Description
Savory garlic bread elevates any meal with its irresistible aroma and golden-brown crust. Crisp edges, fragrant herbs, and rich butter create a simple side dish that delights diners and complements countless Italian-inspired meals you’ll love serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf soft Italian or French bread, about 1 pound, approximately 12 inches long
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, softened and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 6 medium garlic cloves (30 grams), minced to a paste
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 425℉ and position the rack in the lower-middle section for optimal heat distribution.
- Hydrate garlic powder with water in a medium mixing vessel, creating a smooth liquid base.
- Combine half the butter, minced garlic, salt, paprika, and cayenne in a microwave-safe container. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between cycles, until butter melts and mixture bubbles vigorously (approximately 60-90 seconds).
- Incorporate the melted butter blend with hydrated garlic powder, then fold in remaining butter to create a uniform, loose paste. Whisk olive oil into the mixture, allowing it to cool and slightly thicken.
- Generously spread the aromatic garlic-butter concoction across bread’s exposed surfaces, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange bread cut-side upward on a rimmed baking sheet, then place in preheated oven for 5 minutes to allow butter to penetrate bread’s texture.
- Carefully flip bread face-down, gently pressing onto baking sheet to maximize crispy potential.
- Continue baking for 5-10 minutes until bottom surfaces transform into a golden, crisp masterpiece.
- Transfer bread to cutting board, revealing its perfectly toasted exterior. Slice using a serrated knife and serve immediately while warmth and flavor remain intense.
Notes
- Adjust garlic intensity by gradually adding garlic powder and tasting the mixture before spreading on bread to control flavor strength.
- Experiment with different bread types like sourdough, ciabatta, or whole wheat for varied textures and flavor profiles.
- Use fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary sprinkled on top after baking to enhance aromatic complexity and add fresh brightness.
- For gluten-free option, select gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg