TikTok’s Viral Garlic Bread Recipe: How to Make It at Home!

There are two kinds of people in this world, those who love garlic bread and those who haven’t tasted it before. This flavor-packed snack has taken over TikTok, and for good reason. It’s ridiculously easy to make, delivers an explosion of garlicky goodness, and will make you feel like a pro chef with minimal effort.

With few ingredients, garlic, butter, fresh herbs, and a trusty baguette, you’ll have a mouthwatering side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, or even as a standalone snack. The secret? Roasting whole heads of garlic until they become caramelized, sweet, and spreadable like butter. It could be suitable for a cozy dinner, a game night snack, or just because you deserve it.

What is Garlic Bread?

Garlic bread may be a TikTok sensation today, but it’s been around for centuries. Its roots can be traced back to Italy, where bruschetta, grilled bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil existed since ancient Rome. The version we know and love today, slathered in garlic butter likely evolved from Italian-American cuisine.

The popularity of garlic bread skyrocketed in the mid-20th century as Italian restaurants in the U.S. began serving it as a side to pasta dishes. The combination of crusty bread, rich butter, and aromatic garlic became a hit, cementing its place as a must-have for everyone. Now, thanks to TikTok, we’re witnessing the next evolution of this classic.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Bread

• Use fresh garlic because roasted garlic is the key to that rich, mellow flavor. Avoid pre-minced jarred garlic, it just doesn’t hit the same.
• Go for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness yourself. A high-fat butter will give you the best creamy texture.
• Garlic needs time to caramelize. If it’s not soft and golden after 55 minutes, let it go a little longer.
• Crispy or soft? You decide. Want crunch? Bake the bread a little longer. Prefer a softer texture? Wrap it in foil before baking.
• A baguette is great, but sourdough, ciabatta, or even focaccia work beautifully.
• A sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella will take your garlic bread to the next level.

What Kind of Bread Works Best For Garlic Bread?

A classic French baguette is ideal because of its crispy crust and airy inside. However, sourdough, Italian bread, or even ciabatta can work if you want to experiment.

How Do I Make it Vegan?

Swap out the butter for a good-quality vegan alternative. Olive oil also works, but you might miss the richness of butter.

Can I Add Extra Toppings?

Of course! Cheese, chili flakes, or even truffle oil can take your garlic bread to the next level.

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?

Yes, but fresh herbs give a more vibrant flavor. If using dried, reduce the quantity, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

What’s The Best Butter-to-Garlic Ratio?

The recipe calls for 70g of butter for three heads of garlic, which is a great balance. But if you love a stronger garlic taste, feel free to adjust!

Can I Make This in An Air Fryer?

Definitely! Roast the garlic at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes, then air fry the buttered bread for 5-7 minutes.

Can I Freeze Garlic Bread?

Once you've baked it, let it cool, wrap it in foil, and freeze it. To reheat, bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

How to Store Any Leftovers

To store any leftovers, first let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To enjoy later, reheat the garlic bread in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back its crispiness and warmth!

How to Make Garlic Bread

Cut the top off each head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 55 minutes until soft and caramelized.

Once the garlic is roasted and cool enough to handle, squeeze out the soft cloves into a bowl. Mash them with the butter, salt, pepper, and finely chopped parsley or basil until smooth.

Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. Brush a generous amount of the garlic butter onto each half, making sure to get into every nook and cranny.

Place the bread on a baking tray and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy. Cut the baguette into slices and serve immediately.