Garlic bread is a beloved side dish that perfectly complements pasta, soups, and salads. But what if you don’t have fancy Italian or French bread on hand? No worries! You can easily make mouthwatering garlic bread using regular sliced bread from your pantry. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to turning everyday bread into a garlicky, buttery treat everyone will love.
What You’ll Need
– 8 slices of regular sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or your favorite kind)
– 8 tablespoons softened butter (salted or unsalted)
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder or 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
– Optional: Grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to broil or 425°F (220°C). Place the oven rack about 4 inches from the top heating element to get that perfect toasty finish.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Spread
In a bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic powder or fresh minced garlic and chopped parsley. This blend is the heart of your garlic bread, so mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
3. Spread the Garlic Butter on Bread
Spread a generous layer of the garlic butter mixture on both sides of each bread slice. Don’t be shy-cover every inch for maximum flavor.
4. Toast the Bread
Arrange the buttered bread slices on a baking sheet. Broil each side for about 3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
5. Optional Cheese Topping
If you love cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle grated mozzarella or Parmesan on one side after flipping the bread. Broil just enough to melt the cheese without over-toasting.
6. Serve Warm
Slice if desired and serve immediately while warm and fragrant.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread with Regular Bread
– Butter Softening: Soften butter by microwaving it for 15 seconds to make mixing easier.
– Garlic Choices: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder works well for convenience.
– Parsley: Adds freshness and color, but dried parsley is a fine substitute.
– Cheese: Adding cheese is optional but highly recommended for an indulgent touch.
– Alternative Cooking: If you don’t have an oven, you can toast the bread in a skillet on medium-low heat, covered, until golden.
Why Use Regular Bread?
Regular sandwich bread is often overlooked for garlic bread, but it’s a fantastic and budget-friendly option. It toasts nicely and soaks up the garlic butter well, making it crispy on the outside and soft inside. Plus, it’s usually what you have on hand, so no extra grocery trips needed!
Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread made with regular bread pairs wonderfully with:
– Pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna
– Soups such as tomato or minestrone
– Salads for a crunchy, flavorful side
– Grilled chicken or steak dinners
This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing side that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Garlic bread with regular bread is quick, simple, and delicious-your new go-to recipe when you want that garlicky goodness without fuss. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the buttery, crispy, garlicky magic!
Ready to try variations or want tips on making it extra cheesy? Just ask!