Easy Garlic Bread Recipe

Garlic bread is a classic side dish that can elevate any meal with its simple yet savory flavors. This popular recipe has been cherished for years and remains a go-to choice when entertaining or preparing a quick, delicious accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, or even as a snack on its own. In this article, we will walk you through the easy steps to create your very own batch of garlic bread.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (about 300g)
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced finely
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• (Optional) Parmesan cheese for topping

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Servings: 8 slices

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the garlic bread will cook evenly without burning. While it's heating up, prepare a baking sheet by placing parchment paper on top. Parchment paper not only makes cleanup easier but also prevents the bread from sticking during cooking.

Next, spread the finely minced garlic over the entire surface of the French bread loaf. Garlic is crucial for adding depth and flavor to this dish. The number of cloves you use may vary depending on your taste preferences, but four or five should be enough to achieve a delightful balance without overpowering other flavors in your meal.

In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and dried parsley flakes. You can also add salt and pepper according to your preference. Spread this mixture generously over the garlic-coated bread loaf. Optional: Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. The addition of Parmesan is optional but highly recommended if you're serving this as part of a pasta or soup meal.

Transfer the prepared French bread onto the preheated baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time to ensure you don't overcook it.

Once done, remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into individual servings. Cutting while hot might result in a sticky mess, so cooling down for a few minutes ensures easy handling.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh garlic contributes to better flavor compared to pre-minced varieties found in stores. Similarly, using fresh butter or margarine instead of store-bought spreads enhances the taste significantly.
2. Baking Sheet Preparation: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and preventing bread from sticking during cooking.
3. Cooking Time Variations: If you prefer extra crispy garlic bread, increase the baking time by about 5 minutes. Conversely, if you like softer bread, reduce it slightly to avoid overcooking.

Variations for Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes:

• Herb Garlic Bread: Add more fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or tarragon along with the parsley for an enhanced herbaceous flavor.
• Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan margarine and omit Parmesan cheese if desired. This version is suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
• Fresh Garlic: For extra pungent garlic taste, use raw garlic cloves instead of minced ones. This option requires more careful handling due to the sharper flavor.

Garlic bread serves as an excellent accompaniment for various meals such as pizza night, pasta dishes, soups like minestrone or borscht, and even as a standalone snack with olive oil drizzled over it. Its simplicity combined with its ability to complement a wide range of foods makes garlic bread a timeless favorite.

Experimenting with different ingredients can turn this basic recipe into something extraordinary tailored to your taste buds. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner side dish or planning an elaborate meal, garlic bread stands out as a reliable choice that guarantees satisfaction at the table.