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Garlic Bread

Garlic Bread - Cheap Delicious Meals

Garlic bread is more than just butter and bread. It’s an experience, a sensory delight. I recall the first time I made garlic bread for myself. 
I thought, “How hard can it be?” Little did I know, this simple dish would become my ultimate go-to. It’s impressive yet uncomplicated—a perfect combination for any busy home cook. Over the years, I’ve perfected my recipe, and today, I want to share that with you.
Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a cozy night in, this garlic bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t just take my word for it; let’s break down what makes this dish so special.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 157
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 crusty French loaf, Italian bread, or artisan baguette 15-ounce
  • 2 cloves garlic, freshly grated or finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or snipped chives
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 stick
  • 2 tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Oven
  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is critical. A hot oven ensures an irresistible, crispy exterior.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Mixture
  1. In a medium bowl, combine your softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon zest, Parmesan, olive oil, and fine sea salt.
    Use a fork or a spatula to mix everything until it blends into a creamy spread. The aroma will already be enticing!
Step 3: Slice the Bread
  1. Take your loaf of bread and slice it in half lengthwise. If you want individual pieces, you can also slice them into smaller sections, but leaving it in halves will make for a more dramatic presentation.
Step 4: Spread the Mixture
  1. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on both halves of the bread. Ensure you cover every inch; more butter means more flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
  1. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet (cut side up!) and slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you want the edges to turn a golden brown without burning.
Step 6: Finish with Flaky Salt
  1. Once the bread is aromatic and golden, pull it out of the oven. Just before serving, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for a delightful crunch.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Slice the garlic bread as needed and serve it warm. It’s best enjoyed fresh but still delicious the next day!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers a stronger flavor than jarred garlic. It makes a noticeable difference.
  • Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix in mozzarella or Gruyère for an extra cheesy version.
  • Add Heat: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the butter mixture for some heat.
  • Use Herb Variations: Try using rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of parsley for different flavor profiles.
  • Don’t Skimp on Butter: Use plenty of butter for a rich taste. It’s garlic bread, after all!