There are few appetizers (or sides) that are as universally loved as Garlic Bread. And for good reason, because there is something about this buttery, cheesy, garlicky delight which is quite irresistible.Growing up, I remember going to Pizza outlets, and craving Garlic Bread more than the Pizza. And actually filling up on it to the point that I had no place for the main entrée.So of-course when I started cooking, this was one recipe I wanted to figure out ASAP to treat myself to endless supply of my favorite appetizer, and basically live in garlic bread heaven. And so I did. And you know what the best part was? This was super simple and easy to make. Dangerously convenient in fact. So much so that (whenever I am not gorging on it myself) this is now my go-to appetizer (or side) for parties and get-togethers, because it’s that quick, easy, and hassle-free. Also helps that this is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser every. single. time. Here’s my go-to recipe for making homemade garlic bread from scratch.
Ingredients You Need
Ingredient notes:
How to Make Garlic Bread
Start with prepping the loaf. For that you’ll need to slice the loaf from the rounded side, without cutting it all the way through, so that it opens up like a book. Then set it aside.That being said .. if you aren’t able to slice the loaf without cutting all the way through, it’s okay to cut it into 2 halves and then continue with the same method, as outlined in the recipe. It’s just easier to open & close the loaf when it is not cut all the way through.Then it’s time to make the garlic oil. You can also make the garlic oil in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days.
Making Garlic Oil
In a mixie, add extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves & chopped parsley / coriander leaves (quantities shared in the recipe card). Blend till it forms a semi- smooth paste. You could always blend till it is a completely smooth paste, but it’s okay if the paste has some texture.An important note to fellow garlic lovers – if you are anything like me, you always add a few more cloves of garlic than any recipe calls for. This is not the recipe to do that. Because if you do add a lot of extra garlic cloves to make garlic oil, it will kill all other flavors. And as much as you love garlic, you would not love the garlicky end result. I know, because I have tried. 🙂
Making Garlic Bread
Once you have both the bread and the garlic oil spread ready, spread the garlic oil spread on the inside of the loaf – liberally.Then prep the loaf to go into the oven. For this, close the loaf, wrap it completely with foil.Then put it in the oven (top rack) for 10 minutes at 400 F. This step is important to ensure the garlic oil seeps through the warm bread.
Adding the Cheese..
Once the 10 minutes are up, get the bread out of the oven and open it up, and add the cheese.First add the grated mozzarella cheese and then the grated parmesan cheese. I have shared the quantity of cheese used in the recipe card, but really you can use as little or as much as you like.Then finally, sprinkle on a little black pepper (this is optional, but yummy) & put the bread back into the oven, this time with the loaf spread wide open – for another 10 minutes or so at 400 F, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted and the parmesan has developed a beautiful golden/light red color.
Serving Suggestion
You can have this as is, or pair it with a dip of your choice. In my family, we love to pair it with this schezwan chutney!
Video Recipe
Variation
There are many different ways to make garlic bread. Once you make the garlic oil spread, you can apply it to any kind of bread. And you don’t always have to make garlic bread in the oven, you can also make garlic bread on the stovetop, using sliced bread. For making garlic bread on the stovetop, using sliced bread..
Apply the garlic oil spread to one side of the sliced bread. Heat up a pan lightly and grease it with a little butter, and place the bread on the pan, with the garlic oil spread side facing the top of the pan. Ensure the heat is low to medium-low, so as to not burn the bottom of the slice.Then sprinkle mozzarella & parmesan cheese on the slice & let it cover & cook for 2-3 minutes till the cheese gets all melted.
Alternatively, and this is my preferred method for sliced bread (stovetop + oven) –
Apply the garlic oil spread to one side of the sliced bread.Heat up a pan lightly and grease it with a little butter, and place the bread on the pan, with the garlic oil spread side facing the top of the pan. Ensure the heat is low to medium-low, so as to not burn the bottom of the slice.Sprinkle only the mozzarella cheese on the slice first. Cover & cook for 2-3 minutes till the cheese gets melted.Then sprinkle the parmesan cheese, and lift the pan & put it in the oven – broil mode – for 1-2 minutes till the parmesan cheese develops a little color on the top.Of-course you need to use an oven safe pan to do this. Best to use a cast iron pan.
More Appetizer Recipes:
⭐ Chicken 65 Recipe⭐ Crispy Sabudana Vada⭐ Indian Style Guacamole Dip As always, I hope you found this recipe useful. If you did, please let me know your rating ⭐️ and feedback 📲 in the comments below, or simply rate the recipe right on the recipe card. I’d really appreciate it. ❤️
📖 RECIPE
This post was first published in Oct 2018, and has been republished with updated notes /photos and recipe video in Dec 2020. If you’d like FREE recipes and meal prep ideas delivered directly to your email inbox every Friday in one short email, then subscribe to the Foodie Friday list HERE, and never run out of ideas on what to cook over the weekend or prep for the week ahead. 🙂
