- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 375 kcal
Quick summary
“Homemade garlic bread features crispy Italian bread covered in a rustic paste of butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. It is the indispensable traditional side dish in barbecues and gatherings.”
What you need to know
- The pomade-consistency butter integrates the minced garlic and herbs into a homogeneous paste that is easy to spread.
- Italian bread or ciabatta provides a resistant crust that supports the heat without softening with the fat.
- The oven time of 15 to 20 minutes browns the bread without burning the delicate pieces of garlic.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 Italian bread or ciabatta
- 100g of butter at room temperature
- 5 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Principal
- In a jar, mix the butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until a homogeneous paste forms.
- Cut the bread in half lengthwise.
- Spread the butter mixture on both halves of the bread.
- Place the bread in a pan and put it in the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Cut into individual portions and serve warm.
Chef's tips
- Chop the garlic cloves into very small pieces so they roast without burning and turning bitter in the paste.
- Keep the butter out of the fridge 40 minutes before using to achieve the right creaminess.
- Make diagonal cuts without going through the base of the bread so the butter penetrates the crumb.
Variations
- Sprinkle 50g of grated mozzarella or parmesan cheese over the bread before taking it to the oven to gratinate.
- Mix 1 coffee spoon of crushed Calabrian chili pepper into the paste for a mild spiciness.
- Bake on the grill over medium heat without flames for 8 to 10 minutes.
Substitutions
- Italian bread can be substituted with 4 individual French breads or 1 medium rustic baguette.
- The butter can be swapped for 100g of culinary margarine or 60ml of olive oil beaten with cream cheese.
- Parsley can be replaced by chopped fresh chives or dried oregano.
How to store
Consume soon after baking to enjoy the soft crumb and crispy crust. Leftovers can stay in the refrigerator in a closed container for up to 2 days, and should be reheated in the oven or in a dry skillet for 5 minutes before serving.
Can it be frozen?
It can be frozen raw, already with the butter paste spread on the bread. Wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 60 days in the freezer. Bake directly in the oven at 180°C while still frozen, adding 5 minutes to the original time.
What to serve with
Serves as a traditional side dish for grilled meats, roasted picanha, sausages, and barbecue skewers. It also combines with green salads of crispy leaves, cold beer or artisanal sodas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare the garlic butter paste the day before?
Yes, store the ready-made paste in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, letting it warm up before spreading on bread.
Why did my bread get rubbery instead of crispy?
This happens if the oven temperature is too low; bake at 180°C on the middle or upper rack of the baking sheet.
Can I make it in the air fryer?
Yes, bake medium slices of garlic bread at 180°C in the air fryer basket for about 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown.
How to prevent the garlic from becoming bitter in the bread?
Remove the green sprout from the center of the garlic clove before chopping, as it concentrates most of the bitter acidity.
