Ingredients
Garlic Bread
- 1 loaf Italian or French bread (approx. 16 ounces), sliced in half lengthwise
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head garlic
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
Garlic Herb Butter
- ½ cup very soft unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped leafy fresh herbs (e.g. basil, parsley, oregano)
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, to season
- Ground black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure a rack is placed in the center position.
- Roast the garlic: Remove any excess outer paper from the head of garlic, then slice off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle the garlic with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and place it on a small baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the cloves are fragrant and golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool.
- Prepare the garlic herb butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, finely chopped garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh herbs, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Season the mixture with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves out of the head and mix them thoroughly into the butter mixture until well combined.
- Prepare the garlic bread: Generously spread the prepared garlic herb butter over the cut side of the halved loaf of bread, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
- Bake the garlic bread: Place the buttered bread halves on a large baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. For an extra crispy and golden finish, switch on the broiler and broil the bread on the center rack for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Slice and serve: Transfer the baked garlic bread to a cutting board and slice into individual pieces using a serrated knife. Serve immediately alongside your favorite pasta dishes, soups, or salads. Enjoy the warm, flavorful bread!
Notes
- Use very soft unsalted butter to make mixing easier and ensure a creamy spread.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and herbs based on your preference for stronger or milder flavors.
- Be cautious during broiling, as the bread can quickly burn if left unattended.
- Leftover garlic bread can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian