Secrets to Making Mouthwatering Garlic Bread
It says a lot about a side dish when you bring it to the table and everyone immediately reaches across to grab at it, pushing aside the main meal you spent ages preparing. Other than maybe prawn crackers or spring rolls, the only other side which makes people go this crazy is garlic bread – quickly made and looking a bit rustic – and before you know it the plate is empty. This is why I wrote this guide on how to make garlic bread – you and your guests can thank me later!
What’s not to love about garlic bread? It’s just bread, covered in thickly smeared butter melted in the oven, mixed with mouth-watering garlic. A combination made by the gods, I think! So, if you are cooking to impress, then making this garlic bread recipe is your solution! Read on to find out how to make it!
The Best Garlic Bread Recipe Ever
Now, there are a lot of garlic bread recipes out there. Everyone has a different secret on what makes their garlic bread the best. What makes me say this one is the best garlic bread recipe you will ever try? First, this recipe suggests you find a nice baguette with a soft crust. Anything too hard will crisp even more in the oven, making it difficult to eat. You want your slices of garlic bread to be melt-in-the-mouth soft and so quick to eat that you can’t help but go back for another.
Second, I use two types of herbs. Usually, garlic bread recipes only ask for parsley, but here I add both chopped parsley and basil which brightens the garlic, creating a deliciously fragrant Italian side. Don’t – I repeat don’t – substitute the herbs for anything dried! Always use fresh herbs as it will lift that melted butter with color and flavor.
Third, you need to make your garlic butter with fresh garlic. Garlic powder gives a slightly artificial flavor, and you can never beat the real thing! Finally, spread any excess butter across the top of the sliced baguette as it will enrich the surface and drip down the sides as it bakes. And now, my mouth is watering.
How to make homemade garlic bread
This homemade garlic bread recipe is incredibly easy and can be made in just a couple of minutes, which is helpful if you’re in a rush to get food on the table. Here’s how you make it:
1. Slice your baguette in a lamella shape. What is a lamella shape? It’s basically like when you make paper lanterns as a kid – lots of cuts make the paper fan out. By slicing the baguette repeatedly at an angle, at 1cm intervals, the bread will fan out slightly in the oven for the butter to pool at the bottom.
2. Mix your garlic butter by crushing the garlic, chopping the herbs, and stirring them into softened butter, and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Using a brush or knife, spread each side of every slice of baguette with the garlic butter. Make sure you cover every corner and crevice!
4. Spread excess butter over the top of the baguette for extra flavor. Bake it until crisp and golden, and smelling incredible!
Extra topping ideas for garlic bread
While this garlic bread recipe is DIVINE on its own, I know a lot of you out there like to get creative in the kitchen! So, here are some ideas of what you can add to your garlic bread:
CHEESE: But, naturally! Cheesy garlic bread is so indulgent, especially if you use mozzarella – pulling out a piece of bread makes long strings of cheese! Mix grated mozzarella into your garlic butter, or just top your garlic bread with slices like a garlicky pizza.
CHILI FLAKES: For a touch of heat! Add a sprinkling of chili flakes to your garlic butter.
FRESH ROSEMARY: Substitute the parsley and basil for fresh rosemary which will add some warmth to the garlic bread, making it perfect for a cold fall evening.
MEDITERRANEAN: try a combination of Mediterranean flavors in your garlic butter – feta or goat cheese, lemon, and olives all pair with garlic beautifully, so bring a bit of European summer sun to your kitchen!
Wow your guests will love this incredibly easy homemade garlic bread recipe – which they will soon agree is the best ever!
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BREAD
Ingredients
- 1 Baguette
- ½ cup Butter soft
- 2 cloves Garlic crushed
- ½ bunch Parsley chopped
- ½ bunch Basil chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C.
- Slice the bread in a lamella shape at a slight angle at approx. 0.4-inches / 1 cm intervals. Place on some aluminum foil or in a baking dish.
- To make the garlic butter: add the butter in a small bowl, stir in the crushed garlic, chopped herbs, salt and pepper until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Brush it between the bread slices, spread the excess on top, and wrap the baguette with aluminum foil or put it on the baking dish. Bake it for 8-10 minutes or until it’s crispy.
- Garnish with a sprinkling of fresh herbs and serve warm.
