Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer or side dish, look no further than this garlic bread recipe. With a luscious garlic butter spread, a blend of aromatic herbs, and topped with melted cheese, this ciabatta garlic bread is sure to impress. Whether you serve it alongside pasta, salads, or on its own, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
8 cloves of garlic, finely minced
Softened butter
Pinch of salt
Parmesan cheese
Crushed red pepper flakes
Basil
Oregano
1 large loaf of ciabatta bread
Olive oil
Additional cheese for topping
Fresh herbs for garnish
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Preheat the oven.
2. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic with softened butter. Add a pinch of salt, Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
3. Slice the ciabatta bread lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the bread.
5. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake until it becomes golden and toasty.
6. Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle additional cheese over the top.
7. Return the bread to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and gooey.
8. Once done, garnish with fresh herbs, additional crushed red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese.
9. Slice and serve immediately.
Enjoy your homemade garlic bread, bursting with flavor and perfect for any gathering!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the finely minced garlic with softened butter. Add a pinch of salt, a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes to taste, as well as the dried basil and oregano. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Slice the Ciabatta Bread
Take the large ciabatta bread loaf and slice it lengthwise, creating two long halves.
Step 4: Spread the Garlic Butter
Using a spatula or a butter knife, evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over both cut halves of the ciabatta bread.
Step 5: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Once the garlic butter is spread, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the bread for added moisture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet and put them in the preheated oven. Bake until the bread is golden brown and toasty, usually about 10-15 minutes.
Step 7: Add Additional Cheese
After removing the bread from the oven, sprinkle additional cheese over the top of each half, ensuring an even layer.
Step 8: Melt the Cheese
Return the bread to the oven and bake again until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which should take an additional 5-10 minutes.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted to your liking, take the bread out of the oven. Garnish it with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of additional crushed red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Slice the bread into serving pieces and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage
Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, consider wrapping in foil and freezing.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, salads, or as a standalone appetizer at gatherings.
Customization
Feel free to customize the herbs or add different types of cheese based on your preference. Adding mozzarella or provolone can give an extra gooey texture.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven ensures an even cooking temperature, allowing the bread to toast uniformly and achieve a perfect golden crust.
Mixing Flavors
Combining minced garlic, softened butter, and seasonings creates a flavorful spread that enhances the taste of the ciabatta bread.
Slicing Bread
Slicing the ciabatta bread lengthwise allows for optimal coverage of the garlic butter mixture, leading to a more delicious and evenly toasted result.
Drizzling Olive Oil
Drizzling olive oil adds moisture and richness to the bread, contributing to a crispy texture while baking.
Baking Techniques
Baking the bread until golden and toasty activates the flavors and creates a satisfying crunch, essential for a delicious garlic bread.
Melting Cheese
Sprinkling additional cheese and returning the bread to the oven allows the cheese to melt and become gooey, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
Garnishing
Garnishing with fresh herbs and extra crushed red pepper flakes adds a pop of color and fresh flavor, making the dish visually appealing and more aromatic.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, other types of bread like French bread or whole grain can be used as substitutes for ciabatta.
How can I store leftover garlic bread?
Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I make this garlic butter mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Is it possible to make this recipe without cheese?
Yes, you can omit the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version, while still enjoying the delicious garlic flavor.
What can I serve with garlic bread?
Garlic bread pairs well with pasta, soups, and salads, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Conclusion
The garlic ciabatta bread, infused with rich flavors of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, makes for a delightful appetizer or side dish. Its golden, toasty exterior combined with melted cheese offers a perfect balance of crunch and gooeyness that will please any crowd. Serve it warm, and you’ll find it hard to resist going back for another slice.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Toss baby potatoes with minced garlic, olive oil, herbs, and Parmesan, then roast until crispy.
Cheesy Garlic Spinach Dip
Blend fresh spinach, cream cheese, minced garlic, Parmesan, and spices, then bake until bubbly and serve with your favorite bread.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Sauté shrimp in garlic butter, toss with cooked pasta, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Top toasted ciabatta slices with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Bites
Toss cauliflower florets in garlic-infused butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and roast until golden for a tasty side dish.
Herbed Cream Cheese Spread
Mix cream cheese with minced garlic, oregano, basil, and chives for a delicious spread, perfect for crackers or vegetables.
Italian Garlic Sautéed Greens
Sauté your choice of greens with garlic, olive oil, and crushed red pepper for a vibrant side dish.
