Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Requires only a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
- Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can have this garlic bread ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile Pairing: Pairs well with a wide range of dishes, enhancing any meal with its rich, buttery flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise and place the pieces, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and allow it to steep for about 3 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown. Remove from heat, then stir in the salt and dried parsley flakes.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can place the bread under the broiler for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into individual pieces, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields about 8 servings.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes.
Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: After applying the garlic butter, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the bread before baking.
- Herb-Infused: Add a mix of dried Italian herbs, such as oregano and basil, to the butter mixture for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a subtle heat.
- Whole Wheat Option: Use a whole wheat baguette instead of French bread for a healthier alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy.
FAQs
How can I prevent the garlic from burning during cooking?
To prevent the garlic from burning, ensure you steep it in melted butter over medium heat for about 3 minutes without allowing it to brown. This will infuse the butter with garlic flavor without the risk of burning.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter. If you do, consider reducing or omitting the additional 1/2 teaspoon of salt to prevent the bread from becoming too salty.
Is it possible to prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, gently reheat it until it becomes spreadable.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic provides the best flavor, you can substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if necessary.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A soft French or Italian loaf with a light, crispy crust works best. Avoid using a baguette, as it can be too crusty and may not absorb the garlic butter well.
How can I make the bread extra crispy?
For an extra crispy texture, after the initial baking time, place the bread under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Can I freeze the garlic bread?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared garlic bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure the bread is baked until the edges are golden and crispy. If adding cheese, avoid overloading, as excessive cheese can release moisture.
Can I add other toppings to the garlic bread?
Certainly! Feel free to add toppings like chopped fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking for added flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free baguette or loaf as a substitute. Ensure that all other ingredients, like butter and seasonings, are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
This garlic bread recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and rich flavors.
Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy homemade garlic bread recipe features real butter, fresh garlic, and a crispy yet soft texture that makes it the perfect side dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place it cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Make Garlic Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and steep for 3 minutes without browning. Stir in salt and parsley flakes.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Brush the mixture generously over the bread.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Cheesy Option: Sprinkle mozzarella or Parmesan before baking.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare garlic butter in advance and refrigerate for up to a week.
