Yield: 8 pieces | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutesGarlic bread is a universally loved side dish known for its crispy exterior and soft, buttery, garlic-infused center. It’s simple yet incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with a variety of main courses, especially pasta dishes and soups. Typically made from a baguette or other soft bread slathered with a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs, then toasted until golden, garlic bread offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that enhance any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Bread Recipe
This Garlic Bread recipe is a standout that will easily become your go-to for a quick and satisfying side dish. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the robust flavor it delivers with minimal effort. The combination of rich butter, aromatic garlic, and a touch of herbs makes each bite a warm and comforting experience. Perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside, this garlic bread can turn a simple dinner into something special.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Butter Choice: Use unsalted butter to better control the sodium content and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Garlic Distribution: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture to ensure every slice is well-flavored.
- Herb Variations: Add dried herbs like oregano or basil to the butter mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Broil for Crispiness: For extra crunch, place the bread under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan margarine and use garlic powder instead of garlic for a completely plant-based version.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy garlic bread.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baguette or loaf to cater to those with gluten sensitivities.
What Type of Bread to Use?
- French Bread: This classic choice is favored for its firm crust and soft, fluffy interior, which is ideal for soaking up garlic butter without becoming soggy. The firm crust crisps up beautifully in the oven, offering a satisfying crunch.
- Ciabatta: With its rustic appearance and porous texture, ciabatta captures garlic butter in its airy holes, resulting in a flavorful, moist bite. Its robust crust also provides a delightful crunch, making it a great option for those who enjoy a textural contrast.
- Baguette: Smaller and denser than French bread, a baguette offers a crisper exterior, which is perfect for those who prefer a crunchier garlic bread. Its compact crumb prevents excessive absorption of the butter, maintaining the bread’s structure.
- Sourdough: Known for its tangy flavor, sourdough adds a complex taste to garlic bread. The sturdy texture holds up well against the richness of the butter and the intensity of the garlic, making for a hearty and satisfying slice.
- Focaccia: If you prefer your garlic bread with more body and a herbal touch, focaccia is an excellent choice. Its thicker, softer texture and typically seasoned crust complement the simple garlic butter spread, adding depth to each bite.
- Challah: For a sweeter twist, challah brings its slightly sweet profile and ultra-soft texture to the table. It pairs wonderfully with garlic butter, creating a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Garlic bread is best served warm from the oven, making it an ideal accompaniment to pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or a hearty lasagna. It also pairs beautifully with soups and salads for a lighter meal. For a casual gathering, serve garlic bread as an appetizer with a selection of dips such as marinara sauce, olive oil, or a creamy garlic dip.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep leftover garlic bread wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm the bread in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to revive its texture.
- Freezing: Garlic bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month for best quality.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I make garlic bread ahead of time? Yes, prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and spread it on the bread just before baking.
- How can I prevent the bread from getting too hard? Avoid over-baking and wrap the bread in foil if you prefer it less crispy.
- Is fresh or powdered garlic better? Fresh garlic will provide a more potent flavor, but garlic powder works well for a more subtle taste and easier preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette or French loaf, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spread the mixture: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the baguette or French loaf.
- Bake the bread: Place the bread on a baking sheet, butter side up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the bread is toasty.
- Broil for extra crispiness: For an additional golden top, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven, let it cool slightly for a few minutes, then cut into individual portions. Serve warm.
Notes
- Even Spread: Use a spatula to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across the bread. This ensures every bite has a balance of flavors.
- Olive Oil for Shine: The addition of olive oil not only adds richness but also helps the bread achieve a nice shiny finish when broiled.
- Adjusting Herbs: Feel free to tweak the amounts of dried basil and oregano according to your taste preferences for more or less herby flavor.
- Enhancing Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a slight kick.
- For Softer Bread: Wrap the bread in foil before baking to keep it soft and moist.
- Serving Suggestion: Slice the garlic bread before baking for easier serving and a more appealing presentation.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 8 | Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 279
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 33mg
- Sodium: 483mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 6g
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