Dry toasting garlic cloves before mixing them with softened butter and Parmesan cheese makes this the best artisan garlic bread recipe.
If you like this recipe, check out my Air Fryer Garlic Bread next!
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The best garlic bread is adapted from an America’s Test Kitchen recipe I found many years ago. However since then I’ve made it to rave reviews for numerous groups of people, including clients when I used to cater.
Dry toasting the garlic cloves is the secret. The peels stay on as the garlic gets warm and toasty in a skillet. This process removes the bitter, raw garlic flavor and leaves behind sweet, nutty deliciousness. Once the garlic is toasted, simply run them through a press before adding to softened butter.
The softened butter is then combined with grated Parmesan cheese and a little salt before being spread atop a loaf of artisan bread. I prefer making garlic bread with a local loaf of artisan bread. Like this Pane Italiano from Blue Oven Bakery.
Ingredients
- Bread – This recipe is tested with a one pound artisan loaf of bread. You could use a softer Italian or French loaf if you prefer. But I like my garlic bread to be a little heartier.
- Garlic – This recipe uses ten cloves of dry toasted garlic for the best flavor.
- Butter – One stick of butter is plenty for a one pound artisan loaf.
- Salt – If you’re using salted butter, reduce the amount of salt by half.
- Parsley – It’s optional, but some fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top of the baked garlic bread before serving makes it more visually appealing.
Instructions
In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, dry toast the unpeeled garlic cloves for about 8 minutes. Until they are starting to get color on them like the picture. Allow them to cool a bit before pressing them through a garlic press. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with the prepared garlic, Parmesan cheese and salt. Mix until very well combined.
Slice the loaf in half lengthwise. Use a small spatula or butter knife to evenly spread the butter mixture onto both sides of the bread. Place the bread buttered side up on a sheet pan. Bake for 10 minutes at 500 degrees F. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Keep scrolling to the bottom of this post for my free printable recipe card and video tutorial.
Serving suggestions
I served this garlic bread most recently with my favorite homemade bolognese sauce (recipe coming soon) and Caesar salad. Here’s some more of my recipes to make this a complete meal –
Storage directions
Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in aluminum foil at room temperature for 1 – 2 days. Putting it in the refrigerator will dry out the bread. To store longer, freeze in an airtight freezer bag for up to one month.
Kitchen tools
- This is the garlic press I use in my kitchen. It both removes the skin and presses the garlic at the same time.
- My favorite nonstick ceramic frying pan from Caraway
Easy Garlic Bread Recipe with Video
Ingredients
- 10 medium garlic cloves unpeeled
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 lb Artisan loaf of bread halved lengthwise
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to lower-third position and heat to 500 degrees.
- Toast garlic cloves in a small skillet over medium heat, shaking pan occasionally, until fragrant and color of cloves deepens, about 8 minutes.
- When garlic cloves are cool enough to handle, skin and mince or press cloves through a garlic press. Using a dinner fork, mash garlic, softened butter, Parmesan cheese and salt in a bowl until thoroughly combined
- Spread cut sides of loaf evenly with garlic butter. Transfer loaf halves, buttered side up, onto a baking sheet. Bake at 500 degrees for 8-10 minutes, until top is golden brown. Cut each half into 2-inch slices and serve immediately.
- Prepared bread can also be loosely wrapped in foil and kept in warm oven to keep fresh while dinner is being finished and served.
Video
Nutrition
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