Who doesn’t love the buttery and garlicky taste of garlic bread recipe? It is one of those side dishes that can make every meal delicious-pasta night or a snacking session, while you catch your favorite movie. Making it at home is not such a big deal, and you can alter it as desired. Whether you like it cheesy, crispy, or soft, the garlic bread recipe will be your new favorite.
In this post, I will guide you step by step in order to make the most mouth watering garlic bread for any occasion. So get your ingredients ready, roll up your sleeves, and let the baking begin! What exactly makes garlic bread so scrumptious?
It’s garlic bread-the best union of crispy and buttery goodness and the fresh taste of garlic, never irresistible. Bread absorbs all that savory, melted butter due to just the right amount of kick from garlic. Add parsley for freshness, and you have quite an unbeatable dish.
But here’s the thing: You don’t have to wait for the commercial models, which tend to be too greasy or too processed. Making it at home is under your control about flavor, texture, and ingredients. Cheesier, more crisp?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a sneak peek at the basic ingredients for the traditional garlic bread recipe right before we dive into the how-to. Don’t sweat over this one! The list is short and sweet, just like the recipe!
1 loaf French bread (or any bread you desire)
4-5 cloves of garlic (minced finely)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
(Optional) 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
That’s it! All the basic ingredients come together to make magic. Of course you could always add extra seasonings or herbs if you feel like experimenting.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get the butter heated up enough to melt, crisp up the edges on the bread, without burning.
Now is a good time to make the garlic butter spread while heating up the oven. 2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Spread
In a medium bowl, melt butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix everything together until it’s well incorporated. This garlicky butter spread is what will give the bread a very much shine, so don’t shy away if you are more into the taste of garlic.
Add shredded parmesan or mozzarella if you’re using the cheese now. If you want to spice things right, go ahead and add a pinch of chili flakes!
2. Cut the Bread
Cut your loaf in half down the middle. For ease of portability and flexibility, cut it into chunks, but for maximum dramatic presentation, you can leave them two massive pieces.
Pro tip: I probably mention this for anyone using a baguette or anything smaller than it-just keep an eye on it, because the smaller version may cook faster than the bigger loaf, so you can catch a glimpse of it a few times while it is baking in the oven.
3. Spread the Garlic Butter
Generously spread garlic butter mix on each of your breads. You need to make sure all visible surfaces are covered so there’s a pop in flavor in every bite. The olive oil in the mix melts out the butter evenly, and the beauty of parsley pops from the bread.
Do you want to use cheese? Sprinkle it evenly across the bread here. On your marks, get set, cheesy and garlicky!
4. Bake Your Bread
Once your oven is warm, place the bread halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and nicely browned along with the edges being crisper.
In the case of cheese being added, and you want it all gooey and melted to your heart’s desire, you can set the broiler on for the final minute or two but watch it to avoid burning to a crisp.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the garlic bread from the oven, cool it for a minute before you slice it, this way all the buttery, garlicky goodness will get a chance to soak in altogether. Cut into slices and serve warm. Trust me it won’t last long!
Variations of Garlic Bread Recipe
Ready to spice it up? Here are some fun twists on the classic garlic bread recipe:
Cheesy Garlic Bread: Dole it on with some thick mozzarella or Parmesan so it really melts goo.
Herb Garlic Bread: Mix your garlic butter with rosemary or thyme for added herb aceousness. Honestly, be a little hysterical. You may have parmesan fatuation at the local diner. Well, there is room in the fray for chamomile and tarragon.
Spicy Garlic Bread: Add some red pepper flakes to the butter or add a pinch or two of hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Garlic Breadsticks: Using pizza dough instead of a loaf of bread makes for a fun, dippable garlic bread. The thinner crust really rocks here.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread recipe is so versatile, hence can be taken very widely with many dishes. Here are some of these ideas:
● Serve it with pasta dishes such as spaghetti or lasagna.
● Accompany it with soups or stews for a soothing meal.
● Be used to have a base for bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil.
● Add a salad for a light but satisfying meal.
Storage and reheating of garlic bread Recipe
Got leftovers? No problem! Wrap your garlic bread in some foil and place it in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat by placing it directly in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 10 minutes until warmed through. If you’re really short on time and you don’t have a lot of time, you can zap it in the microwave, but that’s never quite right.
If you would like to make it longer, then you could freeze the bread before baking. Bake just as desired, wrap in foil, and put into a freezer bag for later storage in the freezer for up to a month. Bake right from the freezer, adding only a couple of minutes to cooking time.
One of those easy, yet very fulfilling dishes that everyone seems to love is garlic bread. It makes the fantastic side dish; you could just make some simply and enjoy it alone, and it’ll be sure to become one of the favorites for the crowd. You’ll also never settle for pre-made garlic bread again with this easy homemade recipe!
Next time you feel the craving for something garlicky and buttery, whip out this homemade garlic bread recipe and it will surely stay to be one of the staples in your kitchen!
FAQs
1. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes and fresh garlic is much stronger. Use half a teaspoon of garlic powder if you are using this, and taste and adjust.
2. How do I make garlic bread recipe ahead?
Yes, you can make it ahead by refrigerating it or freezing to thaw before baking or to bake immediately before serving.
3. Do I get vegan garlic bread?
Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative and omit the cheese or use vegan cheese.
4. What bread to make best garlic bread Recipe?
French bread is pretty popular, but honestly, any crusty bread, like ciabatta, or sourdough, will work fabulous too!
5. Can I add other toppings on garlic bread?
Definitely! Try herb, cheeses, or even sun-dried tomatoes for an added flavor!
