Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 6 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Wrap in foil to keep fresh.
Quick Answer
For an easy and delicious garlic bread, mix softened butter with minced garlic, spread on a loaf of French bread, top with Parmesan, and bake until golden.
As the crisp autumn air settles in New York City, with Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities just around the corner, I'm reminded of the aromas that dance through my kitchen during the holiday season. One scent that's become synonymous with comfort and joy in my home is that of warm, buttery garlic bread. Today, I'm thrilled to share my go-to recipe for House Favorite Garlic Bread. It's not just about the ingredients; it's about the experience of making it and the joy it brings to the table.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The warm, buttery aroma creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients, yet delivers incredible flavor.
- Versatile sides for a variety of main dishes, from turkey to ham.
- Can be customized with additional herbs or roasted garlic for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for the best garlic bread experience:
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread (preferably a 12-inch baguette or a rustic loaf)
Butter Mixture
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make House Favorite Garlic Bread (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to create a delicious garlic bread that will warm the hearts of your loved ones.
Step 1: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. I love to press the garlic into the butter, releasing its fragrant aroma-truly a fragrant embrace of flavor.
Step 2: Slice the Bread
Using a serrated knife, slice the loaf in half lengthwise. The golden crust offers a satisfying crunch, hinting at the delightful texture to come.
Step 3: Spread the Love
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on each half of the bread, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. I like to go especially heavy on the edges-this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Top It Off
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the bread. Imagine the layers of flavor melding together as it bakes!
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the butter is bubbly. I often peek through the oven window to watch as the cheese begins to melt and the edges crisp up-it's pure satisfaction.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into pieces. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, drawing family and friends like moths to a flame.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Cold Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to ensure easy spreading; cold butter will tear the bread.
- Not Mincing Garlic Properly: Ensure the garlic is minced finely to avoid pungent, raw bites. A garlic press works wonders!
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bread while it's in the oven; you want a golden finish, not burnt edges.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a more robust garlic flavor, consider adding roasted garlic to the butter mixture.
- If you're feeling adventurous, try adding other herbs like thyme or oregano for a twist.
- Serve this bread alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham for a cozy addition that everyone will love!
Variations
- Use an Italian or ciabatta loaf instead of French bread.
- Swap Parmesan cheese for mozzarella for a cheesier experience.
- Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for an additional flavor boost.
- Experiment with different types of butter, like garlic herb compound butter.
How to Serve
- Pair with marinara sauce for a delightful appetizer.
- Enjoy as a side with pasta dishes or soups.
- Use as a base for garlic bread pizza by adding toppings of your choice.
- Slice into smaller pieces for serving at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Storage: Wrap leftover garlic bread in foil and store at room temperature for up to a day.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Freezing: Freeze the wrapped bread for up to a month. Bake directly from the freezer, increasing the baking time slightly.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this garlic bread recipe, I realized that sometimes the simplest ingredients combine to create the most flavorful experiences. Sharing it with loved ones, especially during the holidays, makes each bite even more memorable.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 1 loaf · Serving Size: 1 slice
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~220 calories · 4g protein · 25g carbs · 12g fat
Irresistible House Favorite Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Medium bowl
- Serrated knife
Ingredients
Group: Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread Preferably a 12-inch baguette or a rustic loaf
- ½ cup unsalted butter Softened
- 4-6 cloves garlic Minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley Chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper To taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the loaf in half lengthwise.
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on each half of the bread.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the bread.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the butter is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into pieces.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any bread you prefer, such as Italian or ciabatta, but a French loaf gives the best texture and flavor for garlic bread.
How can I make garlic bread ahead of time?
You can prepare the butter mixture and spread it on the bread, then wrap and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking when you're ready to serve.
Can I make garlic bread without butter?
While butter adds richness, you can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version, but the flavor will be slightly different.
