Garlic Bread
The ultimate comfort food, Garlic Bread is warm, buttery, and full of rich garlic flavor. This easy weeknight recipe is perfect for pairing with pasta dinners or enjoying on its own. You simply can't resist making it tonight!
Equipment
- Oven
- Grater
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian loaf or French loaf
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter can also use salted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Optional
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Optional
- to taste Extra parsley and chives for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easy. This step is crucial to ensure your Garlic Bread bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Slice your bread in half lengthwise. Place the halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut sides facing up. This will allow the butter mixture to soak in and flavor the bread perfectly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the butter, garlic, finely chopped parsley, and sea salt. Mix until well combined. The goal here is to create a smooth, spreadable mixture that’s bursting with flavor.
- Spread the butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to cover every inch for that maximum garlicky goodness. You want each bite to be packed with flavor!
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the edges are slightly golden brown. This is when the bread begins to crisp up, and the aroma fills your kitchen.
- If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle the parmesan or mozzarella on top during the last 2 minutes of baking. This will allow the cheese to melt and become slightly bubbly. Watch closely to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- For a crispier Garlic Bread, check it after the baking time and, if needed, bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Just be vigilant not to let it get too dark.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute. This will allow the flavors to settle. You can also garnish with more fresh parsley or chives for an extra pop of color.
- Slice into manageable pieces and serve warm. Watching others enjoy your homemade Garlic Bread is one of the most rewarding experiences!
Notes
- Tip 1: Store any leftover Garlic Bread in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to restore its crunch.
- Tip 2: You can freeze unbaked Garlic Bread. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.
- Tip 3: Garlic Bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, salads, or soups. It’s also great as a snack on its own!
- Tip 4: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the butter mixture for a different flavor profile. You can even use flavored butters for a twist.
- Tip 5: Substitute regular butter with vegan alternatives for a plant-based version of Garlic Bread.