In a perfect world, we’d all have time to make garlic bread from scratch. But in reality, we often rely on the convenience of the grocery store. The question is, what is the best store-bought garlic bread on the shelves today? As someone who has eaten more than his fair share of quick firehouse meals, I’ve tried them all. To settle the debate, I conducted a formal taste test of the most popular brands.
This guide will help you choose the best store-bought garlic bread for your next meal.
The Contenders & The Criteria
I tested four of the most popular and widely available brands in the US, focusing on the classic “loaf” style. They were all baked according to package directions.
- Criteria:
- Garlic Flavor: Does it taste like real garlic or artificial powder?
- Butter Quality: Is it rich and buttery or oily and thin? . Bread Texture: Is the crust crispy and the inside soft?
- Overall Impression: Is it a worthy side dish?
The Results
1. Pepperidge Farm Garlic Bread
- Profile: This is the classic most of us grew up with. It’s reliable and widely available.
- Verdict: A solid contender. The bread has a decent crust and a soft interior. The flavor is good, though it leans more towards garlic salt than fresh garlic. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a safe bet. A very good, but not the absolute best store-bought garlic bread.
2. Trader Joe’s Garlic Bread
- Profile: Found in the freezer section, this one often comes with a blend of cheeses already on top.
- Verdict: Very strong flavor. The use of both garlic powder and pieces of garlic gives it a bigger punch than most. The bread itself is on the softer side, which some people love. If you like a bold, cheesy garlic bread, this is a top-tier choice.
3. New York Bakery Texas Toast with Real Garlic
- Profile: While not a loaf, their Texas Toast is a category leader. Thick, pre-sliced, and ready to toast.
- Verdict: The texture is its greatest strength. The thick slices get incredibly crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy in the middle. The flavor is good and buttery. Excellent for dipping.
4. La Brea Bakery Take & Bake Garlic Loaf
- Profile: Found in the bakery section, this is a partially baked loaf that you finish at home.
- Verdict: The winner. The bread quality is exceptional, with a crackly, artisan-style crust and an airy crumb. The garlic butter is made with real butter and herbs and tastes the most like homemade. It requires a bit more effort, but the result is undeniably the best store-bought garlic bread I tested.
The Honest Conclusion
While La Brea Bakery took the top spot for its “like homemade” quality, brands like Pepperidge Farm and Trader Joe’s offer fantastic, convenient options.
Of course, the absolute best garlic bread is the one you make yourself. It’s surprisingly easy, and you can learn how with our from-scratch Gordon Ramsay Garlic Bread recipe. But for those busy nights, you now have a trusted guide to the best options in the freezer aisle. And if you want to make any of these even better, check out our guide on How to Doctor Up Frozen Garlic Bread.
