This garlic bread recipe features crispy French bread topped with a flavorful garlic butter mixture. It’s a perfect side dish for pasta, soups, or salads.
The preparation is simple and quick, making it an ideal choice for any meal. You can easily adjust the garlic and herb levels to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a beloved side dish that complements a variety of meals. The combination of crispy French bread and a rich garlic butter mixture creates a delightful experience for the taste buds.
The appeal of garlic bread lies in its simplicity and versatility. It can be served alongside pasta, soups, or salads, making it a go-to option for many home cooks. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Ingredients for Success
To achieve that golden-brown perfection, you’ll need a fresh French baguette or loaf, unsalted butter, and garlic. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor, while salt and pepper enhance the overall taste.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be included. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before baking elevates the dish, adding a savory touch that many find irresistible.
Preparation Steps
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the bread will toast evenly and achieve that desired crispiness.
Next, prepare the garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be the star of your garlic bread, so make sure it’s well combined.
Slicing and Spreading
Once your garlic butter is ready, slice the French bread in half lengthwise. If you prefer smaller pieces, feel free to cut each half into smaller sections.
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor comes from!
Baking to Perfection
Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, watching closely as the edges turn golden and crispy.
If you’re adding Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last two minutes of baking. This will allow it to melt and create a delicious crust.
Serving Suggestions
Once your garlic bread is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. The aroma will be inviting, and the crispy edges will beckon everyone to dig in.
For an added touch, garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation. Serve warm, and watch it disappear from the table!
Easy Garlic Bread on French Bread Recipe
This garlic bread is made by spreading a delicious garlic butter mixture on slices of French bread and toasting them until golden brown. The recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette or loaf
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°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 French bread in half lengthwise, then slice each half into smaller pieces if desired.
- Spread the Mixture: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread.
- Bake: Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Optional Cheese Topping: If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top during the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 pieces
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 14g