Author: This vegan garlic bread is crispy on the edges, soft and fluffy inside, and packed with bold garlicky flavor. It's easy to make with simple ingredients and can be enjoyed as-is or upgraded to cheesy garlic bread with your favorite vegan cheese.
This vegan garlic bread is my go-to when I want something quick, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast. It's crispy on the edges, soft and fluffy inside, and packed with garlicky vegan butter. You can keep it classic or add melty vegan cheese on top for an easy upgrade. Plus, it works in both the oven and air fryer, so you can make it however you like.
Why This Vegan Garlic Bread Is Going to Be a Staple in Your Kitchen
- Crispy edges, soft center: Bake it uncovered for perfectly golden edges and tender bread inside.
- Melty, cheesy option: Add vegan mozzarella for a rich, gooey finish.
- Oven or air fryer friendly: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Freezer-friendly: Prep ahead and bake straight from frozen. You'll be happy to have it on hand!
- Perfect side dish: I love this vegan garlic bread with pasta, soups, stews, and chili.
Ingredients for Vegan Garlic Bread
- French bread or baguette: A sturdy loaf works best. Soft sandwich bread won't give you those crispy, crusty edges.
- Vegan butter: Use softened (not melted) butter so it spreads easily and evenly. My homemade vegan butter would be fantastic!
- Fresh garlic: Finely minced or pressed for maximum (and evenly distributed) flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and classic garlic bread flavor.
- Vegan mozzarella (optional): For the cheesiest results, I love using my homemade mozzarella, but store-bought works too (see tips below!).
How to Make Vegan Garlic Bread
- Make the garlic butter: Add the vegan butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to a small bowl.
- Mix: Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed in the butter.
- Assemble the Garlic Bread: Place the bread halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the surface, all the way to the edges. If making cheesy vegan garlic bread, see baking notes below.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 8 to 12 minutes, until warmed through and lightly golden around the edges. For extra browning, you can switch the oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end. Keep a very close eye on it so it doesn't burn. Slice into strips and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Garlic Bread
- Using Store-Bought Vegan Cheese: Buy a block and grate it yourself (pre-shredded doesn't melt as well). Bake the garlic bread for about 6-8 minutes, then add the cheese during the last 2-3 minutes. Loosely tent with foil to trap steam and help it melt, then remove foil for the final 1-2 minutes to lightly crisp the top.
- Can't find block cheese? Pre-shredded vegan cheese can work, but for best results, rinse it in a strainer and pat dry to remove excess starch. This helps it melt more smoothly.
- Using Homemade Melty Vegan Mozzarella: Spread it over the partially baked garlic bread. Return to the oven or broil for 1 to 3 minutes until melty and lightly golden.
- Use softened butter (not melted): This helps the garlic butter spread evenly and soak into the bread without making it soggy.
- Don't skimp on the edges: Spread the garlic butter all the way to the edges for the best flavor in every bite.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden. If adding cheese, sprinkle it on and air fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully. The air fryer gives you beautifully crisp edges fast.
- To Foil or Not to Foil? I prefer baking without foil for crispy edges and fluffy interior. If you prefer soft garlic bread all the way through, loosely cover with foil while baking. Just leave space so it doesn't stick to the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan garlic bread is perfect with:
- Pasta (hello Vegan Spaghetti Bake!)
- My Go-To Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe
- The Best Vegan Chili Recipe!
- Vegan Irish Stew
- Easy Lentil Soup
Pro tip: I like to have my vegan garlic bread prepped and ready. When my pasta has about 10-12 minutes left to cook, I pop the garlic bread into the oven so everything finishes at the same time.
Storage & Freezing
- Storage: This vegan garlic bread is best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
- Freezing: Assemble (but don't bake) the garlic bread. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
If you try this vegan garlic bread recipe, let me know by leaving a comment and rating it. I love hearing how you use it! Don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull
(click stars to vote)
Vegan Garlic Bread
This vegan garlic bread is crispy on the edges, soft and fluffy inside, and packed with bold garlicky flavor. It's easy to make with simple ingredients and can be enjoyed as-is or upgraded to cheesy garlic bread with your favorite vegan cheese.
Servings: - 8
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Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or baguette, cut in half lengthwise
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened if needed (not melted)
- 4 - 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For cheesy garlic bread (optional):
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella, homemade or store-bought
Instructions
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix together the vegan butter, garlic, parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble: Place the bread cut-side up on a large baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the surface, right to the edges.
- Bake the garlic bread: Bake for 8-12 minutes, until warmed through and lightly golden around the edges. If adding cheese, add it during the last 2-3 minutes of baking (see Notes for cheese melting tips).
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Prepare and assemble the garlic bread as directed above. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden. If adding cheese, sprinkle it on and air fry 1-2 minutes more, watching closely to prevent over-browning.
Notes
Cheese Melting Tips:
- Using store-bought vegan cheese: For best results, buy a block and grate it yourself (pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as well). Store-bought vegan cheese melts more slowly and can dry out or brown before it fully melts. To help it melt evenly, add the cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of baking and loosely tent the bread with foil to trap heat and steam. Once melted, remove the foil and bake for 1-2 minutes more to lightly crisp the top.
- Using homemade melty vegan cheese (my preference): If the cheese sauce is thick, gently reheat it and whisk in a little water until easily spreadable. Spread over the partially baked garlic bread, then return to the oven or place under the broiler for 1-3 minutes, just until melty and lightly golden in spots.
Storage & Freezing
- Storage: Garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Freezing: Assemble the garlic bread (without baking), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving without cheese (recipe makes 6 servings) | Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 3g | Sodium: 518mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 56IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg
Marilyn Gantz says
I love to sprinkle dill weed over the top of the garlic with or without the cheese.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yum!! That sounds delicious, Marilyn! 🙂
Ariana says
Just perfect. I make this recipe often and it always receives rave reviews from vegans and omnivores alike. Definitely give it a try!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! I love that! thanks for your review Ariana 🙂
Aneesa says
really good recipe,love it
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! Thanks for the review Aneesa! 🙂
Catie says
My husband is obsessed with this recipe! I used your sandwich bread recipe to make this, since it was a few days old and needed to use it up (I just cut thicker slices) and your vegan moz cheese recipe - which is the easiest, fastest, and yummiest vegan cheese ever! And the cheesy garlic bread was PERFECT!
Downside: I have to make it again and again LOL. Thanks for so many great recipes!
Sam Turnbull says
You're most welcome Catie, glad you enjoy them 🙂
Courtney says
This was so delicious! We devoured it! It was the vegan garlic bread of my dreams ❤️
Kristen says
Omg omg omg! I haven't had cheesy garlic bread in the three years I've been vegan, so I was excited to find this recipe! It's perfect! I didn't change a single thing about it!
Chickpea Express says
This looks so good! Anything garlic and bread-related is a yes from me. I'm new to using garlic cloves in cooking - I usually use garlic powder - so I'm still getting a feel for how much to use! I wouldn't have expected 6 cloves, but your garlic bread looks so good I'll have to try this next time! I also love adding simulated bacon bits to my garlic bread, just like Pizza Twice garlic fingers! I don't know if you're familiar with garlic fingers but they're a maritime pizza dish that's just like fancy garlic bread. Here's my garlic fingers recipe if you want to check it out!
Kat says
Can you recommend a store bought loaf of vegan bread, please? I’m in the states.
Sam Turnbull says
I'm in Canada, so I'm afraid I don't really know, but traditionally bread is made with just flour, water, yeast, and salt, so it is vegan. Just check the ingredients to make sure. Enjoy!
Sarah Morgan says
Hi Sam!
Love all your recipes!
Could I make the cheese the night before??
Thanks!
Sam Turnbull says
Thanks, Sarah! Absolutley. It will firm up a bit and be a bit more tricky to spread, but once it starts to melt in the oven it should be easier to spread. Enjoy!
Sarah says
Thanks Sam!! I made the cheese ahead of time and the bread was sooooo delicious! Super easy to make too! Thank you!
Sam Turnbull says
You're most welcome, Sarah! So happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Katy says
When I wasn't vegan I used to buy the frozen garlic bread with cheese. Do you think the cheesy version would freeze well for toasting up a few pieces at a time?
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Katy. I think that would work well. You could freeze the loaf halves with the butter and cheese on them, and then place in a sealable bag. Feel free to cut the loaf into slices for individual servings before adding the butter or cheese. It will probably just take a few more minutes to cook from frozen. Enjoy!
Katy says
Perfect! If I get around to trying that, I'll follow up here.