Homemade garlic bread is a universally beloved treat, and this recipe takes the classic to a new level. Instead of using pre-made bread, you’ll create a dough from scratch, infusing it with a delicious garlic butter mixture that bakes into a soft, flavorful loaf perfect for pulling apart. This bread is ideal for sharing and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp (38 grams) sugar
- 2 tsp (6 grams) instant yeast
- 2 1/2 cups (320 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp (30 grams) butter or margarine, softened
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 tbsp (15 grams) minced garlic
- 1 tbsp (2 grams) parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp sugar
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Warm the milk slightly, just enough to be lukewarm. Whisk in the sugar, egg, and instant yeast. Let sit for a few minutes until frothy.
- Sift flour and salt together and gradually add to the yeast mixture, mixing until a soft dough begins to form.
- Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the softened butter in the last 2-3 minutes of kneading.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and sugar in a small bowl until well mixed.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle about 1/2-inch thick.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough.
- Cut the dough into squares or strips and stack or shingle them in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise again for about 30 minutes or until puffy.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Serving:
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
- Serve warm, pulling apart the pieces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This garlic bread is not just delicious; it’s a comforting, aromatic addition to any table. Making the bread from scratch adds a personal touch that can’t be matched by store-bought varieties. It’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or just by itself to savor the rich flavors of garlic and butter.
Nutritional Benefits:
Garlic is well-known for its health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost immune health. This recipe also offers a good balance of carbs and fats, making it a satisfying addition to meals.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this garlic bread with classic dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or enjoy it with a creamy soup. It’s also perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or simply as a snack on its own.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Homemade Garlic Bread
- Yeast Activation: Ensure that your milk is lukewarm—not too hot or too cold—to activate the yeast effectively. The temperature of the milk should be around 105°F to 115°F (40°C to 46°C). If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, while if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
- Kneading the Dough: Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure and texture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks to your hands or surface, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.
- Proofing: Allow the dough sufficient time to rise. The dough should double in size, which can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on the room temperature. A warm, draft-free environment speeds up the rising process.
- Garlic Butter Mixture: For an even distribution of flavor, make sure the garlic, parsley, and butter are thoroughly mixed. The butter should be softened to a creamy consistency for easy spreading.
- Assembling: When arranging the cut pieces of dough in the loaf pan, don’t worry about perfection. The pieces can be stacked or shingled messily; this will contribute to the rustic, pull-apart nature of the bread.
- Baking: Bake until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. If the bread is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing it to finish cooking.
- Cooling: Let the bread cool slightly in the pan before removing it. This helps the structure set and makes it easier to handle without breaking.
Conclusion
This homemade garlic bread recipe encapsulates the joy of baking from scratch, combining simple ingredients to create a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. With its soft, fluffy texture and rich, buttery garlic flavor, this bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering or meal. It’s a testament to how a few ingredients, when combined with a bit of love and attention, can transform into something truly magical. Enjoy the process of making this bread as much as you will enjoy eating it, and watch it become a requested favorite among your friends and family. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, soup, or enjoying it on its own, this garlic bread will bring warmth and comfort to your table.
