Ultimate Garlic Herb Crusty Bread
Indulge in the heavenly aroma and irresistible crunch of this Ultimate Garlic Herb Crusty Bread. Perfectly toasted on the outside and bursting with garlicky goodness on the inside, this bread elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Made with a luscious garlic butter spread, fresh herbs, and the finest quality bread, it's the perfect accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, or enjoyed on its own. This simple yet delicious recipe will have your taste buds dancing and your kitchen filled with the warm scent of garlic and herbs. Just one bite, and you'll understand why this bread is a family favorite!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian or French bread
1 loaf (Choose a high-quality, artisanal loaf.)
Butter
3/4 cup (Softened to room temperature; do not melt.)
Garlic cloves
6 (Chopped very finely.)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped.)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Basil
3 teaspoons (Dried.)
Oregano
1/4 teaspoon (Dried.)
Instructions
1
Bring the butter to room temperature in a medium-sized bowl, allowing it to soften naturally for a couple of hours. Alternatively, microwave briefly until just soft but not melted.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
In the bowl with softened butter, add finely chopped garlic and parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4
To enhance the flavor of the dried herbs, rub the basil and oregano between your palms before adding them to the mixture. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
5
Scoop out about one-third of the garlic butter mixture and set it aside for later use.
6
Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and generously spread approximately two-thirds of the garlic butter mixture on the cut sides.
7
Place the two halves of the bread directly on the oven rack and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
8
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly until you can handle it without burning your fingers.
9
Set your oven to broil.
10
Cut the bread halves into thick slices, approximately 2 inches wide. Arrange the slices on a cookie sheet and spread the reserved garlic butter mixture on top of each slice.
11
Broil the bread for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it until it's perfectly browned to your liking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
12
Serve the bread warm by placing it in a bread basket lined with a clean kitchen towel. Wrap the bread lightly to keep it warm but avoid excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
13
Enjoy this delicious garlic bread as a side or snack – be warned, it may disappear quickly!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Garlic Herb Crusty Bread?
It is a flavorful side dish made with high-quality artisanal bread, a rich garlic butter spread, and fresh herbs, baked to a perfect crunch.
What type of bread should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using a high-quality artisanal loaf of Italian or French bread.
How much butter is required?
You will need 3/4 cup of butter softened to room temperature.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 garlic cloves, chopped very finely.
How much fresh parsley should I use?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Is garlic powder included in the ingredients?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder is added to enhance the garlicky flavor.
What dried herbs are used in the spread?
The mixture uses 3 teaspoons of dried basil and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Why should I rub the basil and oregano between my palms?
Rubbing the dried herbs helps release their natural oils and enhances their flavor before they are added to the butter.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius for the initial bake.
How long does the bread bake initially?
The bread should bake directly on the oven rack for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.
Why do I need to reserve some garlic butter?
One-third of the garlic butter mixture is set aside to be spread on individual slices before the final broiling step.
How do I slice the bread?
First, slice the loaf lengthwise for the initial bake. After cooling slightly, cut it into thick 2-inch wide slices.
What is the final cooking step?
The final step is to broil the individual slices for 3 to 5 minutes until they are perfectly browned.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Keep a close eye on the bread during the broiling stage, as it can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Can I soften the butter in the microwave?
Yes, you can microwave it briefly until soft, but ensure it does not melt completely.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Breads.
What are the tags for this recipe?
Tags include garlic bread, italian bread, herb bread, crusty bread, home baked, garlic lovers, side dish, and comfort food.
How should I serve the bread to keep it warm?
Place the warm bread in a basket lined with a clean kitchen towel and wrap it lightly.
How do I avoid making the bread soggy when storing?
Wrap it lightly in a towel rather than plastic to prevent excess moisture from trapped steam.
Is this bread suitable as a side for pasta?
Yes, it is the perfect accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Should the garlic be chopped or minced?
The garlic should be chopped very finely for the best texture and flavor distribution.
Can I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies butter; salted or unsalted can be used based on your personal preference.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is the bread baked on a cookie sheet initially?
No, for the first bake, the bread halves are placed directly on the oven rack.
When do I use the cookie sheet?
A cookie sheet is used during the broiling stage after the bread has been sliced.
How wide should the final slices be?
The slices should be approximately 2 inches wide.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While possible, real butter is recommended for the best flavor and aroma.
Does this recipe include any nutritional facts?
The provided recipe data does not specify calorie, fat, or carbohydrate counts.
What makes this 'Ultimate' garlic bread?
The combination of fresh garlic, dried herbs, and a two-step baking and broiling process creates an exceptional flavor and crunch.