Sometimes, the craving for garlic bread hits unexpectedly, and you don’t want to wait around for anything complicated. This garlic bread made with pizza dough is exactly that kind of rescue. It’s a shortcut with all the comforting garlic butter and crisp crust you hope for, without the need to mess with yeast or long rise times. The magic? Store-bought dough transforms into a golden, fragrant loaf in under half an hour.
I remember one evening when I was halfway through making dinner and realized the garlic bread I planned needed a backup plan. The pizza dough was sitting in the fridge, and I thought, “Why not?” I rolled it out on the counter, brushed on the butter-garlic mix—maybe a little messier than I planned because my dog was trying to sneak some—and popped it in the oven. The house filled with that buttery, garlicky aroma, and even though I was juggling a few things, that smell made everything feel more relaxed. It came out with edges crispier than I expected, and the Parmesan on top added that little extra kick. Not fancy, but honestly, that’s part of why it works so well.
- Ready in about 25 minutes, making it a great last-minute side or snack.
- Uses store-bought pizza dough, so no need to wait for rising or make dough from scratch.
- Buttery, garlicky flavor with a crispy crust that’s easy to share.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point; no complicated steps or ingredients.
If you’re worried about the garlic being too strong or the bread getting soggy, the quick bake time helps keep it just right. Plus, leftovers (if there are any) reheat well, so you can enjoy it again without losing that crispness.
PrintGarlic Bread with Pizza Dough
A quick and delicious garlic bread made using store-bought pizza dough, perfect as a side or snack with a crispy crust and buttery garlic flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
1 pound store-bought pizza dough, thawed if frozen
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle.
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 2 minutes.
Cut into 6 equal pieces and serve warm.
Rolling out pizza dough isn’t intimidating here, even if you’ve never done it before. A lightly floured surface and a rolling pin are all you need. I usually serve this alongside salads or pasta, but it’s just as good on its own with a cup of soup. Sometimes, I add a pinch of chili flakes on the garlic butter for a subtle heat, though I haven’t tested if it’s a crowd-pleaser yet. Another quick twist is swapping out the Parmesan for mozzarella or even a little shredded cheddar for a different cheesy note. And if fresh parsley isn’t around, dried works fine—just sprinkle a bit less.
FAQ
Can I use frozen pizza dough? Yes, just thaw it fully before using for the best texture.
What if I don’t have Parmesan? You can skip it or use another cheese you like.
How do I keep the bread crispy after baking? Store at room temperature in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to bring back crispness.
Give this simple garlic bread a try next time you want something tasty fast. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a small win on busy days, and honestly, that buttery garlic smell is hard to resist. Grab your dough, and let’s get baking.