This garlic bread topping is a simple yet flavorful blend of butter, garlic, and herbs that elevates any bread into a delicious side dish. Perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or salads, it adds a savory touch to your meals.
The recipe is quick and easy, requiring minimal ingredients and time. You can customize it by adding cheese or other spices to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Garlic Butter Mixture
To achieve the ideal garlic bread, start with a rich garlic butter mixture. This blend is the heart of the dish, combining softened butter with minced garlic and fresh parsley.
Mixing these ingredients together creates a spread that is not only aromatic but also enhances the flavor of the bread. A pinch of salt and pepper adds depth, while optional red pepper flakes can introduce a hint of heat.
Selecting the Right Bread
The choice of bread plays a significant role in the final outcome. A crusty baguette, Italian loaf, or French bread are excellent options that can hold up to the rich garlic butter.
Slice the bread in half lengthwise to create a perfect canvas for the garlic spread. This allows for an even distribution of flavors and ensures that every bite is packed with that delightful garlic essence.
Applying the Garlic Butter
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on the cut sides of the bread. The key is to ensure that every inch is covered, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully during baking.
If you want to elevate the dish further, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese on top of the buttered bread. This addition brings a savory richness that complements the garlic perfectly.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking. Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet, ensuring it is positioned for even heat distribution.
Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is simply irresistible and sets the stage for the deliciousness to come.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, remove the garlic bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. This brief resting period helps maintain its crispy texture.
Slice the bread into individual pieces for easy serving. The golden crust and rich garlic flavor make it an ideal side dish for pasta, soups, or salads, adding a comforting touch to any meal.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. While best enjoyed fresh, they can be reheated in the oven to regain their crispy texture.
For longer storage, consider freezing the garlic bread before baking. Simply wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Easy Garlic Bread Topping Recipe
This garlic bread topping features a mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley, creating a rich and aromatic spread. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and can be used on any type of bread.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well combined.
- Spread on Bread: Slice your choice of bread (baguette, Italian, or French) in half lengthwise. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on the cut sides of the bread.
- Optional Cheese: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread for added flavor.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g