Garlic Bread Recipe
Garlic bread is more than just a side dish; it’s a versatile companion that enhances many meals. Picture this: a freshly baked loaf, slathered with garlic butter, perfectly complementing creamy pastas, zesty marinara sauces, or crisp salads.
Equipment
- Oven, Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced: Fresh garlic packs a punch of rich flavor, far superior to powdered variations.
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley: This adds a pop of color and freshness.
- 1 pound Italian bread or French baguette: The texture of the bread is crucial; I prefer a crusty exterior with a soft inside.
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter: You want it soft enough to spread easily and the unsalted variety lets the garlic shine.
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt: Just a pinch helps bring out flavors.
Optional:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese OR ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Either of these cheeses will add a lovely depth—choose one or both!
For garnish:
- Additional chopped parsley and snipped chives: They add a visual appeal and fresh taste.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: This subtle spice elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: A squeeze of citrus brightness that rounds the whole dish out.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure a perfectly toasted finish on your garlic bread.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, parsley, sea salt, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Mix everything until it's well combined. The aroma? Absolutely heavenly. Knives and cutting boards can be tricky; just make sure to chop everything finely to release all those essential oils.
Step 3: Slice the Bread
- Take your Italian bread (or baguette) and slice it in half lengthwise. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can slice the halves into smaller sections as well. This will give you more manageable pieces for serving.
Step 4: Slather on the Butter
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Don’t be shy with it! The more, the better. Make sure you cover every nook and cranny. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the buttered bread.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Place the bread on a baking sheet and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling. If you like your garlic bread extra crispy, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, take it out and sprinkle some additional parsley and chives on top for garnish. It adds a final touch of color and flavor. Now, slice it up and serve it warm!
Notes
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key. It infuses the butter with a rich, mellow flavor. Avoid jarred garlic—it just won’t do.
- Butter: Softened butter is essential for easy spreading. You can use salted butter, but just remember to taste for saltiness later.
- Bread: A good-quality loaf makes all the difference. I prefer Italian bread for its chewy texture, but a French baguette works wonders too.
- Cheese: Mozzarella will give you gooey, stretching bites, while Parmesan adds a nutty punch. Use both if you want a garlic bread fit for a feast!
- Herbs: Fresh herbs make a significant impact. They lend freshness and elevate the entire dish. Dried herbs can work, but fresh is always better.
- Paprika and Lemon: Both ingredients enhance the dish. They add a subtle complexity that elevates the humble garlic bread to something spectacular.
Nutrition
Calories: 521kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 12gFat: 28.8gSaturated Fat: 15.9gTrans Fat: 0.9gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 977mgFiber: 8gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 23IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 19mg
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