Toaster Oven Garlic Bread
Make delicious, crispy garlic bread right in your toaster oven with this simple recipe. Perfect for a quick lunch or a side with your favorite pasta dish.
Why This Works in a Toaster Oven
Using a toaster oven ensures perfectly crispy edges and a soft center, without heating up your entire kitchen.
Toaster Oven Setup
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Setting: Bake
- Convection: Yes
- Rack Position: Middle
- Pan Size: 9 x 6 in (23 x 15 cm)
- Batch Size: 4 slices
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Rotate Pan: No
- Ready When: The edges are golden brown and the butter is bubbly.
💡 No convection setting? No problem — keep the same temperature, add about 2–3 extra minutes, and rotate the pan once partway through so everything cooks evenly.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter
- 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (3 g) chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) salt
Bread
- 4 slices (about 1/2 inch thick) of French bread or baguette
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment
- Toaster oven
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- 9 x 6 in (23 x 15 cm) baking tray
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F on the Bake setting with convection on.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt to create the garlic butter.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly over each slice of bread.
- Place the bread slices on a 9 x 6 in (23 x 15 cm) baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered bread slices.
- Bake in the toaster oven on the middle rack for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the butter is bubbly.
- Enjoy your perfectly crispy, buttery garlic bread fresh from the toaster oven!
How to Know It's Ready
The edges are golden brown and the butter is bubbly.
Troubleshooting
- If the bread edges are browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 350°F and check frequently.
- For softer bread, reduce baking time by 2 minutes.
- If the garlic butter is melting too fast, make sure the butter is adequately softened but not liquid.
- If the cheese isn't melting, try using a finely grated Parmesan or increase the convection setting.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in the toaster oven at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use mozzarella cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Sprinkle chopped chives over the top before baking for extra freshness.
- Use a whole wheat baguette for a healthier option.
- Add a layer of tomato slices before the cheese for a twist.
FAQ
Can I use pre-made garlic butter?
Yes, pre-made garlic butter can be used to save time. Just make sure to adjust the additional salt as needed.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Try using ciabatta, sourdough, or even a baguette for different textures.
Is it necessary to use convection?
Convection helps achieve an evenly crispy texture, but you can bake without it; just check for doneness earlier.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Ensure the garlic is well-mixed into the butter and not directly exposed on the bread surface.