Description
Indulgent garlic bread elevates any meal with its irresistible aroma and golden, crispy edges. Crusty baguette slathered in herb-infused butter promises pure comfort that pulls everyone closer to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 12 inches)
Butter and Cheese:
- ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Arrange the bread on a clean cutting surface, positioning the loaf horizontally for precise halving. Carefully slice the bread lengthwise using a sharp serrated knife, creating two equal rectangular portions that will serve as the base for the garlic-infused creation.
- In a medium mixing bowl, transform softened butter into a luxurious flavor vehicle by incorporating finely chopped garlic, vibrant parsley, aromatic Italian seasoning, aged Parmesan cheese, delicate salt, and a whisper of ground pepper. Blend these ingredients until they form a harmonious, creamy spread with a uniform consistency.
- Lavishly coat each bread half with the prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge. For an indulgent twist, scatter generous handfuls of shredded mozzarella across the buttered surface, creating a potential molten cheese experience.
- Transfer the prepared bread halves onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning them with strategic precision. Slide the sheet into a preheated oven calibrated to 200C, allowing the bread to transform over 8-10 minutes until the edges develop a golden, crisp perimeter.
- For enthusiasts seeking maximum crispness, activate the broiler for a brief 1-2 minute finale. Monitor closely to prevent burning, allowing the top to develop a bubbly, enticing golden-brown landscape.
- After removing from the oven, permit the garlic bread to rest momentarily, allowing flavors to settle and temperature to moderate. Slice into elegant 1-2 inch segments, revealing the aromatic interior.
- Present the garlic bread as a companion to hearty pasta dishes, alongside robust soups, or as a standalone appetizer accompanied by a vibrant marinara sauce for dipping pleasure.
Notes
- Softened butter ensures smooth, even spreading of the garlic mixture across bread surface without tearing delicate bread texture.
- Mincing garlic finely helps distribute flavor evenly and prevents overwhelming raw garlic chunks in each bite.
- Fresh parsley adds vibrant color and light herbaceous notes that complement the rich, buttery garlic base.
- Choose day-old bread for better absorption of garlic butter and crispier final texture during baking.
- Adjust baking time based on bread thickness to prevent burning while achieving perfect golden-brown edges.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that elevates the classic garlic bread flavor profile.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread or baguette for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Vegan alternative: Substitute dairy butter with plant-based margarine and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Store leftover garlic bread wrapped in foil and reheat in oven to maintain crispiness, avoiding microwave which can make bread soggy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg