Homemade garlic bread is so easy to make and perfect for any occasion. In addition to garlic, it’s always nice to add fresh herbs as well as spices for some extra flavor, or grated, flavorful cheese such as Parmesan.
There are two basic ways to make garlic bread: with oil or with butter. The bread will definitely taste slightly different depending on your preference: olive oil for instance lends a lighter, fruitier taste, where as butter lends a deeper richness. Whether you use butter or oil, is of course a matter of personal taste and preference. However, we like to use olive oil for a bread accompanying a light salad, and butter for a bread next to a bowl of bouillabaisse, it depends on the main meal…
How you cut your garlic will also affect the taste of the bread. If you press it, the taste will be stronger and slightly bitter, whereas if you mince it finely with a knife, the taste will not be quite as intense. If you prefer a milder taste of garlic, the you could roast the garlic before spreading it on the bread.
Perfect garlic bread utilizes a good bread with a nice crust such as a baguette or ciabatta.
- 1 rustic bread (either sliced in half, or cut into smaller pieces)
- 4 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- salt and pepper
- (fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, chopped)
- (grated cheese, such as Parmesan, Asiago or Pecorino)
Method: Mix the butter/oil with the garlic, salt and pepper and possible herbs. Apply the mixture on the bread. Possibly add some grated cheese as well.
Place the bread on a good sheet pan – we like to use a Round Pizza Pan with small wholes in it to ensure a crispy bottom. Bake in a hot oven (about 400 degree F) or under the broiler for a few minutes. Serve immediately.
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