Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe

Homemade garlic bread is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or side dish at any meal. The combination of fresh garlic and soft, warm bread makes this recipe hard to resist. This article will provide you with all the necessary ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make delicious homemade garlic bread in your kitchen.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Servings: About 8 slices

Ingredients:

• 4 large slices of white or sourdough bread
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced finely
• 1/4 cup melted butter (you can use margarine if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of garlic powder or granulated garlic, optional

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven at 375°F (190°C).
2. Once the oven is ready, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps to prevent the bread from sticking and makes cleaning up easier.
3. Arrange the slices of bread on the prepared baking sheet. You can choose to make the garlic bread in one large loaf or individual pieces depending on your preference. If you are making it as a single piece, simply overlap the slices slightly for a more appealing look.
4. Mix all remaining ingredients (garlic, melted butter, olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper). Make sure everything is well combined so that each slice of bread gets an even coating. Taste this mixture before adding any extra salt or pepper; usually, one teaspoon each should suffice.
5. Use a pastry brush to apply the garlic butter mixture generously over each piece of bread. You want it to be thick and evenly distributed so that every bite is rich with flavor.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end; you might need to remove it earlier or later depending upon your preference for crispiness versus softness.
7. Remove from oven carefully using oven mitts and let cool slightly before slicing into individual pieces if you opted for a large loaf form. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations:

• Cheese Addition: For extra flavor, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese over the top right after brushing the garlic mixture onto your bread.
• Making It Ahead of Time: You can prepare up to a day ahead; just store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature. Simply reheat in the oven before serving if desired.
• Variations: Try using different types of bread like whole grain, rye, or even croissants for variety. Also, feel free to experiment with other herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil according to your taste buds.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Calories: ~ 300 kcal
Fat Content: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Protein: ~9g
Sodium: ~750mg

Conclusion:

Homemade garlic bread is simple yet delightful, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts and casual cooks alike. It adds an extra layer of richness to meals like pasta dishes, soups, salads, or even as a snack on its own. The preparation process isn't complicated at all; instead, it’s a breeze that allows you to spend more time enjoying the delicious result than worrying about cooking.