Garlic bread is a popular side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, and salads. This recipe features crusty bread topped with a flavorful garlic and herb butter, baked until golden and crispy.
Making garlic bread at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients. You can customize it by adding cheese or herbs to suit your taste.
The Allure of Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a beloved side dish that enhances a variety of meals, from pasta to soups and salads. Its warm, inviting aroma fills the kitchen, making it a favorite among many.
This dish features crusty bread that is generously topped with a mixture of garlic and herb butter, then baked to perfection until golden brown. The combination of flavors creates a delightful experience for the taste buds.
Simple Ingredients for a Classic Dish
To create this classic garlic bread, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. A loaf of French or Italian bread serves as the foundation, while softened butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley form the flavorful topping.
Seasonings like salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes add depth to the garlic butter mixture. For those who enjoy a cheesy twist, grated Parmesan can be sprinkled on top before baking.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing garlic bread is a straightforward process that takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.
While the oven heats, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and seasonings in a bowl. This mixture will be spread generously over the cut sides of the bread.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Once the garlic butter is ready, slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. This allows for an even distribution of the flavorful mixture.
Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides, ensuring every inch is covered. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it over the top before placing the bread in the oven.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes; the edges should turn golden and crispy while the inside remains soft.
Once done, remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it into pieces. The aroma will be irresistible, drawing everyone to the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Garlic bread is best served warm, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Pair it with your favorite pasta, a hearty soup, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
For an added touch, garnish the bread with a few sprigs of fresh parsley before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of color to your table.
Easy Garlic Bread Recipe
This garlic bread recipe uses a loaf of French or Italian bread, slathered with a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and bake, serving as a delightful accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise, creating two long pieces.
- Spread the Mixture: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread.
- Add Cheese: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread.
- Bake: Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into pieces, and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 pieces
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 16g