Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the savory scent of garlic and parsley.

That’s the magic of homemade garlic bread – a simple yet irresistible treat that elevates any meal. Originating from Italian cuisine, garlic bread has become a beloved staple in households worldwide for its delicious flavor and versatility.

Making garlic bread from scratch may sound daunting, but fear not! With just a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own home kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty pasta dish, a comforting bowl of soup, or as a standalone snack, homemade garlic bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between crispy and buttery, with the added punch of fresh garlic and parsley. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover baguette or Italian bread, turning it into a mouthwatering delight that’s impossible to resist.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the garlic butter before baking the bread.

Ingredients

Baguette: The foundation of garlic bread, a baguette or Italian bread provides the perfect canvas for the rich flavors of garlic butter to shine. Its crusty exterior and soft interior create a satisfying texture that complements the buttery goodness.

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter serves as the base of the garlic butter spread, adding richness and indulgence to each bite. Its creamy texture helps bind the garlic and parsley together, ensuring even distribution of flavor.

Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the butter with its distinct aroma and bold taste, lending a pungent kick to the garlic bread. As it bakes, the garlic mellows out, creating a savory depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Parsley: Finely chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the garlic butter, balancing out the richness of the butter and garlic. Its vibrant green hue not only beautifies the dish but also provides a subtle herbal note that complements the other ingredients.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the garlic butter, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned. It helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the butter and parsley while balancing the sharpness of the garlic.

Expert Tip: To make individual garlic bread rolls, slice the baguette horizontally into rounds instead of lengthwise.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the warm garlic bread slices alongside a bowl of your favorite pasta dish, such as spaghetti carbonara or creamy fettuccine Alfredo. The garlic bread’s buttery, garlicky goodness pairs perfectly with the saucy pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
• For a cozy dinner option, serve the garlic bread with a hearty bowl of soup, such as tomato basil soup or minestrone. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the bread provide the ideal texture for dipping into the warm, flavorful soup, making every bite a delight.
• Garlic bread also makes a fantastic appetizer or snack for gatherings and parties. Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter alongside marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Your guests will love the irresistible combination of crunchy bread and creamy dips.
• If you’re hosting a barbecue or cookout, grill the garlic bread slices instead of baking them for an extra layer of smoky flavor. Simply place the buttered bread slices directly on the grill grates and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. It’s a fantastic addition to any outdoor gathering!

Expert Tip: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your garlic bread. Try adding dried oregano, basil, or thyme to the garlic butter for a Mediterranean twist, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does garlic bread last?

Garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Simply reheat the frozen bread slices in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

While fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and flavor to garlic bread, you can substitute dried parsley if that’s what you have on hand. Use half the amount of dried parsley called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh.

Can I make garlic bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter spread in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve the garlic bread, simply spread the butter onto the bread slices and bake as directed.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter provides the best flavor and texture for garlic bread, you can use margarine as a substitute if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may be slightly different.

How do I reheat garlic bread?

To reheat garlic bread, place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Garlic Bruschetta
• Garlic Bread with Cheese
• Garlic Roasted Potatoes
• Garlic Pizza Bread
• Garlic Noodles

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Garlic Bread

by Nabeela Kauser

Savour the delightful crunch and garlicky goodness of homemade garlic bread. This beloved side dish pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, and salads, offering a restaurant-worthy touch to your meal.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Sides

Cuisine American, Italian, Western

Servings 4

Calories 346 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 Baguette
• ▢ 100 g Unsalted Butter Softened
• ▢ 3-4 cloves Garlic Minced
• ▢ 15 g Parsley Finely chopped
• ▢ Salt To taste

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
• Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. The garlic butter is ready.
• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Cut the baguette or Italian bread into slices of your desired thickness.
• Spread a generous amount of the prepared garlic butter onto one side of each bread slice. Ensure the butter mixture is evenly spread.
• Arrange the buttered bread slices on a baking sheet with the buttered side facing up.
• Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the bread slices proof for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to infuse and the bread to slightly rise.
• Once the bread slices have proofed, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
• Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the bread turns golden and slightly crispy around the edges.
• Once baked, remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
• Serve the warm garlic bread slices as a delightful side dish to pasta, soups, or salads.

Notes

Make sure to use fresh parsley for the best flavour.

Adjust the amount of minced garlic according to your taste preference.

You can sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter before baking for extra flavour.

This garlic bread pairs well with various Italian dishes or can be enjoyed on its own as a savoury snack.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 346kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 6gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 391mgPotassium: 113mgFibre: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 941IUVitamin C: 6mgVitamin D: 0.4µgCalcium: 81mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Food, Garlic, Garlic Bread, Recipe, Snack

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