Description
This easy homemade garlic bread spread recipe combines softened butter, fresh garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful topping for your bread. Perfectly seasoned and optionally enriched with Parmesan and olive oil, this spread bakes to golden, crispy perfection, making a delightful appetizer or side.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
- Add Optional Flavors: For extra flavor, incorporate the red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan cheese into the butter mixture, stirring thoroughly.
- Enhance Creaminess: Stir in olive oil if you desire a creamier and richer spread.
- Spread on Bread: Generously apply the garlic butter mixture onto slices of your choice of bread.
- Bake the Bread: Place the buttered bread slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden and the bread is crispy.
- Broil for Crunch: For an added crunchy top, broil the bread for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the garlic bread warm to enjoy its full flavor and crisp texture.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor intensity.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nice umami taste but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Olive oil helps achieve a smoother spread and richer texture.
- Watch carefully during broiling as the bread can burn quickly.
