Leftover garlic bread doesn’t have to lose its flavor or texture. Whether it’s cheesy, buttery, or from last night’s dinner, knowing how to reheat garlic bread properly can restore its crispy crust and soft, savory center. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best reheating methods using an oven, air fryer, microwave, and more, while avoiding common mistakes that make garlic bread soggy or tough. We’ll also cover how to reheat frozen garlic bread, cheesy versions, and full loaves, so you can enjoy every bite as if it were freshly baked.
Best Methods: How to Reheat Garlic Bread
Oven Method for Reheating Garlic Bread
The oven is the most reliable method for restoring garlic bread’s original texture. It evenly heats the bread, preserving moisture while reviving crispiness.
Air Fryer Method for Garlic Bread Reheating
An air fryer provides quick and efficient reheating, delivering a golden crust in minutes without drying out the inside.
Toaster Oven Method for Reheating Garlic Bread
A toaster oven is ideal for small portions. It mimics oven heat but with faster preheating and good control over browning.
Skillet/Stovetop Method for Garlic Bread Reheating
Using a skillet is a stovetop-friendly alternative. It toasts the bottom of the bread while warming the inside over low heat.
Reheating Garlic Bread in Microwave
Microwaving is the fastest method but the least recommended. It softens the bread and can make it rubbery or soggy unless special care is taken.
Toaster Method for Garlic Bread Reheating
Using a toaster works well for thin or dry garlic bread slices. Use toaster bags to prevent butter or cheese from making a mess.
How to Reheat Garlic Bread: Step-by-Step Guides
How to Reheat Garlic Bread in the Oven
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Wrap garlic bread in foil to keep moisture in.
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Place directly on the oven rack or baking sheet.
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Heat for 10–15 minutes (or 5–7 minutes for slices).
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Unwrap for the last 2 minutes to crisp the crust.
How to Reheat Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer
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Set air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
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Place slices in the basket without stacking.
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Heat for 3–5 minutes, checking for crispness.
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Avoid overheating to prevent drying.
How to Reheat Garlic Bread in a Toaster Oven
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Preheat to 350°F.
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Place on tray and cover with foil for soft texture.
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Toast uncovered for last 1–2 minutes for extra crunch.
How to Reheat Garlic Bread on the Stovetop
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Heat a non-stick skillet on low heat.
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Place bread slice-side down.
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Cover with lid and heat for 3–4 minutes.
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Flip for 1 minute if desired.
How to Reheat Garlic Bread in the Microwave
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Wrap bread in a damp paper towel.
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Microwave for 10–15 seconds (small slices).
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For larger portions, use 50% power in 15-second intervals.
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Serve immediately to avoid rubbery texture.
How to Reheat Garlic Bread in a Standard Toaster
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Use a toaster bag to contain butter/oil.
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Toast on medium setting.
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Remove and check texture before adding time.
Advanced Tips for Moisture and Crispiness
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Wrap in foil to keep garlic bread moist during reheating.
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Unwrap for final minutes to crisp the crust.
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Add a small tray of water in the oven to maintain internal moisture.
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Avoid overcooking to prevent drying or hardening.
Special Considerations
How to Reheat Cheesy Garlic Bread
To preserve both flavor and texture, reheat cheesy garlic bread covered with foil in the oven. This allows the cheese to melt evenly without burning. In the final 2–3 minutes, uncover the bread to allow the top to brown slightly for a bubbly, golden finish.
How to Reheat Frozen Garlic Bread
Reheating frozen garlic bread works best when baked directly from the freezer. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 15–20 minutes. For a crispier crust, open the foil in the last 3–5 minutes of baking.
How to Reheat Large Loaves or Full Bread Batches
For large loaves, cut the garlic bread into manageable sections. Wrap each section in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F. Reheat for approximately 15 minutes or until the center is heated through.
Reheating Garlic Knots vs. Slices
Garlic knots are more forgiving in reheating and work well in air fryers or ovens. Slices, especially thin ones, can dry out quickly. Reheat slices wrapped in foil or with a damp paper towel in the microwave for short intervals to retain softness.
Troubleshooting & Mistakes to Avoid
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Microwaving too long leads to rubbery texture.
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Overheating in air fryer can dry out or burn edges.
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Reheating unwrapped may make bread too hard and crusty.
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Reheating uncovered from frozen can result in uneven heating and cold centers.
How to Store Garlic Bread & Prep Tips
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Store in foil or airtight containers to retain freshness and flavor.
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Freeze in single layers using parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
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Thaw in the fridge overnight for even reheating, or reheat directly from frozen using oven methods.
FAQs About Best Methods to Reheat Garlic Bread
How long should I reheat garlic bread in the oven?
10–15 minutes at 350°F for whole loaves, 5–7 minutes for slices.
Can I reheat garlic bread in the air fryer?
Yes, at 320°F for 3–5 minutes.
What is the best way to reheat garlic bread without drying it out?
Oven or air fryer, wrapped in foil and briefly unwrapped to crisp.
Is it okay to microwave garlic bread?
Yes, but only for small portions and short times. Wrap in a damp towel.
Can I reheat cheesy garlic bread the same as regular garlic bread?
Yes, but keep it covered longer to melt cheese evenly.
How do you reheat frozen garlic bread?
Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes wrapped in foil.
Should I wrap garlic bread in foil to reheat?
Yes, to prevent drying and retain softness.
How to reheat garlic bread in a toaster?
Use toaster bags for safety; toast on medium and monitor closely.
Conclusion
Reheating garlic bread doesn’t have to mean soggy, chewy leftovers. Whether you use an oven, air fryer, or toaster oven, the key is controlling moisture and heat. With the right method, garlic bread can taste just as fresh and flavorful as the day it was baked.
