This garlicky Italian bread is a delightful combination of savory flavors and a soft, moist texture. Perfect as a side dish or a savory snack, it pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes or soups.
Photos of Garlicky Italian Bread Recipe
Some ingredients you might not commonly have at home include extra virgin olive oil, mozzarella, and basil. Make sure to pick these up at the supermarket to ensure you have all the necessary components for this delicious bread.
Ingredients For Garlicky Italian Bread
all purpose flour: The base for the bread, providing structure and texture.
baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
baking soda: Another leavening agent that works with the baking powder.
kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.
oregano: Adds a touch of Italian flavor.
egg: Helps to bind the ingredients together.
extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and a rich flavor.
whole milk: Provides moisture and tenderness to the bread.
garlic: Adds a robust, savory flavor.
mozzarella: Melts into the bread, adding a gooey texture and rich flavor.
tomatoes: Adds a touch of acidity and freshness.
basil: Provides a fresh, aromatic note.
parmesan: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, salty finish.
One reader, Delia Colwell says:
This garlicky Italian bread recipe is a winner! The flavors of garlic, mozzarella, and basil blend perfectly, and the texture is spot on. It's easy to make and turns out delicious every time. Perfect for any meal or as a snack. Highly recommend!
Key Techniques for Preparing Garlicky Italian Bread Recipe
How to grease and line a loaf pan: Grease the loaf pan with butter or oil, then line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. How to whisk dry ingredients: Use a whisk to combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and oregano evenly. How to whisk wet ingredients: Use a whisk to blend the egg, olive oil, and milk until smooth. How to fold ingredients: Gently mix the garlic, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil into the batter without overmixing. How to check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean if the bread is done. How to cool bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.
How To Make Garlicky Italian Bread
If you love garlic bread, you’ll enjoy this flavorful Italian bread. It’s baked with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, seasoned with a hint of oregano.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2½cupsall purpose flour
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1tspbaking soda
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼tsporegano,dried
- 1large egg,beaten
- ¼cupextra virgin olive oil
- ¾cupwhole milk
- 2clovesgarlic,minced
- 1cupmozzarella,shredded
- 1cuptomatoes,minced
- ¼cupbasil,finely chopped
- 2tbspParmesan,freshly grated
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and oregano.
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In another large bowl, whisk together the egg, olive oil, and milk.
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Mix dry ingredients into wet, then fold in garlic, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil until well combined. The batter will be very thick.
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Transfer batter to the loaf pan, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake for 50 to 55 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then cool the rest of the way on a rack.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280.88kcal
- Fat: 12.25g
- Saturated Fat: 3.84g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.47g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.18g
- Carbohydrates: 32.49g
- Fiber: 1.32g
- Sugar: 1.95g
- Protein: 9.71g
- Cholesterol: 38.18mg
- Sodium: 343.18mg
- Calcium: 180.88mg
- Potassium: 143.25mg
- Iron: 2.21mg
- Vitamin A: 60.22µg
- Vitamin C: 2.92mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Garlicky Italian Bread Recipe
For a more intense garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the batter. Simply wrap the cloves in aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil and roast at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes until soft and caramelized. This will add a deeper, sweeter garlic taste to your Italian bread.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Garlicky Italian Bread
Pre-mince the garlic: Mince the garlic ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save prep time.
Pre-shred the cheese: Buy pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan to cut down on preparation.
Use canned tomatoes: Opt for canned tomatoes instead of fresh to save chopping time.
Measure ingredients in advance: Measure out all your flour, baking powder, and other dry ingredients before starting.
Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven as soon as you start gathering ingredients to ensure it's ready when you are.
Line the pan ahead: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper before mixing the batter to streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Garlicky Italian Bread Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the bread denser.
baking powder - Substitute with cream of tartar and baking soda: Use 1/2 tsp cream of tartar and 1/4 tsp baking soda to mimic the leavening effect.
baking soda - Substitute with potassium bicarbonate: This is a sodium-free alternative that works similarly in recipes.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good alternative.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a similar earthy flavor that complements Italian dishes well.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 3 tbsp water to replace one egg, suitable for binding and moisture.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a neutral flavor.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a lower-calorie, dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/8 tsp garlic powder for each clove of garlic to maintain the garlicky flavor.
mozzarella - Substitute with provolone: Provolone has a similar melt and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.
tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy texture.
basil - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor, though it will change the dish's profile slightly.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty, umami flavor but is made from sheep's milk.
Presentation Ideas for Garlicky Italian Bread
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the garlicky Italian bread into thin, elegant pieces to create a refined presentation. This allows the intricate flavors to be savored in smaller, more delicate bites.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of freshness.
Highlight ingredients: Place a few slices of tomatoes and a sprinkle of parmesan on the side to showcase the key ingredients used in the bread, giving a nod to the recipe's Italian roots.
Add texture: Serve the bread with a small bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor to the dish.
Create height: Stack the slices of garlicky Italian bread slightly askew to create visual interest and height on the plate, making the presentation more dynamic.
Use a clean, white plate: Present the bread on a clean, white plate to allow the colors of the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil to stand out, creating a striking contrast.
Incorporate a side salad: Add a small side salad of mixed greens, lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, to complement the richness of the bread and provide a refreshing balance.
Finish with a touch of elegance: Lightly dust the plate with finely grated parmesan and a pinch of oregano to tie all the flavors together and add a final touch of sophistication.
Essential Tools for Making Italian Garlic Bread
Oven: Used to bake the bread at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Loaf pan: An 8x4-inch pan to shape and bake the bread.
Parchment paper: Lining the loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
Large mixing bowl: For combining the dry ingredients.
Another large mixing bowl: For mixing the wet ingredients.
Whisk: To thoroughly mix the dry and wet ingredients separately.
Spatula: For folding in the garlic, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil into the batter.
Measuring cups: To measure out the flour, milk, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: For precise measurement of baking powder, baking soda, salt, oregano, and parmesan.
Garlic press: To mince the garlic cloves finely.
Cheese grater: For grating the parmesan cheese.
Cooling rack: To cool the bread evenly after baking.
Toothpick: To check if the bread is fully baked by inserting it into the center and ensuring it comes out clean.
Storing and Freezing Garlicky Italian Bread
- Let the garlicky italian bread cool completely before storing to prevent moisture from building up and making the bread soggy.
- Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.
- If you want to keep the bread for a longer period, you can freeze it:
- Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container.
- Label the wrapped bread with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen bread at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- To reheat the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, unwrap the bread for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating.
- Avoid refrigerating the bread, as it can dry out and become stale more quickly in the refrigerator.
- If the bread does become slightly stale, you can refresh it by wrapping it in damp paper towels and heating it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or by lightly toasting it in the oven or toaster.
How To Reheat Leftover Garlicky Italian Bread
To reheat leftover garlicky italian bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the crust is crispy. This method helps to restore the bread's texture and prevents it from drying out.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Slice the leftover bread into desired portions and place them directly on the toaster oven rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method is quick and convenient, especially for smaller portions.
For a softer texture, you can reheat the bread in the microwave. Wrap the bread in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 15-20 seconds. Check the bread and repeat the process if necessary, being careful not to overheat it, as this can make the bread tough and rubbery.
If you have a panini press or a grill pan, you can use it to reheat and add a crispy texture to your leftover bread. Preheat the press or pan, slice the bread, and grill for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy. This method works well for creating a crunchy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.
For a flavorful twist, you can brush the leftover bread with some olive oil or garlic butter before reheating. This will add an extra layer of flavor and help to revive the bread's taste. You can use any of the above reheating methods after brushing the bread with oil or butter.
Interesting Fact About Garlicky Italian Bread
A fun fact about this garlicky Italian bread recipe is that the combination of garlic, mozzarella, and basil gives it a flavor profile reminiscent of a classic Margherita pizza. This makes it a delightful twist on traditional Italian bread, perfect for serving as an appetizer or alongside a main course.
Is Making Garlicky Italian Bread at Home Cost-Effective?
This garlicky Italian bread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like all-purpose flour, garlic, and mozzarella are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. Fresh basil and tomatoes add a burst of flavor without breaking the bank. The use of extra virgin olive oil and parmesan adds a touch of luxury but remains within a reasonable budget. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10-$12.
Is Garlicky Italian Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?
This garlicky Italian bread recipe, while delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the nutrients and fiber of whole grain flours.
- The recipe includes a significant amount of cheese (mozzarella and parmesan), which can be high in saturated fat and sodium.
- The use of whole milk and extra virgin olive oil, although not inherently unhealthy, does add to the overall calorie count of the bread.
However, the recipe does incorporate some healthy ingredients, such as tomatoes and basil, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the bread.
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for low-fat versions of mozzarella and parmesan to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Use skim milk instead of whole milk to lower the calorie and fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables used, such as adding more tomatoes or incorporating other healthy options like spinach or bell peppers.
- Experiment with using herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the bread while reducing the need for excessive cheese or salt.
Editor's Opinion on This Garlicky Italian Bread Recipe
This garlicky Italian bread recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the richness of mozzarella and parmesan with the freshness of tomatoes and basil. The use of extra virgin olive oil adds a depth of flavor, while the garlic provides a robust, aromatic punch. The balance of baking powder and baking soda ensures a perfect rise, resulting in a tender, moist loaf. The addition of oregano gives it an authentic Italian touch. Overall, it's a well-rounded recipe that promises a delicious, savory bread, perfect for any meal or as a standalone snack.
Enhance Your Garlicky Italian Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Garlicky Italian Bread Recipe:
This garlicky Italian bread recipe is a must-try for any home baker. With a perfect blend of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, it offers an authentic taste of Italy. The use of extra virgin olive oil and parmesan ensures rich flavors, while the garlic adds a delightful aroma. Easy to follow and made with simple ingredients, this recipe guarantees a delicious, golden loaf every time.
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