Introduction
Garlic bread is the quintessential comfort food side dish—a simple yet transcendent marriage of crusty bread, fragrant garlic, and rich butter. While its roots can be traced back to Italian *bruschetta*, the modern, buttery version we know and love was popularized in North America, becoming an essential accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, and salads worldwide. This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance: a soft, garlicky interior with a wonderfully crisp, golden crust.
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf French Baguette or Italian Bread (approx. 30 cm / 12 inches)
- 115 g (1 stick or 1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 4–6 large cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-step Preparation
Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Tip: Ensure the butter is truly soft (room temperature) but not melted. This allows for easy spreading and prevents the mixture from soaking into the bread too quickly.Slice and Spread the Bread
Using a serrated knife, slice the bread lengthwise down the middle. Place both halves cut-side up on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture across both cut surfaces, ensuring you reach the edges. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the butter now.
Bake (First Phase)
Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil. This step steams the bread slightly, allowing the garlic flavor to penetrate the crumb while keeping the inside soft. Bake for 10–12 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
Toast and Crisp (Second Phase)
Remove the foil and return the bread to the oven. Increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F), or switch to the broiler setting (medium heat). Bake or broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching constantly, until the edges are golden brown and the butter is sizzling.
Tip: When using the broiler, keep the rack positioned about 6 inches from the heat source. Garlic burns very easily, so do not walk away during this final step!Serve
Remove from the oven, slice crosswise into individual pieces, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Garlic bread is a rich source of energy, primarily providing carbohydrates and healthy fats. A typical serving (one slice, depending on loaf size) contains approximately 200–250 calories. While it is high in saturated fat due to the butter content, the star ingredient, garlic, offers significant health benefits, including powerful antioxidant properties and compounds that support cardiovascular and immune health.
Storage
**Unbaked Storage:** You can prepare the garlic butter mixture and spread it on the bread, then wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the initial foiled baking time.
**Leftovers:** Store leftover baked garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
**Reheating:** For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes until crisp. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make the bread soggy.
Conclusion
The smell of fresh garlic bread baking is arguably one of the most comforting aromas in the kitchen. This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced, deeply flavored side dish that complements nearly any meal. Serve it alongside a hearty spaghetti bolognese, a classic chicken Caesar salad, or simply enjoy it dipped in marinara sauce. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture, or substitute the parsley with fresh basil for an Italian twist.