Perfect Garlic Bread from Scratch
Indulge in the irresistible aroma of freshly baked *Perfect Garlic Bread from Scratch*, a homemade masterpiece that combines soft, fluffy bread with rich, garlicky goodness. This recipe takes you step-by-step through creating a golden, crusty loaf from simple pantry ingredients, with no shortcuts—just pure, flavorful perfection. The garlic butter, infused with minced garlic, fresh parsley, and optional Parmesan cheese, soaks into every slice, delivering bold flavor in every bite. Baked to perfection and finished with a whisper of crispness under the broiler, this garlic bread is the ultimate side dish for pasta night, soups, or even as a standalone treat. With a total prep and rise time of just over 2 hours, this scratch-made version goes beyond store-bought alternatives, providing an artisanal touch to your table. Perfect for entertaining or creating comforting, everyday moments, this recipe is your new go-to for garlic bread bliss!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.25 cups Warm water (105°F-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons Sugar
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Parsley (chopped)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Add the olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, adding the remaining 1/2 cup of flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf or oval shape and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the bottoms sound hollow when tapped. Let cool slightly.
While the bread is baking, prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. If using Parmesan cheese, stir it into the mixture.
Once the bread is cool enough to handle, slice each loaf horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating pockets for the garlic butter.
Spread the garlic butter generously between each slice and over the top of the bread.
Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and return to the oven for 10 minutes to allow the butter to melt and soak into the bread.
For a crispier finish, unwrap the foil and broil the bread for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Serve warm and enjoy your perfect garlic bread from scratch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2940 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 143.5 g | 184% | |
| Saturated Fat | 75.4 g | 377% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 312 mg | 104% | |
| Sodium | 5588 mg | 243% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 337.9 g | 123% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.3 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.7 g | ||
| Protein | 69.4 g | 139% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.8 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 832 mg | 64% | |
| Iron | 21.2 mg | 118% | |
| Potassium | 773 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
