Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic
Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring the mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic combined with crispy, buttery artisan bread. Perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or salads, or enjoyed as a snack, this recipe offers a deliciously crispy texture with rich herb-infused butter, customizable for various tastes and dietary preferences.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (including garlic roasting and baking)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free bread is used)
Bread
- 1 crusty artisan loaf (French baguette, ciabatta, or gluten-free bread, about 12 oz)
Roasted Garlic
- 1 whole head garlic
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for roasting)
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or vegan margarine for vegan version)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, finely chopped (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
- Salt, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan cheese alternative)
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (for cheesy twist)
- Pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the whole head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Allow to cool, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out into a bowl and mash into a smooth, spreadable paste.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the roasted garlic paste. Add finely chopped fresh herbs, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until fully blended.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the bread into thick slices about 1 inch thick to ensure they hold up well when baked and absorb the garlic butter without becoming soggy.
- Spread and Assemble: Generously spread the roasted garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread. If using Parmesan or other cheeses, sprinkle evenly over the top. Add optional toppings like shredded cheese or chili flakes if desired.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the bread slices on a baking sheet (optionally on a wire rack) and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until the bread edges turn crispy and golden and the butter is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the garlic bread warm from the oven, optionally garnished with extra fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Roast garlic until soft and caramelized, checking early to avoid burning.
- Use slightly stale bread for better absorption and crispiness.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for easier mixing and spreading.
- Bake on a wire rack over the baking sheet for a crisp bottom crust.
- Keep an eye on baking time to achieve golden edges without burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: garlic bread, roasted garlic, appetizer, side dish, Italian, crispy bread, easy recipe, herb butter