Easy Garlic Toast (Using Hamburger Buns)

If you love the aroma of garlic wafting through the kitchen and the crisp, buttery goodness of toast, this Easy Garlic Toast is about to become your new obsession. What makes it even better? We’re using humble hamburger buns to create the perfect golden, buttery, garlicky treat that’s crisp on the edges and soft in the center. Trust me, the first bite will have you reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds.

This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, side dishes for pasta or soup, or even as a snack for when the cravings hit. It’s simple, approachable, and so delicious that everyone at the table will be asking for your secret.

Recipe Origin

Garlic bread is a timeless side dish with roots in Italian cuisine, often paired with pasta or served as a comforting appetizer. Using hamburger buns as the base is a fun twist that’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and creates the perfect balance of soft interior and crispy exterior. This version is all about maximizing flavor while keeping things simple.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Small mixing bowl
• Butter knife or spatula
• Oven or toaster oven
• Measuring spoons

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Why You’ll Love Easy Garlic Toast

Quick and Simple: From mixing the butter to popping the buns in the oven, this recipe comes together in minutes. Perfect for busy nights or last-minute sides.

Budget-Friendly: Hamburger buns and a few pantry staples create a golden, flavorful treat without spending a fortune.

Versatile: Great alongside pasta, soups, salads, or even as a snack on its own.

Customizable: Adjust garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra pizzazz.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, friends—everyone loves a crispy, buttery slice of garlic toast.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Butter Softly: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and even spreading.
• Spread Evenly: Make sure every corner of the bun gets a generous coating for consistent flavor.
• Crispy or Soft: Broil for a few extra minutes if you want a crunchier top, or bake for softer garlic toast.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for cheesy garlic bread magic.

Ingredients in Easy Garlic Toast

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Hamburger Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns make the perfect base for buttery garlic toast. Slice them in half to create the ideal surface for spreading the garlic butter.

Butter: Rich and creamy, it soaks into the buns and crisps beautifully in the oven.

Garlic Powder: The star of the show, providing that irresistible garlicky aroma and flavor.

Italian Seasoning: Adds a herby, savory note that complements the garlic perfectly.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the buttery richness.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even baking and a perfectly crisp surface.

Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small mixing bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Spread on Buns: Slice the hamburger buns in half horizontally. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on each cut side of the buns.

Bake to Perfection: Place the buns on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are slightly crisp.

Serve Warm: Serve immediately while warm and aromatic. These garlic toasts are perfect alongside pasta, soup, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4–8 (depending on how many halves you serve)
Calories per serving: ~200 (approximate, depending on butter used)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Easy Garlic Toast

With Pasta: The classic combo—pair with spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine.
With Soup: Perfect with tomato soup, creamy broccoli soup, or chicken noodle.
Snack Time: Serve alone with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
With Salad: Add a crunchy, flavorful side to fresh greens.
Presentation Tip: Cut each bun in half diagonally for bite-sized triangles that are perfect for sharing.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Mix garlic butter ahead of time and store in the fridge. Spread on buns just before baking.
• Storage: Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days.
• Reheat Tips: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to bring back crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
• Freezing: Spread garlic butter on buns and freeze unbaked for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Garlic Toast: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan before baking.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
• Herby Version: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
• Garlic Knot Style: Slice buns into strips, twist into knots, and bake for fun finger food.

Additional Tips

• Make sure butter is soft but not melted for easy spreading.
• Use a spatula to ensure even distribution on each bun.
• For extra flavor, brush the tops with a tiny drizzle of olive oil before baking.
• Slice buns evenly for uniform cooking and presentation.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of hamburger buns?
A1: Yes! Adjust baking time slightly as thinner bread may crisp faster.

Q2: Can I make these vegan?
A2: Substitute butter with vegan margarine or plant-based butter alternatives.

Q3: Can I add cheese?
A3: Absolutely! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan before baking for cheesy garlic toast.

Q4: How long can leftovers be stored?
A4: Store at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Q5: Can I freeze them?
A5: Yes, freeze unbaked buttered buns for up to 1 month and bake directly from frozen.

Q6: Can I make these spicy?
A6: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a gentle heat.

Q7: How do I get them extra crispy?
A7: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Q8: Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
A8: Yes, mince fresh garlic finely and mix with butter. Reduce slightly to prevent overpowering flavor.

Q9: Can I make them ahead and reheat?
A9: Yes, bake as usual, cool, and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Q10: Can I use these as burger buns after baking?
A10: Absolutely! They make flavorful, garlicky buns for any sandwich or burger.

Conclusion

Easy Garlic Toast using hamburger buns is the ultimate quick side or snack. Golden, buttery, and fragrant with garlic, it pairs beautifully with pasta, soup, salad, or even on its own. With minimal ingredients and super simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful, comforting treat in just minutes. Perfect for busy nights, casual dinners, or anytime you want to impress without effort. Slice, serve, and watch them disappear!

Garlic Bread Burger Buns