This homemade garlic bread recipe is perfect for serving alongside your favorite pasta dishes or soups. Using a Dutch oven allows for even baking and a perfectly crispy crust.
The recipe is simple and requires just a few ingredients, making it an easy addition to any meal.
Creating the Perfect Garlic Butter
To start, prepare a rich garlic butter that will infuse the bread with flavor. Combine softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. This mixture will not only enhance the taste but also create a beautiful, aromatic topping for your bread.
Choosing the Right Bread
Selecting the right loaf is essential for achieving the ideal garlic bread. A French or Italian bread works wonderfully, providing a sturdy base that can hold up to the garlic butter.
Cut the loaf in half lengthwise to create two generous pieces. This allows for an even spread of the garlic butter, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Preparing the Dutch Oven
Preheating your Dutch oven is a key step in this process. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the Dutch oven warm up for about 10 minutes.
This preheating ensures that the bread bakes evenly, resulting in a crispy crust and a soft interior. The Dutch oven’s design helps trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect baking environment.
Baking the Garlic Bread
Once the Dutch oven is ready, place the bread halves cut side up inside. Cover with the lid and let it bake for 20 minutes. This initial baking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
If you choose to add grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top after the first 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly topping.
Serving Suggestions
After baking, allow the garlic bread to cool slightly before slicing. This step helps maintain the integrity of the crust while making it easier to cut.
Serve warm, perhaps alongside your favorite pasta dishes or soups. The inviting aroma and golden appearance will surely impress your guests and elevate any meal.
Nutrition and Enjoyment
This garlic bread recipe yields about 8 slices, with each slice containing approximately 210 calories. It’s a delightful side dish that complements various cuisines, particularly Italian.
With its buttery, garlicky goodness, this homemade garlic bread is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a comforting addition to any dining experience.
Easy Dutch Oven Garlic Bread Recipe
This garlic bread features a soft, buttery interior with a golden, crispy crust. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 8 slices.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup 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
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise, then spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both halves.
- Preheat the Dutch Oven: Preheat your Dutch oven in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: Place the bread halves cut side up in the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the bread, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 210kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g