Description
This Garlic Lover’s Garlic Bread recipe combines roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese for an irresistibly flavorful and aromatic side. Perfectly toasted and buttery, this bread is an ideal accompaniment to pastas, soups, and salads, delivering a comforting and savory experience.
Ingredients
Bread
- One loaf Italian or French bread (approx. 16 ounces), sliced in half lengthwise
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head garlic
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
Garlic Herb Butter
- ½ cup very soft unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped leafy fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, oregano)
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Prep: Begin by gathering all ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F, positioning a rack in the center to ensure even baking.
- Roast the garlic: Remove excess paper from the head of garlic and slice off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and place on a small baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the garlic is fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool once done.
- Prepare the garlic herb butter: In a medium bowl, mix softened unsalted butter with finely chopped raw garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped herbs, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. When the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the soft cloves out of the head and incorporate them into the butter mixture until fully combined.
- Prepare the garlic bread: Generously spread the prepared garlic herb butter across the cut sides of the bread halves, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Bake the garlic bread: Place the buttered bread halves on a large baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. For an extra crispy and golden finish, switch on the broiler and broil the bread on the center rack for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Slice and serve: Transfer the baked garlic bread to a cutting board and slice into individual servings with a serrated knife. Serve immediately alongside your favorite pasta dishes, soups, or fresh salads and enjoy the warm, garlicky delight.
Notes
- Roasting the whole head of garlic mellows its sharpness and adds a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Use very soft butter to make mixing easier and to ensure the butter spreads smoothly.
- Adjust the amount of fresh herbs according to your taste preference.
- Keep an eye on the bread while broiling to avoid burning as oven broilers differ in intensity.
- This garlic bread is best served fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven for crispness.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetable-based or substitute with a vegan cheese.
