📜 What is Garlic Bread?
Garlic bread is a staple in many cuisines, but its origins trace back to Italian bruschetta. Traditionally, rustic bread was toasted, rubbed with garlic, and drizzled with olive oil. Over time, this simple concept evolved into the buttery, cheesy garlic bread we know and love today.
The version most of us are familiar with—featuring butter, garlic, and herbs spread over a crispy baguette or Italian loaf—became especially popular in the United States as a side dish for pasta, particularly in Italian-American cuisine.
🍽️ Why You’ll Flip for Garlic Bread Recipe
✔️ Crispy & Buttery: A perfect balance of crunchy crust and soft, garlicky center.
✔️ Simple & Fast: Ready in under 20 minutes with just a few ingredients.
✔️ Pairs with Everything: Complements pasta, soups, salads, or even grilled meats.
✔️ Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or spices for extra flavor.
🧄 Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Bread: A French baguette or Italian loaf works best, providing a crispy texture while staying soft inside.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control of seasoning. For a richer flavor, try brown butter!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! Roasting it first makes it sweeter and milder, while raw minced garlic adds a stronger kick.
- Olive Oil: Enhances richness and helps distribute the garlic flavor throughout.
- Parsley & Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, while oregano, thyme, or basil deepen the flavor.
- Cheese (Optional): Parmesan or mozzarella takes garlic bread to the next level!
🔥 Pro Tips & Variations
💡 Crispier Bread: Bake at 375°F (190°C), then broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crunch.
🧀 Cheesy Upgrade: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or parmesan before baking.
🌿 Herb-Flavored Butter: Mix butter with dried basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
🔥 Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
🥑 Avocado Garlic Toast: Swap butter for mashed avocado for a healthier twist!
❓ FAQs – Common Questions
💬 Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes! If fresh garlic isn’t available, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can work in a pinch.
💬 How do I store leftovers?
Wrap in foil and store at room temperature for a day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
💬 How do I reheat garlic bread?
To maintain crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it makes the bread soggy!
📢 Conclusion – Enjoy & Spread the Love!
Homemade garlic bread is a must-try! Whether served with pasta, soups, or as a snack, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and let me know how it turned out! Share your delicious creations on social media! ❤️
Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out! Share your creations in the comments below or tag us on social media @Myflavorhaven ! Happy cooking! comments!
The Most Amazing Homemade Garlic Bread
4-6
servings15
minutes1
hour30
minutes300
kcal1
hour55
minutesIngredients
1 loaf ciabatta bread
Provides a crunchy, chewy base with a delicate sweetness; its honeycomb structure absorbs the flavorful toppings well.- For the Garlic Confit:
3 heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled
Slow-cooked to achieve a soft, velvety texture and sweet, mild flavor.1 cup olive oil
Used to submerge the garlic cloves during slow cooking; becomes infused with garlic flavor.Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary)
Optional; adds aromatic notes to the confit.- For the Garlic Butter Spread:
100g unsalted butter, softened
Forms the base of the spread; softened for easy mixing.All of the prepared garlic confit cloves
Mashed into the butter for a rich garlic flavor.2 tablespoons garlic-infused oil (from the confit)
Enhances the garlic flavor in the spread.50g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
Provides a sharp, salty flavor; freshly grated is preferable.1 tablespoon honey
Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.½ teaspoon chili flakes
Introduces a gentle heat; adjust according to preference.Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Enhances overall flavor; adjust according to preference.
Directions
- Prepare the Garlic Confit:
Preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F)
Place the peeled garlic cloves in an ovenproof dish and submerge them in olive oil.
Add fresh herbs if desired.
Cover and bake for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, until the garlic is soft and golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool. - Prepare the Garlic Butter Spread:
In a bowl, mash the softened garlic confit cloves.
Combine with softened butter, garlic-infused oil, grated Pecorino Romano, honey, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Mix until well combined. - Assemble the Garlic Bread:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Slice the ciabatta loaf horizontally.
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on each half.
Place the halves on a baking tray, cut side up. - Bake:
Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the cheese is melted.
For a golden top, switch to grill/broil mode for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Slice into desired portions and serve warm.
Leave a Reply