Garlic bread. Just the words conjure up images of warm, buttery, garlicky goodness. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make at home, even with simple sliced bread! This guide will walk you through creating irresistible garlic bread that'll have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to adjust quantities based on your preferences and how much bread you're using.
- Bread: One loaf of your favorite sliced bread. A crusty loaf works well, but even a softer white bread will do the trick!
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened. Unsalted allows you to control the saltiness.
- Garlic: 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced. More if you're a garlic fiend!
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, but adds a lovely fresh touch)
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Optional Add-ins: Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes for a kick
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures perfectly melted butter and crispy edges.
Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. If adding Parmesan cheese, now's the time!
Spread the Magic: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over each slice of bread. Don't be shy!
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the garlic butter is bubbly and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade garlic bread as a side dish, appetizer, or even a comforting snack!
Tips for Extra Delicious Garlic Bread:
- Toast the bread first: For extra crispy garlic bread, lightly toast the slices before adding the garlic butter.
- Broil for extra browning: After baking, broil for 1-2 minutes to get a nice, crispy top. Watch carefully to avoid burning!
- Get creative with herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
- Add some cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or provolone on top before baking for cheesy garlic bread heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use pre-minced garlic? While you can, freshly minced garlic offers a superior flavor.
How long does garlic bread last? Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze garlic bread? Yes! Freeze baked garlic bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven.
With this easy recipe, you'll be making delicious garlic bread in no time. Enjoy!
