Toasted garlic bread is a simple yet delicious recipe that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy bread, fragrant garlic, and gooey cheese makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese creates a savory and indulgent flavor profile.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have this dish ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Toasted garlic bread can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy snack or side dish.
Ingredient Notes:
- Italian bread: A loaf of Italian bread works best for this recipe, but you can also use French bread or ciabatta as a substitute.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the bread. You can use vegan butter as a substitute.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to achieving that robust garlic flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil adds a subtle fruity flavor to the bread.
- Dried oregano: Oregano adds a hint of earthy and herbal flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Season the bread to taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds a gooey texture to the bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the Italian bread in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, crushed garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve toasted garlic bread with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly grated mozzarella cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic butter mixture – it’s what gives the bread its irresistible flavor.
- To make this dish even more decadent, add some cooked and crumbled bacon on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Toasted garlic bread pairs well with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or as a standalone appetizer. Serve with a glass of red wine or a refreshing beer for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover toasted garlic bread, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, provolone, or gouda. - How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply use vegan butter and dairy-free mozzarella cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture and assemble the bread ahead of time. Just bake it when ready to serve.
Conclusion:
Toasted garlic bread is a simple yet satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick snack, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
Print
Toasted Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Toasted Garlic Bread combines the classic flavors of garlic, butter, and oregano on a toasted Italian bread topped with melty mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, crushed garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on Bread: Cut Italian bread in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic mixture evenly on both halves.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic mixture.
- Toasting: Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Cut into slices and enjoy while warm!
Notes
- This garlic bread pairs well with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- You can customize this recipe by adding toppings like fresh herbs or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg