Homemade Garlic Bread For One

Make this homemade garlic bread for one when you need some delicious, toasty, garlicky bread but don't need a whole loaf of it. This recipe is super flexible and works with just about any type of bread you have on hand!

Listen, I have nothing against a whole loaf of garlic bread. I LOVE a whole loaf of garlic bread, but do I always need a whole gosh darn loaf? Probably not.

That's where garlic bread for one comes in. One perfect slice of buttery, toasty, garlicky bread perfect alongside...well, just about anything.

What you'll need

Butter: This works best with softened butter, but you can easily stick cold butter in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it up. I use unsalted, but salted is totally fine (just leave out the salt in the recipe).

Garlic: I find 1 whole clove makes for perfectly garlicky garlic bread, but you can absolutely measure this with your heart. If you want to use pre-minced garlic, start with 1 teaspoon.

Parsley: I generally used dried parsley because I don't often have fresh on hand, but either works here! If you are using fresh parsley, chop it really finely and use about a tablespoon.

Bread: See below for more info on bread options for this recipe! My go-to is a slice of country loaf or sourdough, but this really works with all kind of bread (even a slice of regular ol' sandwich bread).

Parmesan (optional): For a little extra flavor, grated parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top either before or after baking.

How to make garlic bread for one

1. Combine softened butter, garlic, parsley and salt until everything is fully mixed.
2. Spread garlic butter all over bread, from edge to edge.
3. Sprinkle over parmesan (if using).
4. Bake garlic bread until golden brown.

What kind of bread is best for homemade garlic bread?

The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it work with just about any bread you love and/or have on hand.

I keep most of my bread products in the freezer so I can take out what I need when I need it, which makes it super easy to just grab a slice of sourdough when I have a homemade garlic bread craving.

You can also make great garlic bread with italian bread, or one half of a roll (like a small french bread) or a ciabatta bun or brioche. Another great option? A few baguette slices! If regular, sliced bread is what you have then use that!

You'll have delicious garlic bread (for one) no matter what.

One thing to keep in mind - the smaller the bread, the closer eye you'll want to keep on it in the oven. Just start checking in after 5-6 minutes to see how things are going.

Tips and tricks

If making homemade garlic bread is a last minute decision, you can stick the butter in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it up instead of waiting for it to soften on the counter.

You can play around with the baking temperature and time based on what else you making! For instance, if you have something in the oven at 400, go ahead and throw your garlic bread in but just take it out a little earlier. Use this as a guide, but mostly use your eyes (and noise) to judge:

• 325 for 15 minutes
• 350 for 10 minutes
• 375 for 8 minutes
• 400 for 5-6 minutes
• 425 for 4-5 minutes

The ultimate go-to side

As you probably already know, garlic bread is good with just about anything. Obviously it's great with pasta or your favorite chicken or salmon.

If I'm feeling a little sassy, I will sometimes made this garlic bread and use it for a sandwich or spread some creamy ricotta topped with fresh tomatoes and flaky sea salt (truly AMAZING).

However you eat it, this garlic bread for one is going to make A LOT of appearances in your kitchen!!

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