English muffin garlic bread is the fastest way to get crispy, buttery garlic bread on the table without turning on the oven for a full loaf. You split English muffins, spread them with garlic butter, and bake or air fry them until golden and crisp around the edges. It takes about 10 minutes start to finish.
I make this all the time when we're having pasta or soup and I want something crunchy to go with it. It's also really good for dipping.
if you love garlic bread you should also try this Easy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Cheese Bread.
Garlic bread pair very well with this Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup or this Minestrone Soup with Sausage.
Quick Answers
- Best cooking method: Oven or air fryer
- Ready in: About 10 minutes
- Make ahead friendly: Garlic butter can be mixed ahead
- Freezer friendly: Yes, before baking
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The ingredients
Butter, softened - Soft butter spreads easily without tearing the muffins. Salted butter adds flavor so you don't need much extra salt.
Garlic cloves, minced very fine - Finely minced garlic melts into the butter and cooks evenly. Big chunks can burn and turn bitter.
Salt - Just a pinch to balance the butter.
Black pepper - Optional, but it adds a subtle warmth that works really well with garlic.
English muffins - Split in half. Their nooks and crannies catch all that garlicky butter.
Fresh parsley - Adds freshness and makes everything look finished.
For the ingredient quantities, go to the recipe card below
For the ingredients quantities go to the recipe card below
How to Make English Muffin Garlic Bread
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet if you like easy cleanup.
Make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and evenly combined.
Prep the muffins. Place the English muffin halves cut-side up on the baking sheet.
Spread the butter. Divide the garlic butter evenly and spread it all the way to the edges so every bite gets flavor.
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until the butter is melted and the edges start to turn golden.
Optional broil. Broil for 30 to 60 seconds if you want extra crisp edges. Stay close.
Finish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
How to Make English Muffin Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
Spread the garlic butter on the English muffin halves just like the oven method.
Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, butter side up. Don't overlap them.
Air fry for 4 to 5 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy.
Watch them closely during the last minute. Air fryers run hot and can go from golden to burnt fast.
Tips for Success
Soften the butter at room temperature. Cold butter will rip the muffins instead of spreading smoothly. Let it sit out for 20 to 30 minutes.
Mince the garlic very fine. Smaller pieces cook gently and taste sweet, not sharp or bitter.
Don't walk away from the broiler. Even 20 seconds can make the difference between golden and burnt.
Toast the muffins first for extra crunch. If you want really crispy edges, toast the plain muffin halves for 1 to 2 minutes before adding the garlic butter.
Variations
Cheesy garlic bread - Sprinkle Parmesan or shredded mozzarella over the butter before baking.
Italian-style - Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the garlic butter.
Spicy garlic bread - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter.
Lemon garlic bread - Add a little lemon zest with the parsley. This is great with fish or seafood meals.
Serving and Storage
- Serving: Best served right away while hot and crisp. This is great with pasta, soup, or as a side for salad.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch. The microwave will make them soggy, so avoid it if you can.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked garlic bread. Spread the butter on the muffins, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes.
FAQ
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic tastes better. If you use garlic powder, start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste. Mix it into the softened butter.
Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F, place the buttered muffin halves in a single layer, and air fry for 4 to 5 minutes until golden.
Why does my garlic taste bitter?
Garlic turns bitter when it burns. Make sure you mince it very fine and don't broil the bread for too long. If your oven runs hot, skip the broiler step.
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English Muffin Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Baking sheet, air fryer, or toaster oven
- Knife
Ingredients
- ½ stick salted butter softened
- 2 large garlic cloves finely minced
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 4 English muffins split
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Arrange muffin halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Spread garlic butter evenly over each half.
- Bake 6 to 8 minutes until lightly golden.
- Broil briefly if desired for extra crisp edges.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Let butter sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes so it spreads easily.
- Mince garlic very finely to prevent burning.
- For extra crisp edges, toast the plain muffin halves for 1 to 2 minutes before adding the butter.
- Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or air fryer, not the microwave.
Sophie Viau says
English Muffins
This garlic bread recipe keeps things simple and satisfying. English muffins create the perfect base for garlic toast with crisp edges and soft centers. It’s an easy garlic bread recipe that works for beginners and busy cooks alike. Serve it with pasta, soup, or salads for an effortless side dish that feels homemade without extra work or long baking times.