Garlic bread is a beloved side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals, from pasta to soups. Its golden, crunchy exterior combined with the aromatic blend of butter, garlic, and herbs makes it an irresistible treat.
For this garlic bread recipe, all of the ingredients are relatively common and should be easy to find at any supermarket. The key items to look for are a fresh loaf of French bread and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Ensure you also have fresh garlic cloves and parsley for the best flavor.
Ingredients for Garlic Bread Recipe
French bread: A fresh loaf to provide the perfect base for the garlic butter.
Salted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Olive oil: Enhances the flavor and helps in achieving the perfect consistency for spreading.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential for that classic garlic bread aroma and taste.
Parsley: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a delicate, fresh flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami kick that complements the garlic and butter.
One reader, Conant Hensley says:
This garlic bread recipe is fantastic! The combination of butter, olive oil, and fresh garlic creates an irresistible flavor. The bread turns out perfectly golden and crispy. The added parmesan cheese is a delightful touch. It's a hit every time!
Mastering the Art of Garlic Bread: Essential Techniques
Yes.
How to combine ingredients: Mix butter, olive oil, garlic, and parsley until the mixture is fluffy. How to halve bread: Cut the loaf of French bread lengthwise into two equal halves. How to spread butter: Evenly distribute the garlic butter mixture on each side of the halved bread. How to bake: Place the prepared bread in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and toasted.
How To Make Garlic Bread
Everyone loves garlic bread and with this recipe, you can make your own right at home with just some French bread, butter, garlic, parsley, and olive oil.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1loaf french bread
- ½cupsalted butter,softened
- 3tbspolive oil
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tbspparsley,finely chopped
- 3tbspparmesan cheese,grated, optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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Combine butter, olive oil, garlic and parsley until fluffy.
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Halve the bread lengthwise.
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Spread each side of the bread with garlic butter. Sprinkle with cheese if using.
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Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and toasted.
Nutrition
- Calories: 132.27kcal
- Fat: 9.19g
- Saturated Fat: 4.38g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.54g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.65g
- Carbohydrates: 10.05g
- Fiber: 0.44g
- Sugar: 0.89g
- Protein: 2.75g
- Cholesterol: 16.44mg
- Sodium: 182.78mg
- Calcium: 33.80mg
- Potassium: 29.59mg
- Iron: 0.79mg
- Vitamin A: 53.13µg
- Vitamin C: 0.55mg
Elevate Your Garlic Bread Game with This Technique Tip
For a richer flavor, roast the garlic before mixing it with the butter and olive oil. Simply wrap the garlic cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and bake at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes until soft. This will give your garlic bread a deeper, more complex taste.
Time-Saving Hacks for Whipping Up Garlic Bread
Pre-mince garlic: Mince garlic in bulk and store it in the fridge. This saves time when preparing garlic bread.
Soften butter: Leave butter at room temperature for easier mixing. This reduces prep time.
Use pre-grated cheese: Buy pre-grated parmesan cheese to skip the grating step.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin prepping. This ensures it's ready when you are.
Batch make garlic butter: Prepare extra garlic butter and freeze it. This makes future garlic bread prep quicker.
Substitute Ingredients For Garlic Bread Recipe
french bread - Substitute with ciabatta: Ciabatta has a similar texture and can absorb the garlic butter mixture well.
salted butter - Substitute with unsalted butter with a pinch of salt: This allows you to control the saltiness more precisely.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it lacks the fresh bite of raw garlic.
parsley - Substitute with basil: Basil offers a different but complementary flavor profile that works well with garlic and butter.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly sharper flavor, which can add an interesting twist.
Presenting Your Garlic Bread Masterpiece
Select the finest ingredients: Choose a fresh loaf of French bread, high-quality salted butter, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Ensure the garlic cloves are plump and aromatic, and the parsley is vibrant and green.
Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and finely chopped parsley. Whip the mixture until it becomes fluffy and well-incorporated.
Halve the bread with precision: Using a sharp bread knife, carefully halve the French bread lengthwise to ensure even slices. This will help in achieving a uniform golden crust.
Spread the garlic butter generously: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture on each half of the bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese: Lightly sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the buttered bread. This will add a rich, umami flavor and a delightful crunch.
Bake to perfection: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye to achieve a golden and toasted finish without burning.
Present with elegance: Once baked, slice the garlic bread into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Arrange them neatly on a stylish serving platter, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Garlic Bread
Oven: used to bake the garlic bread to a golden and toasted perfection
Mixing bowl: to combine the butter, olive oil, garlic, and parsley until fluffy
Knife: to halve the french bread lengthwise
Spatula: to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on each side of the bread
Baking sheet: to place the bread on for baking in the oven
Measuring cups: to measure out the butter, olive oil, and parmesan cheese
Measuring spoons: to measure out the parsley and any other small quantity ingredients
Garlic press: to finely mince the garlic cloves for the garlic butter mixture
Preserving the Goodness: Storing and Freezing Garlic Bread
To store leftover garlic bread, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored, it will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
If you want to freeze the garlic bread for later use, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
Frozen garlic bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, remove the desired amount from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat refrigerated or thawed garlic bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until it's warmed through and the edges are slightly crispy. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave for a few seconds, but the bread may lose some of its crispness.
If you want to freeze unbaked garlic bread, prepare the recipe up until the point of baking. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you're ready to bake, remove the bread from the freezer, unwrap it, and place it on a baking sheet. Bake the frozen bread in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it's golden brown and heated through.
Reviving Leftover Garlic Bread: Reheating Tips
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover garlic bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the edges are crispy. This method helps to restore the bread's texture and keeps it from drying out.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the garlic bread in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Then, unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the edges.
For a quick reheat, place the leftover garlic bread slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This method is best for small portions and when you're short on time. However, the bread may become slightly soggy.
If you have a toaster oven, you can reheat individual slices of garlic bread directly on the toaster oven rack. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the slices for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.
For a crispy exterior and a soft interior, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan, and place the garlic bread slices in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through.
Fascinating Trivia About Garlic Bread
A random fact about this garlic bread recipe is that the combination of butter and olive oil not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a perfect balance of richness and crispiness.
Budget-Friendly Garlic Bread: Is It Economical for Home Cooking?
This garlic bread recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With basic ingredients like french bread, butter, olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese, the total cost is approximately $6-$8. The preparation is simple, and the ingredients are affordable and easily accessible. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is Garlic Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?
The garlic bread recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - white bread, butter, and oil - are high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. These nutrients, when consumed in excess, can contribute to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and other health issues. The recipe also lacks fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for a balanced diet.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the white bread for a whole grain or multigrain variety to increase fiber content
- Reduce the amount of butter and oil used, or replace some of the butter with a healthier spread like olive oil or avocado
- Add more herbs and spices, such as oregano or basil, to boost flavor without increasing calorie content
- Incorporate some finely chopped vegetables, like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, into the garlic butter mixture to add nutrients and color
- Use a low-fat cheese alternative or reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used to lower the saturated fat content
- Serve the garlic bread alongside a nutrient-dense salad or vegetable dish to balance out the meal
An Editor's Take on This Classic Garlic Bread Recipe
This garlic bread recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of butter and olive oil ensures a rich, moist base, while the fresh garlic and parsley add a vibrant, aromatic touch. The parmesan cheese provides a savory, umami finish that elevates the dish. Baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes achieves a perfect golden crust. Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Garlic Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Exploring Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Garlic Bread
Perfect Pairings: Main Courses and Desserts to Complement Garlic Bread
Why trust this Garlic Bread Recipe:
This garlic bread recipe is a must-try for any home cook. The combination of butter and olive oil ensures a rich, flavorful spread, while fresh garlic and parsley add a burst of freshness. Topped with parmesan cheese, it bakes to golden perfection in just minutes. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and the use of quality ingredients, guaranteeing a delicious result every time.
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