A step-by-step guide to making delicious garlic bread:
Ingredients:
- Baguette or loaf of bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. You can also add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture for extra flavor.
3. Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the baguette or loaf of bread into individual slices, but do not cut all the way through; keep the slices connected at the bottom, so you have a "fan" of slices.
4. Spread the Garlic Butter:
- Use a butter knife to generously spread the garlic butter mixture between the slices of the bread. Make sure the mixture reaches into all the crevices.
5. Wrap in Foil (Optional):
- If you want a softer garlic bread, wrap the loaf in aluminum foil. If you prefer a crustier exterior, you can skip this step.
6. Bake in the Oven:
- Place the garlic bread on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack.
- If wrapped in foil, bake for about 15-20 minutes. If not wrapped, bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is hot and the butter is melted.
7. Broil for Crispy Top (Optional):
- If you like a crispy top, you can remove the foil and turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
8. Serve:
- Once the garlic bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the garlic bread warm, and pull apart the slices to enjoy the buttery, garlicky goodness.
Tips:
- You can adjust the amount of garlic and parsley in the butter mixture according to your taste preferences.
- If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, you can sauté the minced garlic in a little butter before mixing it into the softened butter.
- You can also add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or other favorite cheese on top before baking for cheesy garlic bread.
Enjoy your homemade garlic bread as a side dish for pasta, soup, or any meal where you want a comforting and flavorful accompaniment!