Absolute Garlic Bread Made With French Bread, The Best

Okay, let's talk about something truly important: garlic bread. Not just any garlic bread, though. We're talking about the kind that makes your kitchen smell amazing and has everyone fighting over the last piece. I've tried tons of recipes, and trust me, the secret to truly great garlic bread is using French bread. It's got that perfect crust-to-soft-inside ratio that soaks up all that garlicky, buttery goodness. This isn't some fancy, complicated recipe either; it's simple, quick, and ridiculously delicious. In this article, I'll walk you through why French bread is the MVP, the key ingredients you'll need, and the easy steps to make your own mouthwatering garlic bread. We'll also discuss how to serve it and even store it for later. Get ready to make the best garlic bread made with french bread you've ever tasted! So, grab your apron, and let's get baking!

Why French Bread is the Best for Garlic Bread

The Crust Factor

Okay, so why French bread? It's all about that crust, my friend. French bread has this amazing, crackly exterior that just begs to be slathered with garlic butter.

When you bake it, that crust turns into this delightfully crispy, slightly chewy layer. It's like the perfect little armor for all the flavor inside.

Other breads, they just don't have the same texture. It's either too soft and gets soggy, or too dense and doesn't let the garlic butter soak in properly. French bread is the Goldilocks of garlic bread bases!

The Interior Advantage

Now, the inside is just as important as the outside. French bread has a wonderfully airy, light crumb.

Think of it like a sponge, ready to soak up all that delicious, garlicky goodness.

That open texture means the butter doesn't just sit on top, it gets into every nook and cranny, making each bite super flavorful.

It's not dense like some other breads, which can get a bit heavy. It's just the right amount of fluff to make the garlic bread light and satisfying.

The Perfect Slice

French bread's shape and size are also perfect for garlic bread.

Those long, thick slices are just the right canvas for our garlic butter masterpiece.

It makes it easy to cut into nice portions, whether you're serving it as an appetizer or a side dish. You get a good balance of crust and soft interior in every slice.

Plus, let's be honest, those big, beautiful slices look impressive, right? It's not just about taste, it's about presentation too, and French bread delivers on both fronts.

Garlic Bread: My GoTo Recipe Ingredients

The Butter Base

Okay, let's get to the good stuff, the heart of any great garlic bread: the butter. We’re not skimping here; we want a good amount of it. I usually go for about half a cup of salted butter, softened.

Softened butter is key. You don't want to be wrestling with a cold, hard stick when you're trying to mix in the garlic. It needs to be nice and spreadable, ready to meld with the other ingredients.

I prefer salted butter because it adds a little extra flavor, but if you only have unsalted, that's totally fine. Just make sure to add a pinch of salt to your mix.

The Garlic Power

Now, for the star of the show: garlic. I'm a big fan of fresh garlic, minced. We're not talking about garlic powder here, folks.

I like to use about four cloves, but you can add more or less depending on how much you love garlic.

I know some people like to use garlic powder too, and that's totally fine. I use about a teaspoon of garlic powder in addition to the minced garlic. It adds another layer of flavor and gives the bread that classic garlic bread taste.

Just remember, fresh garlic packs a punch, so start with a moderate amount and adjust to your preference.

The Flavor Enhancers

Okay, we've got the butter and the garlic sorted, but let's add some extra flavor. I like to include some fresh parsley, finely chopped.

It adds a nice pop of color and a fresh, herby note that really elevates the garlic bread. About two tablespoons is perfect.

And for a little extra touch, I like to sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese. About half a cup is usually enough. It adds a salty, savory kick that makes the garlic bread even more irresistible.

These are my go-to ingredients, but you can definitely experiment with other herbs and cheeses to find your perfect combo.

StepbyStep: Making the Perfect Garlic Bread with French Bread

Prepping the Bread

Alright, let's get started on the fun part: making the garlic bread! First, grab your French bread loaf. Now, you've got two options here. You can either slice it lengthwise, like opening a book, or you can slice it into individual pieces, about 3/4 inch thick. Both ways work great, it just depends on how you want to serve it. If you're going for a big, shareable loaf, then slicing it lengthwise is the way to go. If you prefer individual slices, that works too!

If you slice it lengthwise, lay the bread cut-side up on a baking sheet. If you're using slices, arrange them on the baking sheet as well. Make sure you have enough space between the slices so that they bake evenly.

Making the Garlic Butter

Next up, let's get that garlic butter ready. In a medium bowl, combine your softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until it's well combined and creamy. You can use a fork or a spoon, whatever works best for you.

Take a moment to smell this mixture, it's heavenly! This is where all the magic happens. This is where the flavor of your garlic bread is born. Don't be shy, make sure it's all mixed together properly.

Spreading the Goodness

Now it's time to get messy! Grab your garlic butter mixture and start spreading it evenly over the cut side of the bread or slices. Make sure you get it all the way to the edges, so every bite has that garlicky flavor. Don't be afraid to really slather it on there, we're not holding back today!

If you sliced your bread lengthwise, you'll want to spread it across both halves. If you opted for slices, make sure each one gets a generous helping of the butter mixture.

Baking to Perfection

Alright, almost there! Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You want the bread to be golden brown and crispy, and the garlic butter all melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it, as ovens can vary. You don't want to burn it, but you do want it to be nice and toasty.

Once it's done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute or two before serving. The smell alone will make your mouth water, I promise you.

And that's it! You've just made the best garlic bread ever.

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Garlic Bread

Serving Suggestions

Okay, so you've got this amazing, golden-brown garlic bread fresh out of the oven. Now what? Well, the possibilities are endless! This garlic bread is perfect for pretty much any meal. It's fantastic with pasta, of course. Imagine dipping it into a rich marinara sauce or twirling it around a forkful of creamy Alfredo. Seriously, it’s a match made in heaven. It's also great with soups and stews. The crispy, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up all that flavorful broth.

And hey, don't limit yourself to Italian dishes! This garlic bread is delicious with pretty much anything. Try it with grilled meats, salads, or even just on its own as a snack. It's so versatile, you can't go wrong. Honestly, sometimes I just make a loaf of this garlic bread and eat it for dinner, no shame.

Storing Tips

Now, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is a big "if" in my house), you'll want to store them properly. The best way to keep your garlic bread fresh is to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. This will help prevent it from drying out. I usually wrap each slice individually to keep them from sticking together. You can also store it in an airtight container, if you prefer.

You can keep the garlic bread in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat it again, just pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to warm it up and crisp it up again. You can also reheat it in a toaster oven or even a skillet. If you have a lot of leftover garlic bread, you can even freeze it! Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to a month. When you're ready to use it, just thaw it out and bake it as usual. It's like having a secret stash of deliciousness ready whenever you need it.