Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread (16-ounce / 450g): A fresh, crusty French baguette or Italian loaf works best for this recipe. Choose a bread that’s soft on the inside with a crunchy crust.
• 10 tablespoons salted butter (85g): Softened butter makes it easy to mix with the other ingredients and spread evenly over the bread.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides the most robust flavor. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of earthiness that balances the rich flavors of butter and garlic.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (20g): Grated Parmesan adds a delicious cheesy, salty kick to the garlic bread.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
• Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise using a sharp bread knife. Place the two halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.

2. Make the Garlic Butter:

• In a small mixing bowl, combine 10 tablespoons of softened salted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 3 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can also use a food processor to blend the ingredients.

3. Spread the Garlic Butter:

• Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves. Make sure to cover all areas to ensure every bite is full of flavor. For an extra garlic kick, sprinkle a bit more minced garlic on top.

4. Add the Parmesan Cheese:

• Sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter. The cheese will melt and create a golden, crispy topping that adds both flavor and texture to the bread.

5. Bake the Garlic Bread:

• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are lightly golden and crispy. For a more crispy, toasted finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the bread to prevent burning.

6. Slice and Serve:

• Remove the garlic bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Slice it into 1-2 inch wide pieces and serve warm. Enjoy this delicious garlic bread as a side dish to complement your favorite Italian meal, or as a savory snack on its own.

Tips for the Best Garlic Bread:

• Customize the Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or mix in some Italian seasoning or dried oregano for an herby twist.
• Make it Extra Cheesy: Top with additional cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for an extra cheesy garlic bread variation.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley is ideal, but you can substitute it with dried parsley or other herbs like basil or oregano if needed.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply spread the mixture on the bread and bake as instructed.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free baguette or bread for a delicious gluten-free garlic bread alternative.

Storage and Reheating:

• To Store: Wrap leftover garlic bread tightly in aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread wrapped in foil for 10 minutes until warm. For a quicker option, use a toaster oven or microwave, but the bread may not stay as crispy.

Nutritional Benefits:

While garlic bread is generally considered a comfort food, it can still provide some nutritional benefits. Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and having anti-inflammatory properties. Parsley adds vitamins A, C, and K, and Parmesan cheese provides calcium and protein.

Conclusion:

This Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. With its buttery, garlicky goodness, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty bowl of pasta or enjoying it as a standalone snack, this garlic bread is easy to make and even easier to devour! So, whip up a batch and watch it disappear in no time!