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Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic

Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic

This Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic recipe blends slow-roasted garlic’s creamy, caramelized flavor with buttery, crunchy bread for an irresistible treat. Perfect as a snack or side dish, it complements pasta, soup, or salads, and can be customized with herbs, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Roasted Garlic

  • 12 fresh garlic bulbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)

Garlic Butter Spread

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Bread

  • 1 sturdy Italian loaf, baguette, or rustic sourdough (about 1 loaf)
  • Olive oil, for brushing the bread (optional)

Optional Variations and Garnishes

  • Shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or cheddar (for cheesy garlic bread)
  • Fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano (to mix with garlic butter)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for a spicy kick)
  • Plant-based butter or margarine (for vegan option)
  • Grated parmesan and extra olive oil (for garnish)
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling before serving)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and roast for about 40 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: When the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves into a bowl. Mash them with softened unsalted butter, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley until well combined and creamy.
  3. Slice the Bread: Cut your chosen bread into thick slices or halves, ensuring it is fresh yet firm enough to absorb the garlic butter without becoming soggy.
  4. Spread and Bake: Generously spread the roasted garlic butter mixture on each slice. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet (for extra crispness, place on a wire rack on the baking sheet). Toast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the bread is crisp.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven. Sprinkle with additional chopped fresh herbs or a pinch of coarse sea salt. Optionally, add grated parmesan or drizzle with high-quality olive oil. Serve warm and fragrant.

Notes

  • Patience with Roasting: Roast the garlic slowly until caramelized for the mellow flavor signature to this recipe.
  • Use Fresh Bread: Freshly baked, firm bread absorbs butter better but avoid overly soft bread that sags.
  • Balance Butter and Garlic: Avoid too much butter overpowering the roasted garlic’s delicate flavor.
  • Bake on Wire Rack: For evenly crisp bread bottoms, place bread slices on a wire rack over the baking sheet.
  • Try Extra Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for unique twists.
  • Make Ahead: Roast garlic in advance and refrigerate for up to one week to speed preparation.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers wrapped tightly for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm leftover or frozen bread at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic bread, roasted garlic, appetizer, snack, Italian bread, homemade garlic bread, easy garlic bread, crispy garlic bread