Simple Roasted Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic Butter is a rich, flavorful twist on classic garlic bread. The roasted garlic is softened and caramelized, bringing out its sweet and mellow flavor, which is then blended into creamy butter. This buttery mixture is generously spread onto slices of rustic bread, which are then toasted until golden and crispy. The result is a savory, aromatic bread that’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal or an irresistible snack on its own.
I first made this Simple Roasted Garlic Bread when I wanted to elevate the usual garlic bread and bring out a deeper, sweeter flavor. The roasted garlic butter was smooth and savory, and when it melted into the bread, every bite was a delicious combination of crispy, buttery goodness with a rich garlic flavor that wasn’t overpowering.
What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to make yet how gourmet it feels. You can adjust the amount of garlic depending on your preference or even sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs over the top before baking for extra flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side to pasta, soup, or salad, or just enjoying it as a snack, this roasted garlic bread is sure to be a hit!
Perfect for:
- Dinner parties
- Holiday meals
- Family gatherings
- Casual dinners
- Garlic lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Simple Roasted Garlic Bread will become your go-to recipe:
- Irresistible Garlic Butter: Roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness, making the butter extra flavorful.
- Golden and Crisp: The bread gets perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and pillowy on the inside.
- Super Simple: With just a few ingredients, this garlic bread is easy to prepare yet delivers incredible flavor.
- Versatile: Enjoy it with pasta, soups, or salads, or serve it as an appetizer.
- Perfectly Seasoned: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates the ideal balance of flavors.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the garlic butter ahead of time for even faster assembly.
- Great for Leftovers: This garlic bread tastes delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or spices to create your own unique version.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering, from casual dinners to holidays.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread if needed without compromising on taste.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 10g
Ingredients
For the Roasted Garlic Butter:
- 1 bulb of garlic
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Bread:
- 1 loaf of Italian or French bread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Ingredient Highlights
- Roasted Garlic: Adds a sweet, mellow flavor to the butter that’s perfect for garlic lovers.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a smooth, creamy base for the roasted garlic and herbs.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps with spreading the garlic butter evenly.
- Herbs: Oregano and parsley give a fresh, savory flavor that enhances the garlic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Roast the Garlic:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Garlic: Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil.
- Roast Garlic: Place the garlic in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- Mash the Garlic: Squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins and mash it into a paste.
- Mix Butter and Garlic: In a bowl, combine the mashed garlic with softened butter, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- Slice the Bread: Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch thick slices, but do not cut all the way through, leaving the bottom intact.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the roasted garlic butter between the slices of bread and over the top.
- Optional Step: Brush the outside of the bread with a bit of olive oil for extra crispiness.
Bake the Garlic Bread:
- Bake: Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is warm and the butter is melted. For a crispier crust, open the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice completely, and serve warm.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Simple Roasted Garlic Bread:
- As a Side to Pasta: Pair with your favorite pasta dishes for an unforgettable meal.
- With Soup: Serve alongside creamy soups like tomato or potato leek.
- For Dipping: Perfect for dipping in marinara or garlic butter sauce.
- At Barbecues: Serve as an appetizer at your next barbecue or picnic.
- With Salad: Pair with a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
- For Sandwiches: Use slices for a delicious garlic sandwich base.
- As an Appetizer: Serve with olive tapenade, hummus, or bruschetta.
- For Breakfast: Top with scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast.
- With Steak or Grilled Meats: A fantastic side for steak or grilled chicken.
- For Entertaining: Serve as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering.
Additional Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a sturdy, thick-sliced bread like French baguette, sourdough, or Italian bread to hold up to the garlic butter.
- Roast Garlic in Advance: Roast garlic in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week to save time when making garlic bread.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is soft and at room temperature for easier spreading and even distribution of flavor.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary over the butter for added flavor and color.
- Don’t Overload the Garlic: Roasted garlic is sweet and mellow, but using too much can overpower the bread. A couple of cloves should be enough for a balanced taste.
- Season with Salt: Don’t forget to season your garlic butter with a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors.
- Grill for Extra Crispness: For a crispy, charred edge, place the bread under a grill or broiler for 1-2 minutes after spreading the garlic butter.
- Try Parmesan: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the butter before baking for a cheesy, savory kick.
- Use Olive Oil for Extra Richness: Mixing a little olive oil with the butter can add richness and give the garlic bread a slight Mediterranean flair.
- Serve Immediately: Garlic bread is best served fresh and warm for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience, so serve it right out of the oven!
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add grated mozzarella or Parmesan to the butter mixture for a cheesy version.
- Spicy Garlic Bread: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Butter: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Swap the butter for a plant-based version and use vegan bread for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Garlic Parmesan Bread: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra savory touch.
Special Equipment
- Aluminum Foil: For wrapping the bread while baking.
- Oven Mitts: To handle the hot garlic and bread.
- Knife: For slicing the bread and garlic.
- Baking Sheet: To catch any butter drips while baking.
FAQ Section
- Can I use pre-made garlic butter?
Yes, store-bought garlic butter can work in a pinch, but homemade will always be more flavorful. - How long does this garlic bread last?
Garlic bread is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. - Can I freeze the garlic butter?
Yes, roasted garlic butter can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before using. - How do I keep the bread soft inside?
Wrap the bread tightly in foil while baking to keep the interior soft and warm. - Can I make garlic bread without roasting the garlic?
Yes, you can use raw garlic, but roasting it enhances its flavor and reduces its sharpness. - What bread works best for garlic bread?
Italian or French bread works best because of its texture, but any crusty bread will do. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bread for a delicious gluten-free version. - How do I store leftover garlic bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Can I reheat garlic bread?
Yes, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm. - What’s the best way to slice the bread?
Use a serrated knife to easily slice through the crust without crushing the bread.
Conclusion
Simple Roasted Garlic Bread with Roasted Garlic Butter is a comforting and irresistible treat that combines the deep, savory flavor of roasted garlic with the richness of butter, all slathered on a crispy, golden loaf of bread. The roasted garlic brings a mellow, sweet depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy butter, creating a flavor-packed spread that elevates any bread. Simply spread the roasted garlic butter onto sliced bread, toast it until golden, and you have an easy, satisfying side dish or snack that’s perfect for any meal.
What makes this garlic bread so special is the richness of the roasted garlic. Unlike raw garlic, which can be sharp and pungent, roasted garlic has a soft, sweet, and aromatic quality that infuses the butter with incredible flavor. It’s the ideal companion to crusty bread, and with every bite, you get the perfect balance of crispy, buttery, and garlicky goodness.
I can’t wait to see how your Simple Roasted Garlic Bread turns out! Snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own—I’d love to hear all about your personal twist on this comforting classic!