Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe

Homemade Garlic Bread is a classic side dish that’s beloved for its crispy exterior, soft interior, and rich garlic flavor. It’s perfect for accompanying a pasta dish, a hearty soup, or enjoying as a delicious snack on its own. This recipe is simple, quick, and can be customized to suit your taste.

Equipment:

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil (optional, for softer bread)
• Bread knife
• Small bowl
• Pastry brush or spoon

Ingredients:

• 1 large baguette or Italian loaf
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley (if using), and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well blended.
3. Prepare the Bread:
   • Cut the baguette or Italian loaf in half lengthwise using a bread knife.
   • Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Be generous with the butter to ensure every bite is flavorful.
   • If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes over the buttered surfaces for added flavor.
4. Bake the Garlic Bread:
   • Place the buttered bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
   • If you prefer softer garlic bread, you can wrap the bread in aluminum foil. For crispier edges, leave the bread uncovered.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are golden and crispy. If you wrapped the bread in foil and want to crisp the top, open the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
   • Cut into individual portions and serve warm.

Tips:

• For an extra garlic flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the butter mixture.
• You can use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version. Mix olive oil with garlic and herbs, and brush it onto the bread.
• Adding a bit of mozzarella cheese on top before baking can turn this into cheesy garlic bread.
• Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be used in place of parsley for a different flavor profile.

Homemade Garlic Bread is incredibly easy to make and infinitely better than store-bought versions. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have delicious, aromatic garlic bread that’s perfect for dipping, serving alongside your favorite meals, or simply enjoying on its own.