Garlic Bread Recipe

Garlic bread is a beloved side dish that elevates any meal with its aromatic, buttery, and garlicky goodness.

It perfectly complements classic beef meatloaf, pasta, salad, or soups. Making it home is super easy, and the aromas in the kitchen will bring you plenty of joy!

I love to keep this recipe simple and use just a handful of ingredients. However, I am a huge garlic lover, so I tend to use quite a lot of it! The combination of garlic and butter makes this recipe irresistible!

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Butter:

– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

– 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced (adjust to taste)

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

– Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Bread:

– 1 loaf of French or Italian bread (baguette), preferably a day old

– Olive oil (for brushing, optional)

How to make Garlic Bread?

1. Choose the Right Bread: The foundation of excellent garlic bread is the bread itself. Opt for a French or Italian loaf, known for their crisp crusts and soft interiors. A day-old loaf works perfectly, as it soaks up the garlic butter without becoming too soggy.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the bread to crisp up while the garlic butter melts and infuses into every crevice.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley (if using), a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference – more for a stronger garlic flavor, less for a milder taste.
4. Slice the Bread: Using a serrated knife, slice the loaf in half horizontally, creating two long pieces. This allows for more surface area to spread the garlic butter.
5. Spread the Garlic Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Ensure that every inch of the bread is coated for a flavorful bite.
6. Optional: Drizzle with Olive Oil: For an extra touch of richness and flavor, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the garlic butter-coated bread. This also contributes to a crispier texture.
7. Reassemble the Loaf: Place the two halves of the bread back together, with the garlic butter sides facing each other, like a sandwich.
8. Wrap in Foil: Wrap the garlic bread in aluminum foil, leaving the top exposed. This helps the bread heat evenly and prevents it from drying out.
9. Bake in the Oven: Place the foil-wrapped garlic bread in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bread, so keep an eye on it. The bread should be crisp on the outside and hot and aromatic on the inside.
10. Unwrap and Serve: Carefully remove the garlic bread from the oven, unwrap it from the foil, and let it cool slightly. Slice it into individual portions, and serve while it’s warm and fragrant.

Variations:

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the garlic butter before baking. The cheese will melt and create a golden, gooey layer.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Bread: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano for added depth of flavor. Simply chop the herbs finely and mix them into the garlic butter.
• Spicy Garlic Bread: Add a kick of heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the garlic butter mixture.

Can I use any type of bread for garlic bread?

While French or Italian bread is the most commonly used for garlic bread, you can use other types of bread like baguettes, ciabatta, or even slices of bread. The key is to use a bread with a crisp crust and a soft interior.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming too soggy?

To prevent garlic bread from becoming too soggy, it’s essential to use a day-old or slightly stale bread. This type of bread will absorb the garlic butter without becoming overly mushy.

Can I make garlic bread with olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can make garlic bread with olive oil instead of butter. Simply replace the butter with olive oil in the recipe. This version is often referred to as “garlic oil bread.”

Can I make garlic bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare garlic bread ahead of time by following the steps up to the point of baking. Once you’ve assembled the bread with the garlic butter, wrap it in aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake it in the oven.

Can I freeze garlic bread?

Yes, you can freeze garlic bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator and then bake it in the oven until it’s heated through.

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