This garlic bread recipe is a simple and delicious side dish perfect for any meal. Made with fresh garlic, butter, and herbs, it delivers a flavorful punch that complements pasta, soups, and salads.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized with additional toppings like cheese or herbs to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a beloved side dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. Its crispy exterior and soft, buttery interior make it a delightful addition to pasta, soups, or salads. The combination of fresh garlic and herbs creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
Making garlic bread is straightforward, requiring just a few simple ingredients. With a little preparation, you can have a golden-brown loaf ready in about 20 minutes. This dish not only satisfies cravings but also pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.
Essential Ingredients for Garlic Bread
The foundation of great garlic bread lies in its ingredients. A fresh loaf of French or Italian bread serves as the base, providing the perfect texture. Softened unsalted butter is essential for spreading, while minced garlic infuses the bread with its signature flavor.
To enhance the taste, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes gives the bread an extra kick. For those who enjoy a cheesy twist, grated Parmesan can be sprinkled on top before baking.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, prepare the garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mixture is the heart of your garlic bread, so ensure it is well combined.
Next, slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides, making sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it over the buttered bread before placing it in the oven.
Baking to Perfection
Once your bread is prepared, place it on a baking sheet and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, watching closely as the edges turn golden and crispy. The aroma of baking garlic bread will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible atmosphere.
After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it into pieces. Serve warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread shines as a side dish, but it can also stand alone as a delicious appetizer. Pair it with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, adding a tangy contrast to the rich garlic flavor. For an extra touch, scatter a few whole garlic cloves around the presentation for decoration.
This simple yet inviting dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights in. Its versatility allows it to complement a wide range of cuisines, making it a staple in many households.
Nutrition and Serving Size
Each serving of garlic bread typically contains around 200 calories, making it a satisfying addition without being overly indulgent. With 18g of fat and 2g of protein, it strikes a balance between flavor and nutrition.
With four servings per loaf, this recipe is ideal for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, garlic bread is sure to please everyone at the table.
Classic Garlic Bread Recipe
This garlic bread features a crispy exterior and a soft, buttery interior infused with garlic flavor. The recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French or Italian bread
- 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 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, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise.
- Spread the Mixture: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread.
- Optional Cheese: If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread.
- Bake: Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 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: 4 servings
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 12g