Garlic Bread Recipe

A piece of warm garlic bread can turn a simple serving of pasta or soup into a proper meal; the outer layer cracks while the inside remains soft and the odours of garlic and butter permeate the kitchen. This recipe for garlic bread is quick, easy to follow and uses ingredients that you probably already have at home. It takes around 15 minutes to go from slicing the bread to serving it hot.

What Is Garlic Bread?

Garlic bread consists of a sliced loaf, typically a baguette or Italian bread, which is brushed with butter that has a garlic flavour or with oil and then baked until it turns golden. It developed from Italian bruschetta and fettunta, in which toasted bread is rubbed with raw garlic and then poured with olive oil.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Bread Recipe

– Ready in 15 minutes

– Simple ingredients

– Crispy edges with a soft buttery middle

– Easy to scale for gatherings

– Can be prepared ahead and frozen

– Many flavor variations

Garlic Bread Recipe: Golden, Buttery & Ready in 15 Minutes

This recipe for garlic bread will produce golden, crunchy edges and a soft, butterycentre in just 15 minutes; it uses simple ingredients and has easy steps as well as tasty variations

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 3

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 baguette or Italian loaf about 14 inches / 35 cm

Garlic butter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves grated or finely minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp fine salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ■ cup grated Parmesan optional
• Zest of ½ lemon optional

Method

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1.

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and heat a baking sheet.

STEP 2.

1. Cut the loaf lengthways or into slices.

STEP 3.

1. Mix butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, seasoning, salt, pepper, Parmesan and lemon zest.

STEP 4.

1. Spread garlic butter evenly over the bread.

STEP 5.

1. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and bubbling.

STEP 6.

1. Broil for 30 to 45 seconds for extra colour if desired.

STEP 7.

1. Rest for two minutes, add parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Garlic Bread

1. Use finely grated fresh garlic for even flavour. Add olive oil with butter for better crisping. Choose
2. bread with a firm crust and open crumb. Use a hot baking sheet for a crisp base. Avoid overbaking.
3. Fresh garlic gives the best taste.

What to Serve with Garlic Bread

1. Serve with spaghetti bolognese, carbonara, aglio e olio, lasagna, soups, salads, roast chicken,
2. steak, or grilled fish.

Easy Variations

1. Cheesy garlic bread: Add mozzarella and bake until melted.
2. Spicy garlic bread: Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
3. Roasted garlic bread: Use mashed roasted garlic.
4. Flatbread: Use garlic butter on naan or pita.
5. Vegan: Use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast.
6. Air fryer: Cook slices at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.

Storage and Reheating

1. Store cooled leftovers wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C)
2. oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Freeze prepared unbaked garlic bread for up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of bread is best?

1. A baguette or Italian loaf works best.

Can I use garlic powder?

1. Yes, about one teaspoon can replace five cloves.

Why is garlic bread soggy?

1. Use softened butter, firm bread and a hot oven.

Why is garlic bread bitter?

1. Garlic can burn quickly, so avoid over-broiling.

Can I prepare it ahead?

1. Yes, refrigerate or freeze before baking.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

1. Unsalted butter gives better salt control.

Notes

This garlic bread recipe proves that simple ingredients and a hot oven can create a crisp, golden loaf with a rich and aromatic centre. Serve it with pasta, soup or salad for a delicious homemade side dish.