Introduction
Garlic Bread is a beloved, comforting classic, perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or serving as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings. Its golden, crispy crust and buttery, garlicky interior deliver irresistible flavors that elevate any meal. Served on a white ceramic platter, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan, this Garlic Bread offers a vibrant, appetizing aesthetic. This recipe delivers a traditional Garlic Bread, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a warm, satisfying experience.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread:
- 1 large French or Italian loaf (about 12-14 inches)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving:
- Optional: Extra parsley, red pepper flakes, additional Parmesan
- Suggested Accompaniments: Spaghetti, lasagna, minestrone
- Suggested Pairings: Red wine, iced tea
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
- Suggested Equipment: Mixing bowl, baking sheet, aluminum foil, serrated knife
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using.
- Slice Bread: Using a serrated knife, cut the loaf in half lengthwise. Alternatively, slice into 1-inch-thick pieces for individual portions.
- Spread Butter: Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread or each slice.
- Bake: Place bread cut-side up on the baking sheet. For softer bread, wrap loosely in foil; for crispier bread, leave unwrapped. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden and butter is melted. If using a broiler for extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Slice the loaf into 6 pieces each if not pre-sliced. Arrange on a white ceramic platter, garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan, and serve hot with spaghetti, lasagna, minestrone, red wine, or iced tea.
Tips for Better Garlic Bread
- Use fresh garlic for bold flavor; mince finely to avoid chunks.
- Soften butter to room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
- Adjust garlic to taste; add more for intense flavor or less for mild.
- Bake unwrapped for crispy edges or wrapped for a softer texture.
- Watch closely under the broiler to prevent burning; it crisps quickly.
- Use day-old bread for better texture; fresh bread can be too soft.
- Sprinkle Parmesan before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Enhance aesthetic: Arrange on a white ceramic platter, garnish with parsley or Parmesan for a vibrant look.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Garlic Bread: Use gluten-free bread; ensure Parmesan is gluten-free.
- Vegan Garlic Bread: Replace butter with vegan margarine or olive oil; omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese.
- Spicy Garlic Bread: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Top with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella before baking.
- Herb-Infused Garlic Bread: Add 1 tsp dried oregano or basil to the butter mixture.
- Low-Sodium Garlic Bread: Reduce salt to 1/4 tsp; use unsalted Parmesan.
- Garlic Bread Sticks: Slice bread into thin strips before spreading and baking.
- Olive Oil Garlic Bread: Replace half the butter with extra-virgin olive oil for a lighter flavor.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or foil in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, wrapped in foil, to restore warmth; avoid the microwave to maintain texture.
- Freeze unbaked garlic bread (spread with butter) wrapped tightly in foil for 1 month; bake from frozen at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve hot for the best flavor; cold garlic bread may lose crispiness.
- Use leftovers as croutons for salads or soups.
- Don’t leave at room temperature for over 2 hours.
- Pair with hearty dishes like pasta to complement bold flavors.
- Presented on a white ceramic platter with garnishes for an inviting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 6 servings (2 slices each, with Parmesan):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Vitamin A: 12% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 2% Daily Value
- Calcium: 8% Daily Value
- Iron: 10% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by brand and bread type. These are high in fat; try vegan or low-sodium versions. Serve with vegetables for balance.
Conclusion
This Garlic Breads recipe offers a buttery, flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting classic. Its quick preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The crispy crust and garlicky interior, with charming garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its versatile appeal.
Garlic Bread Recipe: Buttery and Flavorful
Buttery Garlic Bread with crispy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 large French or Italian loaf
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Optional: Extra parsley Parmesan
- Suggested Pairings: Spaghetti red wine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F; line a baking sheet with foil.
- Mix butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Parmesan.
- Slice the loaf in half; spread the butter mixture.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.
- Slice and garnish with parsley; serve with spaghetti and wine.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for bold flavor.
- Store in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze unbaked for 1 month.
- Try a cheesy variation.
- Pair with lasagna.
