Description
Homemade garlic bread brings classic Italian comfort directly to kitchen tables. Crusty sourdough slathered with herbed butter creates irresistible flavor you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 12 inches)
- ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bread Preparation: Position the loaf horizontally on a cutting surface and slice lengthwise using a sharp serrated knife, creating two equal rectangular portions.
- Flavor Infusion: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with finely chopped garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and ground pepper. Whip into a smooth, fragrant spread that promises intense flavor.
- Butter and Cheese Application: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture across each bread half, ensuring complete coverage. Liberally sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the surface for a molten, decadent finish.
- Baking Process: Place prepared bread halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 200C for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp.
- Final Browning: Activate the broiler for a quick 1-2 minute burst, carefully monitoring to achieve a bubbling, caramelized top without burning.
- Serving Preparation: Allow bread to rest briefly, then slice into elegant 1-2 inch segments. Plate as an accompaniment to pasta, soups, or as a standalone appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is genuinely softened, not melted, for the perfect spreadable consistency that blends seamlessly with herbs and garlic.
- Garlic Intensity Control: Finely mince garlic for even distribution and adjust quantity based on personal preference, ranging from mild to bold garlic flavor.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Shred mozzarella freshly for optimal melting and avoid pre-packaged shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Broiler Vigilance: Watch carefully during the final 1-2 minutes under the broiler, as seconds can transform golden-brown perfection into burnt disaster, requiring constant monitoring.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg