Ingredients:
- 1 loaf Italian bread (or French baguette, ciabatta, or any crusty bread)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to your garlic preference)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice your loaf of bread in half lengthwise, or into individual slices if you prefer. If you’re using a baguette, you can cut it into thick slices or leave it whole and slice after baking.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano (if using). You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more garlic for a stronger flavor or more salt if you prefer a saltier kick.
If you like a cheesy garlic bread, mix in the Parmesan cheese with the butter. It adds a wonderful richness to the bread.
3. Spread the Garlic Butter:
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread, making sure to cover the entire surface. For individual slices, spread the butter generously over each slice.
- If you want extra crispiness, you can lightly drizzle the top of the bread with a little olive oil before baking.
4. Bake the Garlic Bread:
- Place the bread on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes for soft garlic bread with a crispy, golden edge. If you want it extra crispy or toasted, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes or switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Serve:
Once the garlic bread is golden brown and fragrant, remove it from the oven. Slice it into individual pieces if you haven’t already. Serve hot, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread:
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Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to getting that bold, aromatic garlic flavor. If you want a smoother garlic spread, you can also mash the garlic with the back of a spoon before mixing it with the butter.
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Softened Butter: Ensure the butter is soft (but not melted) so it spreads easily. If you forget to leave it out to soften, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds at low power.
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For Extra Flavor: Add a little lemon zest or a small squeeze of lemon juice to the butter mixture for a fresh, citrusy zing that complements the garlic.
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Cheesy Garlic Bread: For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese over the buttered bread before baking. You can even mix cheese into the butter for an ultra-rich, cheesy garlic bread.
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Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you prefer a more golden and crispy crust, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.
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Use Quality Bread: Choose a fresh, crusty bread for the best results. A soft sandwich loaf won’t hold up as well as a hearty, chewy baguette or Italian loaf.
Variations:
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Herb Garlic Bread: Add more herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the butter mixture for a more fragrant, herbal twist.
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Garlic Bread with a Kick: For spicy garlic bread, add jalapeños, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the butter.
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Vegan Garlic Bread: Use vegan butter in place of regular butter, and make sure the Parmesan cheese is dairy-free, or omit it entirely.
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Garlic Breadsticks: If you want to serve garlic bread as a side, cut the loaf into strips before baking to make garlic breadsticks. Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or served alongside pasta!
Serving Suggestions:
- With Pasta: Serve this garlic bread alongside your favorite pasta dishes, such as spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo.
- With Salad: Pair it with a fresh, vibrant salad like a Caesar salad or a Greek salad.
- For Dipping: Garlic bread is fantastic when served with marinara sauce, tomato soup, or a creamy spinach dip.
The Best Garlic Bread is incredibly easy to make, yet absolutely delicious. With a perfect balance of buttery richness, garlicky goodness, and just the right amount of crunch, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite for any meal!