Bread is the ultimate side dish that elevates any meal with its crispy, golden edges and rich, buttery garlic flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, cozy pasta dinners, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. I first made this for a backyard cookout, and it was gone in minutes—everyone loved the smoky char and garlicky goodness! Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty soup, grilled meats, or a fresh salad, this Grilled Garlic Bread is a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 10 minutes.
With a handful of simple ingredients and a hot grill, you’ll have a side that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your go-to and how to make it perfectly every time!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Garlic Bread
- Bold, Savory Flavor: Garlic, butter, and a hint of herbs make every bite irresistible.
- Super Quick: Ready in 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute meals or gatherings.
- Crispy and Soft: The grill gives a smoky crunch while keeping the inside tender.
- Versatile Side: Pairs with everything from pasta to barbecue to soups.
- Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or spices to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults, it’s a guaranteed hit at any table.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
Ingredients for This Grilled Garlic Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious bread, with tips for the best results:
- French or Italian Bread (1 loaf): A crusty loaf like baguette or ciabatta holds up well on the grill. Choose a fresh, sturdy loaf for best texture.
- Butter (½ cup, softened): Salted butter adds rich flavor. Let it soften for easy spreading.
- Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is key for bold flavor. Use a microplane for finer texture or mince finely by hand.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note. Flat-leaf parsley is ideal, but curly works too.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the bread crisp up and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the garlic and butter. Skip if using salted butter.
- Optional: Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Adds a nutty, savory kick. Sprinkle on before grilling for a cheesy crust.
- Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of heat, sprinkle lightly before grilling.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder, but fresh is worth the effort for authentic flavor.
How to Make Grilled Garlic Bread – Step-by-Step
This Grilled Garlic Bread is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium (about 350–400°F). If using a charcoal grill, set up for direct heat. Mini-Tip: Clean the grates well to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice a French or Italian loaf in half lengthwise, or cut into 1-inch thick slices for individual pieces. Place cut-side up on a baking sheet. Mini-Tip: Slicing lengthwise makes for easier grilling, but individual slices are great for portion control.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup softened butter, 3–4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and ¼ teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter). Stir until smooth. Mini-Tip: Microwave the butter for 10 seconds if it’s not soft enough to mix easily.
- Spread the Mixture: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. If using Parmesan or red pepper flakes, sprinkle them on now. Mini-Tip: Use a spatula or butter knife for even spreading to cover every inch.
- Grill the Bread: Place the bread cut-side down on the grill grates. Grill for 2–4 minutes until golden and crispy with light char marks. Flip to the crust side and grill for 1–2 minutes to warm through. Mini-Tip: Watch closely to avoid burning, as garlic can scorch quickly.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the bread from the grill and let it cool for a minute. Slice into wedges or smaller pieces if using a halved loaf. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve warm. Mini-Tip: Use a serrated knife for clean cuts without squishing the bread.
Helpful Tips for Grilled Garlic Bread
- Meal Prep: Make the garlic butter mixture up to a week ahead and store in the fridge. Soften at room temperature before spreading.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat on the grill or in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Reheating: Wrap in foil and warm on the grill or in the oven to keep it soft. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve with pasta dishes like spaghetti marinara, creamy soups, grilled steak, or a fresh Caesar salad. It’s also great for dipping into marinara or olive oil.
- Creative Twists: Add mozzarella for cheesy garlic bread, mix in fresh rosemary or thyme for an herby twist, or spread with a little pesto before grilling.
- Make it Vegan: Swap butter for vegan margarine or use all olive oil with a pinch of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
FAQs About Grilled Garlic Bread
Q: Can I make Grilled Garlic Bread without a grill?
A: Yes! Use a grill pan on the stovetop over medium heat or broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes per side, watching closely to avoid burning.
Q: How do I keep the garlic from burning on the grill?
A: Grill over medium heat and keep the bread cut-side down for only 2–4 minutes. Spread the garlic butter thinly to avoid excess dripping.
Q: Can I use pre-made garlic bread from the store?
A: Absolutely! Brush with a little olive oil and grill for 1–2 minutes per side for a smoky upgrade to store-bought.
Q: What’s the best bread for this recipe?
A: A crusty French baguette, Italian ciabatta, or sourdough loaf works best. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it won’t hold up on the grill.
Q: Can I add other toppings to this bread?
A: Yes! Try sprinkling with feta and oregano for a Mediterranean vibe or add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the butter mixture for extra flavor.
I make this Grilled Garlic Bread every time we fire up the grill—it’s so easy and always gets rave reviews. My favorite trick is to add a sprinkle of Parmesan for a cheesy crust that everyone loves. Give it a try at your next barbecue, and let me know in the comments how it turns out or what you pair it with! What’s your go-to grilling side?
Grilled Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French or Italian white bread
- ½ cup butter very soft
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to low heat.
- Prepare the bread: Place the loaf on a large sheet of foil. Slice the bread into 1½-inch thick slices, ensuring the bottom remains intact so the slices stay connected.
- Apply butter: Spread softened butter between each slice and rub some over the top of the loaf.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder between each slice, aiming to cover as much surface area as possible.
- Add garlic and herbs: Place minced garlic on top of the loaf and finish off with Italian seasoning.
- Wrap and grill: Wrap the bread loosely in the foil, ensuring it’s sealed but has room for heat circulation. Place it on the grill and cook for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve: Carefully unwrap the foil, pull apart the slices, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the butter mixture.
- Ensure the bread slices remain connected at the bottom to maintain the loaf’s structure during grilling.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
