Ultimate Homemade Garlic Bread
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of this homemade garlic bread, crafted from scratch for a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for leisurely afternoons, this recipe allows you to savor the aroma of freshly baked bread coupled with a generous spread of garlic-infused butter. Ideal as a side to your favorite pasta or a comforting cream soup, this garlic bread becomes the star of the meal. While you can use store-bought French bread for convenience, making it from scratch elevates the flavors and texture. For an added touch, try using homemade butter created simply by whipping room temperature cream until the fat separates. Serve it warm to accentuate its flavors, and watch your family and friends come back for more!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2-2.5 cups (measured)
salt
1 teaspoon (measured)
warm water
1 cup (warm)
instant yeast
1/2 tablespoon (measured)
sugar
1/2 tablespoon (measured)
oil
1 tablespoon (to grease bowl)
butter
1/4-1/3 cup (room temperature)
dill
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
garlic cloves
6 (minced)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a measuring cup, combine the instant yeast and sugar, stirring to avoid lumps. Add 1 cup of warm water and allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
2
In a medium-sized bowl, mix 2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, and stir until a soft dough starts to form.
3
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour as necessary. The dough should remain slightly sticky.
4
Grease a clean bowl with oil, and place the kneaded dough inside, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and place it in a warm oven (turn it on to the lowest setting for 5 minutes, then turn it off) to let the dough rise until doubled in size.
5
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a long, thin loaf. Place on an oiled and cornmeal-sprinkled cookie sheet. Make 3-4 diagonal slashes on top with a sharp knife.
6
Cover the loaf and return it to the warm oven until it has doubled again in size.
7
Preheat the oven to 375°F (or 380-390°F if your oven runs cool). Bake the loaf for 20 minutes until golden on top. Allow to cool slightly.
8
While the bread cools, prepare the garlic butter by mixing together the room temperature butter, minced garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
9
Slice the bread vertically into 3/4-1 inch slices, keeping the bottom crust intact, and carefully pull the slices apart to spread the garlic butter evenly on both sides.
10
Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma and taste!
Nutrition Information
16.7g
Fat
33.3g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Ultimate Homemade Garlic Bread?
This recipe features a from-scratch bread dough that is baked, sliced, filled with a garlic-herb butter, and baked again for a rich, buttery side dish.
How many calories are in one serving of this garlic bread?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What type of yeast is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of instant yeast.
Can I use store-bought bread instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought French bread for convenience, though making it from scratch is recommended for better flavor and texture.
How do I activate the yeast?
Combine the instant yeast and sugar in a measuring cup, add 1 cup of warm water, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
At what temperature should I bake the initial bread loaf?
Preheat the oven to 375°F for the first bake.
How long does the first bake take?
Bake the loaf for 20 minutes until the top is golden.
What temperature is used for the second bake with garlic butter?
The second bake, after adding the garlic butter and wrapping in foil, should be at 400°F.
How long is the second bake?
The bread should bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
What ingredients are in the garlic butter?
The garlic butter consists of room temperature butter, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 6 minced garlic cloves.
How can I make my own butter for this recipe?
You can create homemade butter by whipping room temperature cream until the fat separates from the liquid.
What herb is used to season the butter?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill.
How should I slice the bread to apply the butter?
Slice the bread vertically into 3/4 to 1 inch slices while keeping the bottom crust intact so the loaf stays together.
Why is sugar added to the yeast mixture?
Sugar is mixed with the instant yeast to help activate it and ensure it becomes bubbly.
What is the best way to let the dough rise?
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a tea towel, and put it in a warm oven that was briefly turned on and then off.
What should the texture of the dough be after kneading?
The dough should be smooth and elastic, but it should remain slightly sticky.
How many times does the dough need to rise?
The dough rises twice: once in the bowl until doubled in size, and a second time after being shaped into a loaf.
How much flour is required?
You will need between 2 and 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 16.7g of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the water used for the yeast be hot or warm?
The water should be warm to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
Why are diagonal slashes made on top of the loaf?
Diagonal slashes are made with a sharp knife before the second rise to control how the bread expands during baking.
What should I do if my oven runs cool?
If your oven runs cool, increase the first baking temperature to between 380°F and 390°F.
How long should I wait for the yeast to bubble?
Allow the yeast mixture to sit for approximately 5 minutes.
How do I shape the bread?
After punching down the risen dough, shape it into a long, thin loaf and place it on an oiled cookie sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
What type of oil is used for the bowl?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of oil to grease the bowl for rising.
What are some suggested pairings for this garlic bread?
It is ideal as a side for your favorite pasta dishes or a comforting cream soup.