A delightful side dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of countless food lovers around the world, perfect for serving alongside pasta dishes, salads, and soups.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 loaf of French baguette or Italian bread (about 12-16 inches)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4-6 cloves of garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for garlic bread with cheese)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for creating crispy garlic bread.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Use a fork to mix until well combined. If you’re making garlic bread with cheese, stir in the shredded mozzarella at this stage.
Using a serrated knife, slice the baguette or Italian bread in half lengthwise. You can also cut it into smaller pieces if you prefer individual servings.
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to coat it evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
If desired, sprinkle additional cheese or your choice of best garlic bread toppings such as minced herbs, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even grated Parmesan cheese.
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the butter has melted. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
For an extra crispy finish, switch to broil mode for 1-2 minutes at the end. Watch closely as it can brown quickly.
Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting it into individual pieces. Serve warm as a delicious side dish for pasta, soups, or salads.
