Grilled Bread (Garlic or Plain!)

This grilled bread comes out crispy with a perfect char in just 10 minutes! Use it as a base for appetizers or make grilled garlic bread as a stunning summer side dish.

Need an amazing appetizer or side dish? Enter: grilled bread! In my opinion, there’s nothing quite like bread for soaking up the charred, smoky flavor of the grill.

This recipe works two different ways: first, you can use it as a base for a summertime bruschetta or fancy toast. Or, make it as grilled garlic bread: a delicious side dish that’s fantastic for any summer meal!

Ingredients You Need

Grilled bread is delicious for appetizers, but honestly we love it as grilled garlic bread the most! Either way, you don’t need many ingredients for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread: any type of rustic artisan loaf will do! A good ciabatta is nice, but anything works
Olive oil: for brushing
Kosher salt: for sprinkling

If you’re going the garlic bread route, you’ll need garlic as well. You can finish the bread with olive oil or butter, but it’s not required. All you need to know: brush the slices with olive oil before throwing it onto the grill.

How to Grill Bread: Temperature and Timing

All you need to know about how to grill bread? The grill temperature and the timing. Once you’ve mastered that, just memorize it and make this bread on repeat. Here’s what to know:

Preheat the grill to medium high: that’s 375°F to 450°F.
Cook on the grates 1 to 2 minutes per side. That’s it! You’ll want to be just started to get charred at the edges.

How to Make Grilled Garlic Bread

Want grilled garlic bread? This recipe works for it too. The trick? Rubbing garlic on the bread. It sounds odd, but it really works! This is the method used in the Spanish tapas recipe, pan con tomate and it works like a charm.

Rub the cut side of a peeled garlic clove on the bread. This infuses massive garlic flavor into each toast! It doesn’t look like anything, but trust us! Take one bite and it’s perfectly garlicky.
Or, make garlic butter and brush it on after grilling. Follow the instructions in our Garlic Bread recipe.

Topping Ideas: Build an Appetizer

Another way to use grilled bread? For summery appetizers and fancy toast! Here are some great ideas for ways to top this crunchy toast:

Classic bruschetta: Chop tomatoes, garlic, and basil to make a tangy classic Italian topping, adding Balsamic Reduction if you like.
Whipped feta and honey: Top with Whipped Feta Dip, a drizzle of honey, and a crack of black pepper.
Goat cheese and mushrooms: Spread on goat cheese, sauteed mushrooms, and fresh oregano.
Pesto and ricotta: Add ricotta, basil pesto, and a few blistered tomatoes for the perfect summer bite
Fruit: and cheese Try a layer of goat cheese or ricotta, then strawberries or blackberries and a drizzle of honey

Serving Suggestions

Alongside grilled chicken thighs or grilled tuna steak as a smoky, satisfying side
As a starter platter for a summer cookout (see the topping ideas above)
With a big grilled chicken salad
Alongside soups, especially gazpacho: the char complements the broth well
Paired with 25 Grilled Dinner Ideas for a full summer grill menu

Storage

Grilled bread is best eaten immediately while it’s warm. If you have leftovers, store them in a bread bag or wrapped in a towel use within a day. You can re-crisp slices in a 375°F oven for a few minutes if you’d like, or even pop them in the toaster.

Dietary Notes

This grilled garlic bread recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based and dairy-free.