Garlic bread is one of those comforting treats that can instantly elevate a meal, but sometimes you want something a little lighter or just different. This garlic bread without butter recipe uses olive oil to bring out the garlic’s punch with a subtle fruity note. It’s quick to make, and the aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is worth every minute.
I remember the first time I tried this olive oil garlic bread; I was halfway through preparing dinner and realized I’d run out of butter. I hesitated for a second—would it still be good? As the bread toasted, the scent of garlic and herbs mixed with warm olive oil slowly took over the room. When I finally pulled it out, the edges were perfectly crisp, and the top had that golden glow you usually expect from butter. It wasn’t exactly the same, but honestly, it was just as satisfying, maybe even more. I ended up eating half the loaf before dinner was ready—oops. I haven’t gotten around to testing every variation yet, but this one feels like a keeper for those butter-free days.
Why You’ll Love It
- Uses olive oil instead of butter, making it a lighter, heart-healthy alternative.
- The garlic flavor comes through boldly without being overpowering—balanced and fresh.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just a few ingredients and great results.
- Works perfectly as a side for pasta, soups, or salads, adding just the right crunch and flavor.
- Not butter-based, so it’s great for those avoiding dairy or just wanting to mix things up.
If you’re worried about missing that buttery richness, the olive oil brings its own unique depth that’s surprisingly satisfying. Plus, there’s room to add a sprinkle of Parmesan or extra herbs if you want to experiment without much fuss.
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Garlic Bread Without Butter
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A delicious and easy garlic bread recipe made without butter, using olive oil for a flavorful and healthier alternative. Perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or salads.
Ingredients
1 loaf of French bread (about 12 inches)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise to create two long halves.
In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Brush the olive oil and garlic mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves.
If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the bread halves.
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes before slicing into pieces.
Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Kitchen Notes: No fancy equipment needed here—just a baking sheet and an oven. I like serving this garlic bread warm alongside a big bowl of spaghetti or a fresh green salad. Sometimes I’ve tossed in a pinch of chili flakes for a tiny kick or swapped dried parsley for fresh basil when I had it on hand. If you want a cheesier version, a light sprinkle of Parmesan before baking works well, but I usually skip it to keep things extra simple. Oh, and reheating is easy—just pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispness.
FAQ
Can I use any bread? You can try other crusty breads, but a French or Italian loaf works best for that classic garlic bread texture.
Is it okay to use fresh herbs? Absolutely. Fresh parsley or basil can brighten the flavor, just add them after brushing the oil mixture.
Can I make this vegan? Yes! Since it doesn’t use butter, it’s already dairy-free unless you add cheese, which you can omit.
How long does it stay fresh? Leftovers are best eaten within a day or two, and reheating in the oven helps bring back the crunch.
Give this olive oil garlic bread a try next time you want something simple, tasty, and a little different. Once you smell that garlic roasting, you’ll be glad you did.