garlic bread with sliced bread

Craving the irresistible aroma and taste of garlic bread but don’t have a baguette on hand? This quick and easy recipe transforms simple sliced bread into a delicious garlic-infused treat.

Perfect for accompanying pasta dishes or soups, this homemade garlic bread delivers the perfect balance of buttery, garlicky goodness with a crispy exterior and soft interior.

Ingredients List

Creating this simple yet flavorful garlic bread requires just a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Main Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 8 slices white bread

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare this delicious garlic bread, you’ll need these basic kitchen tools:

1. Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet for cooking the bread
2. Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking
3. Small Mixing Bowl: For combining the garlic butter mixture
4. Spreading Knife: To evenly distribute the garlic butter
5. Cutting Board: For chopping parsley and mincing garlic
6. Sharp Knife: For mincing ingredients
7. Measuring Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions

Garlic Butter Preparation

Creating the perfect garlic butter mixture is crucial for achieving that classic garlic bread flavor. Follow these steps to prepare a well-balanced and flavorful spread.

Mixing the Ingredients

The key to delicious garlic bread lies in properly combining the butter and seasonings. Start by ensuring your butter is properly softened but not melted. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with minced fresh garlic and garlic powder.

The combination of fresh and powdered garlic provides both immediate and lasting flavor. Add the finely chopped parsley and mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the butter.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter

• Let butter soften naturally at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing
• Mince the fresh garlic very finely to ensure even distribution
• Use both fresh and powdered garlic for a more complex flavor profile
• Chop the parsley as finely as possible
• Mix thoroughly but don’t overmix, which can make the butter too soft

Bread Preparation

Preparing the bread properly ensures the best possible outcome for your garlic bread. Here are the essential steps:

Selecting and Preparing the Bread

Choose fresh, good quality white bread for the best results. While any sliced bread will work, bread with a slightly firmer texture tends to hold up better. If your bread is very fresh and soft, you might want to let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to dry slightly, which will help it crisp better in the oven.

Baking Instructions

The baking process is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior in your garlic bread.

Preheating and Setup

1. Position your oven rack in the middle position
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
3. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper
4. Arrange bread slices on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping

Baking Process and Timing

1. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously and evenly on each slice of bread
2. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven
3. Bake for 7-9 minutes, watching carefully
4. For extra crispiness, flip the slices halfway through baking
5. Optional: Broil on high for the final 1-2 minutes for a golden-brown top
6. Remove from oven when edges are crispy and golden

Serving Suggestions

Transform your garlic bread into a memorable dish with these serving ideas:

Recommended Pairings

• Serve alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna
• Pair with hearty soups or stews
• Enjoy with salads as a satisfying side
• Use as a base for cheese toast or pizza bread

Storage Instructions

While garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, proper storage can help maintain its quality for later enjoyment.

Short-term Storage

• Allow bread to cool completely before storing
• Place in an airtight container or wrap in foil
• Store at room temperature for up to 24 hours
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes when ready to serve

Freezing Instructions

• Prepare garlic bread but don’t bake
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil
• Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
• Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to original baking time

Tips and Variations

Customize your garlic bread with these creative variations and helpful tips:

Recipe Variations

• Add grated Parmesan cheese before baking
• Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor
• Use whole wheat bread for a healthier option
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Troubleshooting Tips

• If bread browns too quickly, lower oven temperature by 25°F
• For softer bread, wrap in foil while baking
• If butter mixture is too firm, let it sit at room temperature longer
• Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning

Conclusion

This simple yet delicious garlic bread recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a satisfying side dish.

With just a few basic ingredients and proper technique, you can transform ordinary sliced bread into a crowd-pleasing garlic bread that rivals any restaurant version.