Why Make This Recipe
Homemade garlic bread is a quick and simple way to elevate any meal. It’s perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or salads, and its deliciously rich, buttery garlic flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, making it at home means you can control the ingredients for a fresher taste!
How to Make Homemade Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 12-ounce (340g) loaf of crusty bread, sliced in half horizontally
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 4 teaspoons finely minced fresh garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or 1/8 teaspoon fine salt)
- optional: 1/3 cup (27g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- optional for garnish: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place both halves of the bread, cut side up, on the lined baking sheet.
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Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, parsley, garlic, salt, and parmesan cheese (if using) together on medium-high speed until completely combined and smooth. If your butter is soft enough, you can simply use a fork to mash it all together.
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Spread the garlic butter evenly on top of the slices of bread.
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Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are crispy and golden brown. Feel free to bake a couple more minutes for a crispier exterior.
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Let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer the garlic bread to a cutting board. If desired, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes. Using a serrated bread knife, slice the bread into pieces and serve warm.
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Cover leftover bread tightly and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Bread
Serve homemade garlic bread warm as a delightful side dish. It pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes like spaghetti, creamy soups, and fresh salads. You can also enjoy it on its own as a tasty snack.
How to Store Homemade Garlic Bread
To keep your garlic bread fresh, cover it tightly to avoid it drying out. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator to prolong its freshness. Just be sure to reheat it in the oven to regain some of its original warmth and crispiness.
Tips to Make Homemade Garlic Bread
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also experiment with roasted garlic for a milder taste.
- If you like a cheesier garlic bread, consider adding different types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.
- Don’t skip the seasoning! Adjust the salt and add herbs to enhance the flavor according to your preference.
Variation
For a twist, try adding minced olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the garlic butter mixture. This will add extra flavor and make your garlic bread unique!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Any crusty bread works well, such as French bread, Italian bread, or even sourdough.
2. How can I make it vegan?
You can substitute the butter with vegan butter or margarine and skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
3. Can I freeze leftover garlic bread?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bread slices. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
