Tasty Garlic Bread

Tasty Garlic Bread is a simple recipe that is better than anything you can buy or order as a take away. Make it in advance and served as both a side dish and as a snack this recipe is a meal in its own right. Part of a pasta dish for an ideal accompaniment. I use two different cheese’s (mozzarella and cheddar) for the gooey and the flavour factors.

Garlic bread, a beloved accompaniment to many meals, becomes particularly delightful when made using a baguette. This method elevates the dish, combining the crispiness of the French loaf with the aromatic and savoury notes of garlic butter. A staple in British households and restaurants alike, garlic bread is celebrated for its simplicity and mouth-watering flavour.

The history of garlic bread can be traced back to ancient Rome, where soldiers would rub garlic on bread for both flavour and its purported health benefits. This tradition evolved over centuries, with variations appearing in different cultures. In Britain, garlic bread became widely popular in the mid-20th century, often served alongside pasta dishes, soups, and salads.

Indeed, using a baguette for garlic bread adds a touch of sophistication to this humble dish. The baguette, with its crisp crust and airy interior, is an ideal canvas for the rich, garlicky butter that transforms it into a culinary delight. The process begins with selecting a fresh baguette, preferably from a local bakery to ensure the best quality and flavour.

To prepare garlic bread with a baguette, the loaf is typically sliced diagonally, creating pieces that are easy to handle and offer a generous surface area for the butter. The garlic butter is made by mixing softened butter with finely minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and fresh or dried parsley for a hint of colour and additional flavour. For an extra layer of taste, some might add grated Parmesan or a splash of olive oil.

Each slice of baguette is generously spread with the garlic butter mixture. This ensures that every bite is infused with the rich, aromatic flavours. The bread is then baked in the oven until the edges are golden and crispy, and the butter has melted. The centre of the baguette slices will now be soft and garlicky. The result is a perfect balance of textures: the crunch of the crust and the soft, buttery middle. All of which are now permeated with the irresistible scent of garlic.

Garlic bread made with a baguette is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a versatile dish. It can be served as a starter, a side dish, or even a snack. Also its popularity in British cuisine is a testament to its universal appeal and the way it complements many dishes.

Basically using a baguette to make garlic bread enhances this classic dish. It provides a delightful combination of crispy and soft textures enriched with the robust flavour of garlic butter. This simple yet elegant preparation continues to be a favourite in British kitchens. Primarily for its ease of preparation and the sheer pleasure it brings to any meal.

Tasty Garlic Bread

Amazing flavours with an hour

4.59 from 124 votes

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Course: Bread, Side Dish, Snacks

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Bread, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 15 Slices

Calories: 150kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 1 large French sticks/baguette see recipe
• 125 g cheddar grated
• 125 g mozzarella sliced
• 2 cloves garlic peel/grate/mince
• 150 g unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 tbsp thyme finely chopped
• 2 tbsp parsley finely chopped

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/375F/Gas 5.
• Place the soft unsalted butter into a mixing bowl and add the grated/minced garlic cloves.
• Add the parsley and thyme and mix again until totally combined.
• Using a sharp bread knife slice every inch or so along the bread. Only cut 75-80% through as this will help keep it together and cooking without falling apart.
• Using a blunt knife, spread the butter between the bread on both sides. with a little spread over the top for extra crispiness.
• Slice the mozzarella and grate the cheddar.
• Put some of both cheeses in between the slices.
• Tear a piece of aluminium foil and wrap the bread up tightly.
• Place on a baking tray in the preheated oven for 15 – 20 minutes.
• If you like the bread crispy, open the foil and place in the oven for a few more minutes.
• Serve hot/warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 457IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 1mg