Garlic bread is one of those irresistible side dishes that can elevate any meal, from pasta dinners to soups and salads. But have you ever wondered how to make garlic bread from scratch that tastes fresher, richer, and more flavorful than store-bought versions? Making garlic bread at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding. In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process—from baking your own bread to crafting the perfect garlic butter spread. Let’s get started!
Why Make Garlic Bread from Scratch?
Store-bought garlic bread often uses margarine and preservatives, which can leave you with a less flavorful and sometimes stale product. When you make it from scratch, you control the ingredients, ensuring fresh bread, real butter, and vibrant garlic flavor. Plus, homemade garlic bread has that perfect crispy crust with a soft, buttery inside that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread (French or Italian style)
– Bread flour (or all-purpose flour) – about 3 ⅔ cups (550 grams)
– Warm water – 1 ½ cups
– Active dry yeast – 1 teaspoon
– White sugar – 1 tablespoon
– Himalayan pink salt (or regular salt) – 2 teaspoons
– Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
For the Garlic Butter Spread
– Unsalted or salted butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
– Fresh garlic – 8 to 11 cloves, finely minced or chopped
– Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped (or Italian herb seasoning)
– Sea salt flakes – a pinch
– Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
– Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella for extra cheesiness
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Bread from Scratch
1. Make the Bread Dough
Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means the yeast is active. Then add olive oil, salt, and gradually stir in the flour until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes until it’s slightly sticky but smooth. If it’s too dense, add a tablespoon or two of water.
Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered, for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Shape and Bake the Bread
Once risen, shape the dough into a loaf or two smaller loaves. Place them on a baking sheet or in loaf pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (176°C) for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing it lengthwise for the garlic bread.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the bread is baking or cooling, prepare your garlic butter spread. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, sea salt, and pepper. For an extra touch, add grated Parmesan cheese or Italian herbs.
4. Assemble the Garlic Bread
Slice the bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides. Make sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor.
5. Bake the Garlic Bread
Place the buttered bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake at 350°F for about 8-12 minutes until the butter melts and the bread is warm. For a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn. The edges should turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the garlic bread from the oven, sprinkle with extra parsley, Parmesan, or a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired. Slice into chunks and serve warm alongside your favorite dishes.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread Every Time
– Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor compared to powders or pastes.
– Choose the right bread: A crusty Italian or French loaf with a soft interior works best.
– Butter over margarine: Real butter adds richness and depth of flavor.
– Don’t skimp on herbs: Fresh parsley or Italian herbs brighten the taste.
– Add cheese if you like: Parmesan or mozzarella can make your garlic bread extra special.
– Watch the broiler: Garlic bread can burn quickly under the broiler, so keep an eye on it.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare garlic bread ahead of time by spreading the garlic butter on the bread and wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to two days before baking. Leftover garlic bread keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.
To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You can also freeze garlic bread before baking by wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Making garlic bread from scratch is easier than you think and tastes infinitely better than store-bought versions. With simple ingredients and a bit of love, you can create a delicious, buttery, garlicky treat that will impress family and friends every time. Enjoy your homemade garlic bread warm and fresh!