Toasted garlic bread is a simple yet delicious side dish or appetizer that’s easy to prepare. It consists of sliced bread that is toasted and then rubbed with garlic and butter for a flavorful and aromatic treat. Here’s a basic recipe for making toasted garlic bread:
Ingredients:
- French or Italian bread loaf (baguette or similar)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced (adjust to your taste)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the French or Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating two long halves. You can also cut the bread into individual slices if you prefer.
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with the softened unsalted butter. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your liking for a stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- Spread the Garlic Butter:
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Place the buttered bread halves back together and wrap them in aluminum foil. If you’ve sliced the bread into individual pieces, you can wrap them individually.
- Bake the Bread:
- Place the wrapped bread in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. The goal is to heat the bread and allow the garlic butter to infuse its flavor without burning the garlic.
- Optional Broil:
- If you’d like a crispy top, you can open the foil and broil the bread for a minute or two under a broiler until the top is golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the toasted garlic bread from the oven and, if desired, garnish it with chopped fresh parsley. Slice it into pieces and serve it hot.
Toasted garlic bread is a versatile side dish that pairs well with pasta, soups, salads, or as an appetizer on its own. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to many meals, adding a burst of garlic and buttery goodness to your dining experience.