Introduction
Homemade garlic bread is one of those simple yet incredibly satisfying dishes that can elevate any meal. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a snack, it brings a rich, aromatic flavor that everyone loves. The good news is that making garlic bread at home is easy, and with just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy warm, crispy, and fragrant garlic bread fresh from your oven. Here’s how to make it from scratch!
Ingredients:
1 loaf of Italian or French bread (or 4-6 individual baguette pieces)
100 g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
4-5 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Olive oil (optional for brushing)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Prepare the garlic butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using). Mix everything together until it forms a smooth, aromatic spread. If you’re adding Parmesan, fold it into the butter mixture for extra richness.
Cut the bread
Slice your loaf of bread into thick pieces, about 2-3 cm wide. If you’re using baguette pieces, simply cut them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
Spread the garlic butter
Spread a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread, making sure to cover every corner and edge. You can also brush the outside of the bread with a little olive oil for added crispiness.
Bake the garlic bread
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. For a more intense flavor, you can broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve
Once the garlic bread is golden and fragrant, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. It’s perfect alongside pasta, salads, soups, or as an appetizer to any meal.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Homemade garlic bread is best served warm. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from Italian pasta to soups and salads. You can also enjoy it as a snack or appetizer, dipped in marinara sauce or olive tapenade.
Storing: Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, wrap the slices in foil and warm them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer it extra crispy, you can also toast it in a skillet or under the broiler.
Variations:
