Easy Garlic Bread from Scratch

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked garlic bread wafting through the kitchen. The scent of this easy garlic bread can instantly evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and anticipation.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a family dinner or indulging in it as a late-night snack, garlic bread holds a special place in many people’s hearts (and stomachs).

Why Garlic Bread?

First things first, why garlic bread? Well, if you’re a fan of garlic and bread (and really, who isn’t?), then garlic bread is the perfect marriage of flavors. The pungent aroma of garlic combines with the savory goodness of bread to create a baker’s delight that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it alongside pasta, soup, salad, or just enjoy it on its own.

Making French Bread From Scratch

When it comes to making garlic bread, the type of bread you use is crucial. While you can technically use any type of bread, from baguettes to ciabatta, nothing quite beats the flavor and texture of homemade French bread.

Baking your own French bread might sound daunting, but it’s simpler than you think. All you need is flour, water, yeast, salt, and a bit of sugar.

The process involves mixing the ingredients, kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, letting it rise, shaping it into loaves, and finally baking until golden brown.

I remember my first attempt at baking French bread vividly. Armed with a simple recipe and a sense of determination, I embarked on the journey of bread-making. As I worked the dough with my hands, I could feel the anticipation building. Would it turn out as delicious as I hoped?

After patiently waiting for the dough to rise and carefully shaping it into loaves, I slid them into the oven and held my breath. And when I finally pulled them out and sliced into the warm, crusty bread, I knew I had succeeded.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment that comes from baking your own bread from scratch.

The Bread-Making Process

To bake your own French bread, start by mixing flour, water, rapid-rise yeast, salt, and a pinch of sugar in an electric mixer equipped with a dough hook. Be sure to separate your yeast and salt in the bowl. Mixing yeast and salt together can deactivate the yeast.

Stir until a rough dough forms, then knead with the dough hook for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You may need to add a couple more tablespoons of flour if the dough feels too sticky.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the loaves with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

To achieve that crispy crust characteristic of French bread, try adding steam to your oven while the bread bakes. You can do this by placing a pan of boiling water on the bottom rack of the oven or by spritzing the loaves with water before putting them in.

The Garlic Butter: A Flavor Explosion

Now, let’s talk garlic butter. This simple yet magical concoction is what gives garlic bread its irresistible flavor. To make it, you’ll need just a few ingredients: butter, garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning.

To begin, start by softening the butter. In case you’re pressed for time, you can divide it into chunks and heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. However, be cautious not to completely melt it.

Following that, finely chop the garlic. If you have a fondness for garlic like I do, you may consider adding an additional clove or two.

Subsequently, finely chop the parsley as well, as it will bring a delightful freshness to the garlic butter.

Then, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well blended.

For an added burst of flavor, you can incorporate a teaspoon of garlic powder. Lastly, taste the mixture and adjust if needed. Your garlic butter is now prepared for use!

 Assembling Your Garlic Bread

Once you have your homemade French bread and garlic butter ready, it’s time to assemble the garlic bread.

Start by slicing the loaf of bread in half lengthwise, then spread a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture on each half. Make sure to get it  all the way to the edges – you want every bite to be bursting with flavor.

When it comes to garlic bread, there’s no such thing as too much butter. Trust me, it’s the key to achieving that perfect golden brown crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture. So don’t be shy – slather it on!

Baking to Perfection: The Final Touch

Once your garlic bread is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then place the bread halves on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Now that your garlic bread is hot out of the oven and smelling divine, it’s time to think about how you want to serve it. While it’s delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to take it to the next level.

For an extra indulgent treat, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the garlic butter before baking. The cheese will melt into the bread, creating a gooey, cheesy crust that’s absolutely irresistible.

Garlic bread made with homemade French bread is a delicious addition to many meals. So the next time you’re craving something comforting and delicious, why not whip up a batch of garlic bread using your own homemade French bread? With its buttery, garlicky goodness and crispy golden crust, it’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning of taste buds. And remember, the journey of baking bread from scratch is just as rewarding as the taste of the final product. Happy Cooking!