Garlic bread is one of those dishes that almost everyone loves. In fact, it’s estimated that Americans consume over 150 million pounds of garlic bread every year! But why order takeout when you can make your own delicious garlic bread at home? Here we’ll provide a simple recipe for making the perfect homemade garlic bread in no time.
The first step to making garlicky goodness is prepping the ingredients: butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Once these are ready to go, simply mix them together with some salt and pepper until everything is blended nicely. Then spread this delectable mixture onto slices of French or Italian baguette – now the fun really begins!
Finally, pop the sliced baguettes into an oven heated to 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. Before long your kitchen will be filled with tantalizing aromas as your freshly baked garlic bread emerges from the oven golden brown and fragrant. Now all that’s left to do is serve it up hot with a side salad or soup – enjoy!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Ready to make your own garlic bread? Let’s get started! To begin, you’ll need some basic ingredients. You’ll need a few cloves of garlic, olive oil, and parsley flakes. Don’t worry if you don’t have the exact amount – just use what you have on hand and adjust as needed.
Now that we’ve got our ingredients together, let’s get cooking! Start by finely chopping up the garlic cloves with a sharp knife or blender. Then mix in the olive oil and parsley flakes until everything is well combined. We’re almost ready for the next step: preparing the dough.
Preparing The Dough
With the popularity of homemade bread on the rise, it’s no surprise that garlic bread is a favorite in many households. But before you can enjoy this delicious treat, there are some steps to follow for preparing the dough. Let’s dive in!
To begin, mix together two cups of all-purpose flour and one teaspoon each of salt and sugar in a bowl until everything is combined. Then slowly add warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms into a soft dough. Now comes the fun part: kneading! Knead the dough by hand or with an electric mixer for about five minutes, then form it into a ball and place in an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for two hours – this process is called ‘proofing’ your dough. After proofing, you’ll have perfect garlic bread ready to go!
Now that our dough is prepped and ready, we can move onto adding garlic and herbs.
Adding Garlic And Herbs
Time to bring the flavor! It’s easy as pie, just mix in minced garlic and your favorite herbs into the dough. A teaspoon of Italian seasoning or oregano works great for a delicious savory bread. For an extra kick, add some chili flakes too. Once everything is combined, you’ll have a garlicky herb-filled dough perfect for baking.
Now let’s make our topping: mix together one tablespoon each melted butter and olive oil, plus two cloves finely chopped garlic. Add any additional herbs you like – rosemary is always a crowd pleaser! Spread this mixture evenly over the top before baking for an extra dose of garlicky goodness.
Want to switch it up? No problem – there are plenty of variations when it comes to making garlic bread. Try adding olives or onion, using parmesan cheese instead of butter, or even brushing with honey and thyme for a sweet twist on traditional flavors! The possibilities are endless – so get creative and enjoy your flavorful masterpiece!
Rising Time
After you’ve added the garlic and herbs, it’s time for the dough to rise. Rising is an important part of bread making, as it allows air bubbles to form in the dough resulting in a light and fluffy texture. This process also helps with flavor development, trapping those delicious aromatics inside!
Rising times may vary depending on your recipe or type of yeast used but generally allow about two hours for bulk fermentation and another hour before baking. If you’re short on time, try using instant yeast which will cut down rising time by half! For best results, keep your dough somewhere warm like near a sunny window or preheat your oven slightly then turn off before adding the dough.
Once risen enough (you should be able to see some small bubbles forming), punch down the dough lightly then shape into desired size loaf and place onto a greased baking tray. At this point, you are ready to top with butter mixture and bake – just make sure not to over-rise otherwise your end result won’t be as fluffy!
Toasting The Garlic Bread
Toasting garlic bread is the key to achieving a delicious, garlicky crust. Not only will it add an extra layer of flavor but also make your loaf more golden and crunchy!
Here are some tips to help you get perfect toast every time:
- Preheat oven – Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the outside of your garlic bread gets nice and crispy while still keeping the inside soft.
- Brush with butter/oil mixture – Once preheated, brush the top of each piece of garlic bread generously with melted butter or oil mixed with herbs and spices such as parsley, oregano, paprika and black pepper. The combination of fat plus seasonings will give your toast both flavor and texture.
- Bake for 10 minutes – Place in the oven and bake for around 10 minutes until lightly browned on top. If desired, flip over at this point then bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden all over.
There you have it – perfectly toasted garlic bread that’s sure to impress even the most discerning dinner guests! It may take a little bit longer than regular toast but trust us when we say it’s worth the wait. Plus, if any leftovers remain they can easily be reheated in a hot skillet or microwave before serving again later on down the road.
Baking The Garlic Bread
Baking your garlic bread is like a magical transformation. It’s the moment when all of those delicious buttery flavors and herbs meld together to create a heavenly slice that will make everyone in your family swoon. To get it just right, you’ll need to pay special attention to temperature and timing.
When baking garlic bread, always use an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Any higher may cause the crust to burn before the loaf has finished cooking through. Remember not to open the oven door while baking as this can disrupt the heat flow and also impact on the evenness of your toast. Instead, check for doneness by lightly pressing down on top with your fingers – if it feels firm then it should be ready!
Temperature aside, time also plays an important role in getting perfect toast every single time. Depending on type of loaf used, size and thickness of slices, 10-15 minutes should suffice but keep an eye out nonetheless – no one likes burnt edges or soggy centers! TIP: Use thicker slices so they don’t dry out too quickly; thinner ones have a tendency to become too hard after extended periods in the oven.
With these pointers in mind, you are now well equipped for making some truly scrumptious garlic bread at home! All that’s left is deciding which kind of bread you’d like to use…
Different Types Of Bread To Use
It’s time to choose the perfect piece of bread for your garlic toast! There are so many options available that it can be hard to decide. But don’t worry – here’s a quick breakdown of some popular types you might want to try out.
Sourdough bread is always a good classic choice. Its chewy texture and slightly tangy flavor make it ideal for absorbing all those garlicky buttery juices, while its crust will get nice and crispy when baked in the oven. Focaccia bread also works great as an alternative; its thick dough gives you plenty of space to pack on extra herbs or cheese if desired, before baking into golden perfection. And finally, baguette bread is another excellent option with its light airy center and crunchy exterior – perfect for dipping in olive oil or marinara sauce afterwards!
With these delicious possibilities right at your fingertips, there’s no limit to what kind of yummy treat you can create today. Ready? Let’s move on to some fun variations on this easy garlic bread recipe…
Variations On The Recipe
Time to get creative! With this easy garlic bread recipe, you can transform your favorite classic into something even more flavorful – and it’s all thanks to a few simple ingredients. To start, try making some garlic butter by mixing together softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and a sprinkle of salt for taste. Spread this delicious combo onto the surface of your chosen bread before baking in the oven until golden brown and heavenly smelling.
If you’re looking for an upgrade on that basic flavor profile then give cheesy garlic bread a go! Start off as per usual by spreading garlic butter over the top of the slices or dough pieces, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese (or any other cheese if desired). Bake until warm and melty – perfect for dipping into marinara sauce or just eating solo!
And lastly, why not try out some fun-shaped creations? Garlic knots are always popular; simply roll strips of dough around themselves to form little knot shapes before coating them in garlicky goodness. Pop them in the oven until crispy and fragrant – they make great party snacks or appetizers too!
So there you have it: three delicious variations on our beloved garlic toast that will take your meals to a whole new level. And best of all, each one is super simple yet infinitely customizable – so let those creative juices flow!
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve got your garlic bread just the way you like it, it’s time to start thinking about how best to serve it. Here are a few ideas that are sure to tantalize taste buds:
- Grilled vegetables – Garlic bread pairs perfectly with grilled veggies such as zucchini, eggplant and bell peppers. Serve alongside some butter for dipping or sprinkle with herbs for extra flavor.
- Mashed potatoes – For comfort food at its finest, try serving mashed potatoes with garlic bread on the side. The combination of creamy carbs and garlicky goodness is delicious!
- Soups & Stews – Soup night never looked so good! Add a slice of warm, freshly-baked garlic toast to any soup or stew and thank us later.
- Salads – Making salads more interesting? You bet! Adding some crunchy slices of garlic toast can really elevate ordinary salad ingredients into something special.
No matter what meal you choose to pair it with, one thing’s for certain – this easy garlic bread recipe will be sure to please everyone around the dinner table! Now let’s explore ways we can store our leftovers…
Storage Tips
At the end of a long day, nothing beats the aroma of fresh-baked garlic bread wafting through your home. But what happens when you’ve got leftovers? Fear not – with these simple storage tips, it couldn’t be easier to keep that garlicky goodness around for another day:
- Bread Storage: If you plan on eating your leftover garlic bread within two days, then simply wrap in foil and store at room temperature. Alternatively, place in an airtight container or zip-top bag before freezing for up to three months.
- Dough Storing: Got some extra dough kicking around? No problem! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to four days; alternatively freeze for longer term storage (up to three months). When ready to use, let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using as directed.
For both scenarios above, reheating is quick and easy – just pop into a preheated 350°F oven until warm and golden brown. Now let’s look at how we can quickly reheat our leftovers…
Reheating Instructions
Ah, the smell of garlic bread is in the air! Reheating leftovers has never been easier – just follow these simple instructions and you’ll be enjoying that garlicky goodness in no time.
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. For frozen garlic bread, let thaw completely before reheating; for refrigerated dough or already cooked bread slices, keep as-is. Place on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and bake 8-10 minutes until warm throughout. If you want an extra crispy top layer, brush lightly with olive oil before popping into the oven.
And there you have it – your perfectly warmed up garlic bread ready to enjoy! With such delicious aromas coming out of your kitchen, everyone will be flocking around for a taste. Who knew something so tasty could also be so easy? Now let’s take a look at what kind of nutrition information this classic meal holds…
Nutrition Information
Garlic bread is a delicious meal, but it’s important to know the nutritional value before you indulge. When talking about calorie count, one slice of garlic bread typically contains 150-200 calories depending on the specific recipe used. Now for macro nutrients – each slice packs approximately 5 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbs and 3 grams of protein.
Not only does garlic bread have some decent nutrient values, but it also offers other health benefits too! Studies show that eating garlic can help reduce inflammation in the body as well as lower blood pressure. Garlic has also been linked to boosting heart health by reducing cholesterol levels.
So if you’re looking for an easy snack with some nutritional value behind it, look no further than this classic favorite – garlic bread! It’s simple to make and tastes amazing – what more could you ask for? With these facts in mind, let’s turn our attention to safety tips when handling raw dough…
Safety Tips For Handling Raw Dough
When it comes to raw dough, safety must always come first! Whether you’re making pizza, bread, or even a savory pastry – here are some tips for handling it the right way.
- Always make sure your hands and work surfaces are clean before handling raw dough. This means washing them with soap and warm water – not just rinsing off under the faucet!
- Use separate cutting boards when working with different types of raw doughs. For instance, keep one board dedicated to yeast-based doughs while using another for non-yeast based ones like biscuit mix.
- If any part of your recipe calls for eggs or dairy products, use pasteurized versions instead of fresh from the farm. This will help reduce the risk of salmonella contamination.
- Wear food service gloves whenever possible – this is especially important if you have cuts on your hands that could possibly contaminate the raw dough.
Raw dough can be tricky to handle but these simple steps should ensure that you stay safe whilst having fun in the kitchen. Now let’s turn our attention to troubleshooting common problems associated with garlic bread…
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Making perfect garlic bread can be a challenge, but with some patience and practice it’s totally doable. Let’s look at a few of the most common issues that arise when baking this delicious treat:
When your loaf comes out overcooked, it may have been left in the oven for too long or on too high of a heat setting. Check your thermometer against what you thought was the right temperature to make sure! An overly hard crust can also mean that the dough wasn’t properly prepped before being put into the oven. Make sure to knead your dough thoroughly and give it plenty of time to proof so that it will bake up nice and fluffy. On the flip side, an overly-doughy interior indicates that not enough flour was used during preparation – try adding more next time before popping it in the oven.
No matter what problems crop up while making garlic bread, don’t get discouraged – just tweak things until you find success! With these troubleshooting tips in mind, let’s move on to how we can make ahead and freeze our loaves…
Making Ahead And Freezing
Ready to take your garlic bread game up a notch? Making ahead and freezing loaves is the perfect way to guarantee deliciousness when you need it most. Here’s how:
Firstly, preheat your oven as usual before baking any fresh loaves of garlic bread. Once they are golden brown and cooked through, let them cool completely on a wire rack. When cool, wrap each one in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and pop them into the freezer for later use!
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen loaf, simply remove from its wrapping (or container) and place onto a baking sheet. Preheat the oven again until the temperature reaches 375°F then bake for 10-15 minutes – just enough time to warm it up without burning it. Voila! You’ve got yourself some piping hot, freshly made garlic bread that tastes exactly like it was first baked. Plus, if there’s anything left over after your feast (which we doubt!), just wrap it back up and put it back in the freezer for another day.
The possibilities are endless with make-ahead/freeze-ahead garlic bread – no more waiting around while trying to whip something up at the last minute! So go ahead, be prepared; get out those measuring cups and spoons…you won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type Of Oil Should I Use For This Recipe?
Deciding on the type of oil to use for a recipe can be like picking out clothes from your wardrobe. You want something that will work with and enhance the overall flavour, as well as making sure it goes together nicely. With this in mind, let’s take a look at which oils are best used when making easy garlic bread.
When it comes to choosing an oil for any dish, olive oil is often seen as king. It has a subtle yet distinctive taste and aroma that works perfectly with garlic bread – particularly if you opt for extra virgin olive oil. In addition to its great flavour, using extra-virgin olive oil also adds health benefits too!
Canola and sunflower oil are both popular alternatives to olive oil, offering different flavours without overpowering the other ingredients. Canola oil has very little flavour and is low in saturated fats, while sunflower oil offers up a slightly nutty taste that pairs wonderfully with garlic bread recipes. So depending on what kind of taste you’re after or dietary requirements you have, either one of these could be ideal choices for your next garlic bread recipe.
Whether you go for classic olive oil or decide to try something new with canola or sunflower oils instead, all three options provide delicious results – so don’t worry about getting it wrong! Just pick whichever option fits best into your meal plan and enjoy creating some tasty treats with easy garlic bread recipes.
Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead Of Dried Herbs?
It’s a common conundrum: you have a recipe that calls for dried herbs, but all you have are fresh. Can the two be interchangeable? Let’s take a look and see!
When it comes to using fresh herbs in place of dried ones, garlic bread is an ideal candidate. The combination of strong flavors like oregano or basil can really shine when they’re freshly harvested from your herb garden. And don’t forget about parsley – its vibrant green color will make any dish pop with flavor and visual appeal!
But as with most substitutions, there are some things to keep in mind before making the switch. Dried herbs tend to pack more punch than their fresh counterparts because they’ve already been through the drying process which concentrates their flavor molecules. So if you decide to use fresh instead of dried herbs in your easy garlic bread recipe, bear this difference in potency in mind and adjust accordingly – maybe increase the amount by double or triple what your instructions call for! Or better yet, experiment and find out how much works best for your palate!
No matter how you decide to tackle this substitution challenge, one thing is certain – tasty results await. So grab those cloves of garlic and get ready to taste something special!
How Long Can I Store The Garlic Bread?
Oh, the joy of garlic bread! It’s a culinary masterpiece that never fails to tantalize our taste buds. But what happens when we have too much? How long can you store it and keep its wonderful flavor intact? Well, buckle up because today we’re exploring the shelf life of garlic bread – from homemade creations to store-bought wonders!
First things first: storing your delicious garlic bread correctly is key for retaining its incredible flavors. Fortunately, this isn’t rocket science; just make sure you wrap it securely in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container. This will help keep out moisture and prevent mold growth. If stored properly, homemade garlic bread should stay fresh for up to three days on the countertop or up to five days in the refrigerator. As a general rule, don’t eat any leftovers after 5-7 days as their quality will start to deteriorate over time.
What about store-bought garlic bread? Generally speaking, they come with instructions on how best to preserve them so be sure to follow these closely. That said, most brands last between two weeks and one month if placed in an airtight bag or container at room temperature – although we recommend consuming within 7 days for maximum yumminess!
From supermarket delights to home-cooked masterpieces, there are plenty of ways to enjoy delicious garlic bread without fear of food waste or health risks…as long as you remember those all important storage tips! So get creative with your recipes and have fun experimenting with different herbs and spices – but always make sure you know how long each batch can last for optimal enjoyment.
Can I Substitute The Butter For Margarine Or Another Spread?
We all know garlic bread is a classic side dish, but what if there was a way to make it even more delicious? Have you ever thought of substituting the butter for margarine or another spread? Well, now’s your chance to find out!
Margarine has quickly become an alternative favorite when making garlic bread. It not only adds flavor and texture, but also helps create that perfect golden-brown color we all love. Plus, margarine is often lower in saturated fat than butter – so it’s a healthier option too!
It might seem like a daunting task at first, but don’t worry – swapping out the butter for something else isn’t as complicated as you may think. All you have to do is pick up your favorite type of margarine or other spread and use it in place of the butter listed in your recipe. With just this one small switch, you’ll be able to enjoy a tasty twist on the classic garlic bread everyone loves.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
What a dilemma! Of course, you want the deliciousness of garlic bread but how can you make it vegan? It’s almost too ironical to be true; Just when we thought that all our culinary dreams had come true with this easy garlic bread recipe – we are faced with this nagging question. How do we satisfy our taste buds without compromising on our principles?
Is there really a way out of this pickle? Well yes indeed! With some smart substitutions and modifications, you can easily turn your favorite garlic bread into an entirely vegan treat. All you need is vegetable spread instead of butter and dairy-free cheese instead of regular cheese. You can also go for plant-based milk in place of cow’s milk for making the dough richer and more flavorful. Additionally, use olive oil or coconut oil while brushing the top layer of the bread before baking it in the oven.
The result will be a scrumptious loaf of golden brown vegan garlic bread that tastes just as good (if not better) than its non-vegan counterpart – without any compromise whatsoever on flavor or texture! So go ahead and enjoy guilt-free snacking with this modified version of easy garlic bread recipe.
Conclusion
I love garlic bread, and I’m sure you do too. This easy garlic bread recipe is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings while still keeping it simple. With a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can make this delicious side dish in no time at all.
Using oil instead of butter keeps the garlic bread nice and light, while fresh herbs add an extra pop of flavor. To store my garlic bread, I wrap it up tightly so that none of the great taste escapes. If you’re vegan or just looking for something different, margarine makes an excellent substitute for butter in this recipe.
No matter what kind of diet you follow, this simple yet satisfying garlic bread will be a hit with everyone gathered around the table – from family dinners to backyard barbecues! Allusion aside, if there’s one thing I know about food it’s that nothing beats homemade cooking…especially when it comes to a classic like garlic bread!
Easy Garlic Bread Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes200
kcalThis delicious garlic bread is so easy to make and comes out perfectly golden and crispy every time. It’s the perfect side dish for any Italian meal or just a simple snack.
Ingredients
4 tbsp 4 butter
2 2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp 2 parsley, chopped
1 tsp 1 salt
1/2 tsp 1/2 black pepper
2 tsp 2 Parmesan cheese, grated
4 4 slices of French bread
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the butter mixture evenly over the French bread slices.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
