This homemade garlic bread is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, or salads. Made from scratch with fresh ingredients, it offers a delightful aroma and flavor that enhances any meal.
The recipe is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy warm, buttery garlic bread in no time. You can easily adjust the garlic and herb levels to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that complements a variety of meals, from pasta to soups. The combination of crispy exterior and soft, buttery interior makes it a favorite for many.
With a few simple ingredients, you can create a loaf that not only tastes incredible but also fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
Making garlic bread from scratch is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a warm, homemade treat in no time.
Essential Ingredients
The foundation of great garlic bread lies in its ingredients. Start with a fresh loaf of Italian or French bread, which provides the ideal texture and flavor.
You’ll need unsalted butter, softened to ensure easy spreading, along with minced garlic to infuse the bread with that signature taste.
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes can be included, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds an extra layer of richness.
Preparation Steps
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that golden, crispy crust.
While the oven heats, prepare the garlic butter by mixing the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl.
Once combined, slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise, and generously spread the garlic butter mixture on the cut sides. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can slice the bread further for easy serving.
Baking to Perfection
After spreading the garlic butter, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes; you want the edges to turn golden and crispy while the interior remains soft and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it into pieces.
Serve warm, perhaps alongside a small dish of marinara sauce for dipping.
This addition not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful contrast to the buttery bread.
Enjoying Your Garlic Bread
This homemade garlic bread is perfect for sharing at family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Its warm, inviting aroma and delicious flavor will surely impress your guests.
Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side dish, this garlic bread is a delightful addition to any meal.
Easy Garlic Bread from Scratch
This garlic bread features a crispy exterior and a soft, buttery interior, infused with garlic and herbs. The preparation takes about 20 minutes, and it serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of Italian or French bread
- 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 crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (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. If desired, you can also slice it into smaller pieces for easier serving.
- Spread the Mixture: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on the cut sides of the bread.
- Add Cheese: If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the buttered bread.
- Bake: Place the bread halves 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, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 pieces
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 12g