The Ultimate Garlic Bread Crispy Cheesy and Irresistibly Garlicky
Table of Contents
Get Ready for the Best Garlic Bread of Your Life!
Fancy some garlic bread ? Honestly, who doesn’t? This isn't just any garlic bread recipe; it's the easy garlic bread recipe that'll make you swear off store-bought forever.
I promise you’ll fall in love. It has an amazing crispy texture and cheesy flavor.
From Italy, with Love (and Garlic!)
Italian garlic bread is a humble dish. Okay, right then, it's celebrated worldwide. This homemade garlic bread recipe takes inspiration from my travels, particularly to Italy.
It’s easy to make, taking around 25- 30 minutes. This recipe yields 6-8 slices of pure, unadulterated deliciousness.
Why This Garlic Bread Recipe is a Winner
This garlic butter bread not only tastes amazing but also skips out on artificial flavors! It's a crowd pleaser, perfect for any pasta night or barbecue! What makes this oven baked garlic bread extra special? The perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Honestly, it will make you want to get out the aprons immediately. The bread will be a golden brown and it has a soft interior.
It will be an elevated experience.
Let's Gather Our Goodies
Ready to make some cheesy garlic bread ? Here is what you need to do. Gather all of these ingredients. You will not regret making this best garlic bread .
Ingredients & Equipment for Epic Garlic Bread
Okay, right then, let's dive into what you'll need to make the best garlic bread ever. Honestly, it's all about the right stuff and a couple of handy tools.
Forget that pale imitation. This is about utterly brilliant garlic bread.
Main Ingredients: The Flavor Foundation
- Bread: One loaf (about 14-16 ounces/400-450g ) of French or Italian bread. Day-old is ideal. It holds the butter better.
- Butter: 8 tablespoons (113g) of unsalted butter, softened not melted. Crucial.
- Garlic: 6 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best. It's garlic bread , after all!
- Parsley: 1/4 cup (15g) , fresh and chopped. Adds a nice freshness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a little kick.
- Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon , dried.
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Helps the garlic infuse.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) , grated. Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup (100g) , shredded. Melts beautifully.
The garlic is KEY. Look for firm, plump cloves. If they're sprouting green shoots, they'll be bitter. Nobody wants bitter garlic bread . That's my personal experience.
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
The essential spice combo? Garlic, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. It's Italian garlic bread heaven.
For flavor enhancers, I sometimes add a touch of onion powder. It's my secret weapon.
Out of parsley? No worries. A tablespoon of dried parsley will do the trick. Just remember dried herbs are much stronger.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Baking Sheet. For baking. Obvious, right?
- Small Bowl. To mix the glorious garlic butter.
- Garlic Press (optional). Makes mincing easier. I love mine.
- Pastry Brush (optional). For spreading the garlic butter evenly.
Don't have a garlic press? No sweat! Just mince the garlic finely with a knife. No pastry brush? A spoon works just fine.
Don't overthink it. The goal is easy garlic bread , remember?
Making homemade garlic bread isn't scary. So get your ingredients ready. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
This will become the best garlic bread that you and your family can get their hands on.
Cooking Method: The Absolute Best Garlic Bread
Okay, right then, let's talk about garlic bread . Honestly, who doesn't love garlic bread ? It's like a hug in carb form.
But let's be real, some garlic bread is just...sad. We're gonna make some proper homemade garlic bread that's so good, it'll make you wanna slap your nan.
Trust me. I learned this when I was cooking in different restaurants during summer holidays.
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Cheesy Garlic Bread
Essential mise en place is key, alright? First, preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Get your 1 loaf (14-16 ounces/400-450g) French or Italian bread ready.
Halve it lengthwise. Now, soften 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter . It needs to be soft, not melted! You'll also need 6 cloves garlic , minced.
Chop 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley . Gather the spices, too. Get ready 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) , 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano .
Measure out 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil , 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese .
Organisation is time saving!
step-by-step Process: Making Magic
Prep the Bread: Heat the oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Cut your loaf.
Make the Garlic Butter: Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, and olive oil.
Spread That Goodness: Slather the garlic butter generously on the bread.
Cheese It Up: Sprinkle Parmesan, then mozzarella. Go wild!
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10- 15 minutes . Watch it closely. You want golden brown, bubbly cheese.
Slice and Devour: Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve hot!
Pro Tips: Crispy Garlic Bread Hacks
Don't skimp on the garlic! Freshly minced is key. To make extra Crispy garlic bread , broil it for the last minute, but watch like a hawk! It burns easily.
You can make the garlic butter ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, this Easy Garlic Bread will be your new go-to recipe.
It is the best garlic bread .
Recipe Notes: Ace Your Garlic Bread Game
Okay, right then, let's talk about elevating your garlic bread game. Honestly, it's all in the details. This ain't just about slapping some garlic butter on bread and hoping for the best.
Nah, we’re aiming for best garlic bread territory!
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Right, so you've got this amazing garlic bread recipe , now what? Presentation! Slice it up all fancy on a wooden board.
Sprinkle a bit of extra chopped parsley on top, just for show. I always think serving it with a simple tomato soup is great! A glass of crisp white wine also works wonders.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Ever made too much homemade garlic bread ? Me too. If you have leftover garlic bread , wrap it up tight in foil.
Pop it in the fridge. It will last for 2-3 days . Reheat it in the oven, not the microwave, to keep that crispy garlic bread texture.
350° F ( 175° C) for about 5- 10 minutes should do the trick.
Variations: Spicing Things Up
Garlic bread is pretty versatile. Fancy a bit of spice? Add a pinch of chili flakes to your garlic butter.
Dietary restrictions? Swap out regular butter for a good quality vegan spread. You could use gluten-free bread too! For a cheesy garlic bread , experiment with different cheeses.
I like a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
Nutrition Basics: It’s All About Balance
Let's be real, garlic bread isn't exactly health food. It's a treat. But, garlic is good for you! It has loads of health benefits, like boosting your immune system.
This easy garlic bread recipe provides energy and satisfies cravings. Enjoy in moderation, as part of a balanced diet.
Honestly, making the ultimate Italian garlic bread is easier than you think. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch.
Grab a loaf of bread, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy the best garlic bread you've ever tasted!
Frequently Asked Questions
My garlic bread always seems soggy. What am I doing wrong?
Soggy garlic bread is a classic kitchen woe! Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, before mixing it with the garlic and herbs. Melted butter soaks into the bread too much. Also, don't overload the bread with the garlic butter mixture; a generous but even spread is key.
Finally, bake on a baking sheet and consider a quick broil at the end for extra crispness like a proper chippy chips.
Can I make garlic bread ahead of time?
You certainly can prepare garlic bread in advance! Assemble the garlic bread as instructed, but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
This is a great time saver for busy weeknights, a bit like prepping your Sunday roast on Saturday!
What's the best way to store leftover garlic bread? And how do I reheat it so it's not like chewing leather?
To store leftover garlic bread, wrap it tightly in foil or an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
For best results, skip the microwave which will make it soggy!
I'm out of fresh garlic! Can I still make delicious garlic bread?
Don't despair! While fresh garlic is ideal, you can substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic in a pinch. Start with about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder per 4 tablespoons of butter and adjust to taste. Just remember that dried garlic has a more concentrated flavour, so use it sparingly.
It won't have the same fresh bite, but it's better than no garlic bread at all a bit like a cuppa tea without the biscuit!
What kind of cheese is best for garlic bread? Can I use something other than mozzarella?
Mozzarella is a classic choice for garlic bread because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that doesn't overpower the garlic. However, feel free to experiment! Cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta can add a delicious twist. A good melting cheese will make the difference.
Just don't go overboard with too many different cheeses, unless you're feeling adventurous like a cheese and pickle sandwich!
Can this garlic bread recipe be made vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, and omit the cheese or use a plant based cheese substitute. There are some great vegan mozzarella shreds available now.
With these simple swaps, you can enjoy all the garlicky goodness of this recipe without any animal products. It's a piece of cake!
The Ultimate Garlic Bread Crispy Cheesy And Irre
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |