Who doesn’t love the irresistible aroma of garlic bread? This Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread is a simple and quick way to elevate your meal with minimal effort. By using regular sliced bread, you can create a delicious, crispy garlic-infused treat in just 20 minutes. The garlic butter spread made with fresh garlic, parsley, and butter takes basic sliced bread to new heights, and you can even get creative with different seasonings and variations.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of sliced bread (16 slices)

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened

• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ¼ tsp salt

• ⅛ tsp black pepper

• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Spread:

   • Soften the butter at room temperature.

   • Mince the garlic and mix it with the softened butter.

   • Add fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper to the mixture and blend until smooth and fragrant.

2. Apply the Spread:

   • Lay the sliced bread on a baking sheet.

   • Generously spread the garlic butter on each slice, making sure to cover all edges.

3. Bake or Broil:

   • For baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.

   • For broiling: If you want extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it as it can burn quickly.

4. Serve:

   • Optional: Garnish with additional parsley or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrients (per slice, approximately 8 servings)

• Calories: 150 kcal

• Fat: 10g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 15g

  • Sugar: 1g

• Protein: 1g

• Sodium: 180mg

Why Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread is So Special

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. Garlic bread is often seen as a labor-intensive dish, but with just a few ingredients and regular sliced bread, you can create a delicious side in under 20 minutes. The garlic butter spread brings out rich, savory flavors that perfectly complement the crispy edges of the bread. You also have the flexibility to customize the flavors—whether you prefer a touch of Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat, or a little more parsley for extra freshness.

The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs is timeless, and this recipe brings all those wonderful flavors into your home with ease. It’s also versatile: you can serve it as a side, snack, or appetizer, and it pairs wonderfully with various dishes.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

• Sliced Bread: The base of the garlic bread, sliced bread makes this recipe simple and affordable. You can use any type of bread you prefer, but thicker slices like a rustic or sourdough bread will give you more substantial pieces.

• Unsalted Butter: Butter is the key ingredient in the garlic spread. It provides richness and helps the garlic and seasonings stick to the bread while creating that irresistible crispy texture when baked or broiled.

• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the star of this dish. It adds that signature flavor that makes garlic bread so beloved. You can adjust the amount of garlic depending on your preference for stronger or milder garlic flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Parsley provides freshness and a pop of color, enhancing the flavor of the garlic butter. It helps balance the richness of the butter and complements the garlic perfectly.

• Salt & Pepper: These basic seasonings bring out the flavors of the garlic and butter. Adjust to taste depending on how much seasoning you prefer.

• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor that can take the garlic bread to the next level. It also helps to create a beautifully golden, slightly crispy finish.

How to Make the Perfect Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread

Making garlic bread from sliced bread is incredibly simple. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Spread:

   • Start by softening the butter at room temperature. This will make it easier to mix and spread.

   • Mince the garlic and add it to the softened butter.

   • Add the fresh parsley, salt, and pepper to the mixture and blend everything together until smooth and fragrant. You can use a spoon or a small hand mixer to make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated.

2. Apply the Spread:

   • Lay the slices of bread flat on a baking sheet. You can line the sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

   • Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on each slice of bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including the edges, so that each bite is full of flavor.

3. Bake or Broil:

   • For Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared bread slices in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

   • For Broiling: If you want extra crispiness, broil the bread for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to keep a close eye on the bread, as it can burn quickly under the broiler.

4. Serve:

   • Once the garlic bread is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh parsley or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

   • Serve immediately with your favorite meal or enjoy it as a snack.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but you can also use garlic powder in a pinch if needed. However, fresh garlic is key for that authentic taste.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Make sure each slice of bread has enough space on the baking sheet. This will ensure the bread crisps up evenly.

• Customize the Flavors: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or use dried herbs like oregano or thyme to give the garlic butter a different flavor profile.

• Try Different Types of Bread: While regular sliced bread works perfectly fine, you can experiment with different types of bread like baguettes, sourdough, or ciabatta for a more rustic take on garlic bread.

• Serve with Pasta or Soup: This garlic bread is perfect as a side for pasta dishes, soups, or salads. It’s especially good with marinara or creamy pasta sauces.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread

Garlic bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• With Pasta: Garlic bread is the perfect side for pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo. It complements the richness of pasta sauces and is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

• With Soup: Serve with a warm bowl of soup like tomato, minestrone, or French onion. The crispy garlic bread is great for dipping.

• As an Appetizer: Garlic bread makes a great appetizer for any meal. You can serve it before dinner or as part of a charcuterie board.

• With Salads: Pair garlic bread with a fresh salad for a light, satisfying meal. It balances the freshness of greens with its rich and savory flavor.

Nutritional Information for Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread

Each slice of garlic bread contains approximately 150 calories, with 10 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat. The bread has 15 grams of carbohydrates, including 1 gram of sugar and 3 grams of fiber. Each serving also provides 1 gram of protein and 180 mg of sodium. If you add Parmesan cheese, the calories and sodium content may increase slightly.

Conclusion

Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread is a simple, delicious way to enjoy the classic garlic bread flavor without spending much time or effort. The garlic butter spread makes the bread wonderfully aromatic and flavorful, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or cheese. Whether served alongside pasta, soup, or as a snack, this garlic bread will be a hit with anyone who loves the irresistible combination of garlic and butter. Try it for your next meal, and enjoy the golden, crispy, buttery goodness!