30-Minute Garlic Butter Spread for Toasted Bread
A versatile garlic-infused butter blend that transforms French or Italian bread into warm, savory garlic bread. Combining softened butter with garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and dried herbs, this spread works with three baking methods to suit your preference: wrapped for soft bread, sliced for crispy edges, or slit-style for even distribution. Perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or casual gatherings. The blend takes minutes to prepare and can be made ahead, offering flexibility for quick entertaining.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, such as Lawry'skosher salt1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus Italian seasoningless sodium
high
- ¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning(optional)
- ½ tablespoon dried minced onions
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 large loaf French or Italian style bread, 1 pound
- cheese slices, optional for Method 3(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, Cajun seasoning, dried minced onions, and dried parsley until well blended.
- 2
Choose your preferred method below and prepare bread accordingly with the butter mixture.
- 3
Method 1: Preheat oven to 350F. Split bread lengthwise, spread butter mixture evenly on both cut sides, wrap tightly in foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. Carefully open foil, set oven to broil, return bread to oven with door ajar, and broil until top lightly browns, about 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, turning tray once. Cut into slices.
- 4
Method 2: Lay foil on baking pan, slice bread into 1-inch pieces, smear each with butter blend, and warm in 350F oven for 5 minutes. Turn oven to broil with door ajar and broil until lightly browned, about 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, turning tray once.
- 5
Method 3: Preheat oven to 350F. Cut slits about 1 inch apart without cutting through the bottom. Place bread on foil. Smear 3/4 of butter blend between slits, spread remaining blend on top and sides. Add cheese slices in slits if desired. Seal foil tightly for soft bread or wrap sides only to keep top exposed for crispness. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Slice through to serve.
Tips
Butter must be softened at room temperature for smooth blending with seasonings. Cold or melted butter won't mix evenly.
Monitor broiling carefully as herbs and butter can burn quickly. Keep oven door slightly ajar and turn pan halfway through.
Make the butter blend up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge. Spread on bread just before baking for best flavor.
Good to Know
Butter blend keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before using.
Prepare the butter blend up to 3 days ahead. Store covered in fridge. Assemble bread with spread up to 4 hours before baking; cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Serve warm immediately after baking as a side to pasta, soups, grilled meats, or casual meals. Pairs well with Italian dishes and casual gatherings.
Common Mistakes
Use cold butter to avoid uneven blending; butter must be softened at room temperature
Watch broiler constantly to avoid burnt herbs; even 30 seconds extra can char the spread
Wrap bread tightly in foil to prevent drying; loose wrapping leads to crusty rather than soft results
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this butter blend ahead?
Yes, prepare it up to 3 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before spreading on bread.
What if I don't have all the seasonings?
The base requires only butter, garlic powder, and salt. Other seasonings add depth but aren't essential. Skip optional Cajun seasoning. Adjust dried herbs based on what you have.
How long can I keep baked garlic bread?
Store cooled garlic bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat wrapped in foil at 300F for 10-15 minutes. Freezing is not recommended after baking due to texture changes.