Garlic Bread Recipe
Garlic bread has been around for centuries, with records of its use dating back to ancient Greece. It’s not just a delicious accompaniment to meals; it can also be used as the main event itself! Whether you are looking for a crunchy snack or something more substantial, garlic toast is sure to hit the spot. This crunchy homemade version is full of flavor and easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this classic side dish in no time at all. Serve it alongside your favorite soup, salad or main course for an added burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients and Equpiment
Ingredients needed for garlic bread include butter, garlic cloves, parsley or other herbs of your choice, fresh white bread and salt. To make the garlic butter spread, you will need to melt the butter on a low heat before adding crushed up garlic cloves and any herbs that you have chosen. Once everything is combined together in a bowl set aside until ready to use.
Equipment needed includes a cutting board, sharp knife for slicing the bread into slices of your desired thickness (usually 1/2-inch thick), baking tray or sheet pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick cooking spray and an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. You may also want to have some additional herbs such as oregano or basil within reach when preparing this dish so that you can sprinkle them on top if desired. Finally, don’t forget a spoon for spreading the melted garlic butter onto each slice of bread!
Instructions
To begin preparing the garlic bread, start by mixing together your melted butter and seasonings in a small bowl. Using a spoon to mix it all up until you have a creamy mixture that is well incorporated. Next, take the white bread slices and brush each side with the garlic butter using either a pastry brush or spoon. Make sure to coat each slice evenly so that all of them are nicely flavored when baked! Finally, place the buttered slices onto the prepared baking tray or sheet pan and bake in preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crunchy on top.
Once your garlic bread is done baking, let it cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite soup or pasta dish for an extra zesty flavor boost! You can even sprinkle some more herbs over top if desired before serving – this will help add additional depth of flavor to your meal too! Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread is a great accompaniment to many side dishes and salads, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Try serving it with your favorite home-made salad or steamed vegetables for added crunch and flavor. For main dishes, garlic toast can be used as a delicious base for pizzas, casseroles and other baked goods such as lasagna or quiche – just make sure you add enough butter so that all of the ingredients bind together nicely!
For those looking for something more substantial than just garlic toast, why not try using it as part of a sauce or dip? Spread some melted garlic butter onto sliced baguette before baking in the oven then use it to dip into hummus, pesto or even warm cheese dips like fondue! This will give any meal an extra kick and help keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Finally, don’t forget about desserts when considering ways to serve up this classic side dish; brush melted butter over thick slices of white bread before sprinkling on sugar and cinnamon then bake in preheated oven until golden brown – voila – you have yourself a tasty treat that pairs perfectly with ice cream!
Variations
Cheesy garlic bread is a delicious variation of the classic side dish that adds a cheesy kick to any meal. To make it, first prepare the garlic butter spread as previously described before spreading it over slices of white bread. Then sprinkle shredded cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar over top and bake in preheated oven until golden brown and bubbly. Serve this savory treat alongside your favorite soup or salad for an added layer of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Garlic herb bread is another great way to add extra flavor to your meals. Prepare the garlic butter mixture as before then mix in finely chopped herbs such as oregano, thyme or basil (or whatever you have on hand) and spread evenly onto each slice of bread. Bake until golden brown and enjoy with soups, salads or main courses for a tasty twist on traditional garlic toast!
If you are looking for something even lighter than regular garlic toast, why not try out some olive oil based variations? Start by mixing together crushed cloves of garlic with extra virgin olive oil instead of melted butter – this will create a thinner paste-like consistency which you can then brush onto sliced white bread before baking in the oven until crunchy perfection is achieved! This lighter version goes well with all sorts of dishes from salads to pastas – perfect if you’re looking for a healthier alternative too!
Conclusion
When it comes to storing garlic bread, the best way is to wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and store at room temperature. This will help keep the moisture out of the bread and ensure that your garlic toast stays crunchy for as long as possible. If you’re looking for something more durable then freezing your garlic bread can be a great option too – simply slice up your freshly made toast into individual slices before wrapping each one tightly with plastic wrap or placing them in freezer bags and freezing for up to three months.
No matter how you choose to store your garlic bread, it’s important to remember that this tasty side dish should never be left out on countertops or tables overnight as this could cause food safety concerns due its high fat content from butter.
In conclusion, garlic toast is a classic side dish that will add flavor and crunchiness to any meal. Whether served alongside soup, salad or main course dishes, this versatile snack is sure to tantalize taste buds! With just a few ingredients and basic kitchen equipment you can whip up batches of homemade garlic bread quickly and easily – no matter if you want something light like olive oil varieties or cheesy versions full of flavor there are endless possibilities when it comes creating new takes on this beloved treat!