This Garlic Bread is a decadent, buttery treat loaded with cheesy goodness and herb-infused flavors. With the rich taste of garlic confit and a touch of honey and chili flakes for balance, it’s the ultimate side dish or appetizer to elevate any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful: Garlic confit, cheese, and butter combine for an irresistible taste.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack.
- Customizable: Adjust toppings like chili flakes, honey, or cheese to your liking.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the butter in advance for future use.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 250 g salted butter
- 24-30 garlic confit cloves
- 1 tbsp garlic confit olive oil
- 1 large handful parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup pecorino romano, plus extra for garnish
- 50 g mozzarella
- 1 ciabatta loaf, cut in half lengthways
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili flakes
Directions
Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter
- In a food processor, blend the garlic confit cloves, salted butter, parsley, and pecorino romano until smooth and well combined.
- Chill the butter in the fridge for 20 minutes to slightly harden, making it easier to spread.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
- Spread approximately 4 tablespoons of the garlic butter onto each half of the ciabatta loaf.
- Sprinkle additional pecorino romano and the mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread.
Step 3: Grill the Bread
- Place the bread under the grill (broiler) and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
- Remove the bread from the grill. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley, chili flakes, and drizzle with honey.
- Slice the bread and serve immediately.
Step 5: Store Leftover Butter
- Roll any leftover garlic butter into a log using parchment paper and store in the fridge.
- Use the butter for toast, roasted vegetables, chicken, or eggs, or make more garlic bread! It can be stored for up to 3 weeks.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Variations
- Cheese options: Swap pecorino romano with Parmesan or add Gruyere for a unique flavor.
- Spicy version: Increase the chili flakes for extra heat.
- Herb blend: Add fresh basil or oregano to the garlic butter for more depth.
- Bread choices: Use sourdough, French bread, or baguette instead of ciabatta.
- Vegan option: Replace butter and cheeses with plant-based alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in a toaster oven.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked, buttered bread halves. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
What is garlic confit?
Garlic confit is garlic cloves slowly cooked in olive oil until soft and caramelized, offering a rich, mellow flavor.
Can I use raw garlic instead of garlic confit?
Yes, but raw garlic has a sharper taste. Mince it finely and use sparingly in the butter.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Keep a close eye on the bread while grilling, as it can brown quickly.
Can I skip the honey?
The honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors, but it’s optional.
What’s the best way to slice the bread?
Use a sharp serrated knife for clean slices without crushing the bread.
Can I prepare the butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! The garlic butter can be made days in advance and stored in the fridge.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free loaf or baguette for a gluten-free version.
Can I add more toppings?
Yes! Try sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, but you may need to add a pinch of salt to the garlic butter mixture.
What pairs well with this garlic bread?
Serve alongside pasta, soup, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Garlic Bread is the ultimate indulgence, combining buttery richness, cheesy goodness, and herbaceous flavors with a hint of sweetness and spice. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Make a batch today and savor every slice of this decadent treat!
PrintGarlic Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Grilling/Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Garlic Bread featuring a cheesy, buttery spread infused with garlic confit, pecorino romano, and fresh herbs. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe elevates a classic favorite to a gourmet treat!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Spread:
- 250 g salted butter
- 24–30 garlic confit cloves
- 1 tbsp garlic confit olive oil
- 1 large handful parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup pecorino romano (plus extra for topping)
- 50 g mozzarella
For the Bread:
- 1 ciabatta loaf, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili flakes
Instructions
- Make the Garlic Butter Spread:
- Add the garlic confit cloves, salted butter, parsley, and pecorino romano into a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Refrigerate the butter mixture for 20 minutes to allow it to slightly harden.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Spread approximately 4 tablespoons of the garlic butter onto each slice of the ciabatta loaf.
- Sprinkle additional pecorino romano and mozzarella evenly over the buttered bread.
- Grill the Bread:
- Place the bread slices under a preheated grill (broiler) and cook for 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Add Finishing Touches:
- Remove the bread from the grill. Garnish with finely chopped parsley, chili flakes, and a drizzle of honey.
- Serve:
- Slice the bread into portions and serve immediately.
- Store Leftover Garlic Butter:
- Roll the remaining garlic butter into a log using parchment paper. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Use it for toast, roasting chicken or vegetables, frying eggs, or making more garlic bread!
Notes
- Flavor Boost: For a more intense garlic flavor, mash a few extra garlic confit cloves into the butter before spreading.
- Bread Options: Substitute ciabatta with sourdough or baguette for variation.
- Cheese Choices: Try Parmesan, Gruyère, or cheddar as alternatives for pecorino romano and mozzarella.
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