Homemade Garlic Bread Extravaganza

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of Italian bread
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1.5 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons of dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the bread into slices without cutting completely through the loaf, leave about 1 inch at the bottom uncut.
  3. In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt.
  4. Spread the butter mixture between the slices of the bread, making sure each slice has a generous amount of butter.
  5. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
  7. After 15 minutes, unwrap the bread and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Leave the bread unwrapped.
  8. Return the bread to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
  9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of bread, such as French bread or sourdough.
  • Add some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese along with the Parmesan for a cheesy garlic bread.
  • Sprinkle some dried oregano or basil on top of the butter mixture for added flavor.
  • Include some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the taste.
  • For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
  • Instead of butter, use olive oil or garlic-infused olive oil for a lighter option.
  • Make it vegan by using a plant-based butter substitute and omitting the Parmesan cheese.
  • Add some cooked and crumbled bacon or chopped cooked sausage for a meaty twist.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
  • For a gourmet touch, spread some roasted garlic cloves on the bread instead of minced garlic.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the heavenly flavors of our Garlic Bread recipe. This simple, homemade recipe transforms a loaf of Italian bread into a culinary delight filled with the robust flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese. The bread is sliced and generously slathered with a buttery garlic mixture, then baked until crispy and golden. A final topping of Parmesan cheese gives the bread a delectable cheesy crust. Perfect as a side dish for pasta or as a tasty snack, this Garlic Bread is sure to be a hit at your dining table. Expect a delightful crunch with every bite, and a burst of garlic and cheese that will make your taste buds dance. Enjoy the process of making this delicious bread and the compliments you'll receive from everyone who tries it.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use a different type of bread if you prefer. However, Italian bread is recommended for its crusty texture and ability to hold the garlic butter mixture.
  2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter. Just be mindful of the additional saltiness it may bring to the recipe.
  3. Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic? Yes, you can use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic. Simply finely chop the garlic cloves to substitute for the minced garlic.
  4. Can I skip the Parmesan cheese? Yes, you can skip the Parmesan cheese if you prefer. It adds a nice cheesy flavor, but the garlic bread will still taste delicious without it.
  5. Can I make the garlic bread ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy garlic bread fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the bread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and reheat in the oven before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Bread knife - Used for cutting the Italian bread into slices.
  • Baking sheet - Used to place the wrapped garlic bread in the oven.
  • Aluminum foil - Used to wrap the bread while baking to keep it moist.
  • Grater - Used to grate the Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top of the bread.

Origin stories

Garlic bread as we know it today, slathered in butter and herbs, then toasted to warm, golden perfection, is largely a product of mid-20th century America. As Italian immigrants introduced their traditional cuisine to their new homeland, Americans embraced and adapted these dishes to their own taste. Though the practice of using garlic in bread can be traced back to ancient civilizations, the popular cheesy, buttery version we're familiar with originated in America in the 1940s, around the same time pre-sliced bread became widely available. Culinary innovation met convenience, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.