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"Homemade" Garlic Bread

Homemade garlic bread, golden brown and crispy, with fresh parsley. Easy to make with simple ingredients.


Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 16

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • ½ cup salted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Combine butter, olive oil, garlic, and parsley in a small bowl. Mix well.
  3. Cut the bread in half lengthwise.
  4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on the cut sides of the bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
  5. Place the bread halves on a rimmed baking sheet, cut side up.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and toasted. Cooking time can vary from oven to oven with this, so check around the 8 minute mark.
  7. Cut into slices and enjoy!

Tips:

 Prep Ahead: Prepare the bread and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

 Freeze: Prepare the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 4 months.

   * To bake from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

   * Bake directly from frozen: Leave the bread wrapped in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28-32 minutes, or until heated through and the butter is melted.



Confession: This "Homemade" Garlic Bread Involves a Slight Shortcut (But Shhh!)


Now, before you judge, hear me out. Just like the trend "We listen, and we don't judge" that's all I'm asking for as I confess this "sin" to you. I'm all about the art of home cooking, the magic of transforming simple ingredients into culinary delights. But let's be honest, sometimes a busy kitchen witch who is always busy, and always on the go needs a little help. Enter: this "Homemade" Garlic Bread.


    Okay, okay, so I'm not exactly starting from scratch here. We're using a good quality loaf of French bread as our foundation. But don't worry, fellow foodies, where there's a will, there's a way to add a touch of kitchen magic!


    This recipe is all about elevating the ordinary. We're taking a perfectly good loaf of bread and transforming it into something truly special, as well as saving ourselves time. There is never anything wrong with taking shortcuts like this, and I will die on that hill!. The secret? A simple yet divine garlic butter. Imagine the aroma – that intoxicating blend of garlic, butter, and fresh parsley. It's enough to make your mouth water!


    And let's not forget the toasting process. Watching the bread transform in the oven, the edges crisping to a golden perfection, is pure culinary satisfaction. Yes, I love seeing cheese melt and bread toast. Call it a strange fascination if you will, I'm okay with that.


    So, the next time you're craving a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread, skip the takeout and unleash your inner kitchen witch. This simple recipe is a testament to the fact that even with a little help from our friends (in this case, the local bakery), we can still create something truly delicious.


P.S. Want to see more kitchen magic, both homemade and store-bought inspired? Follow me on social media!

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