By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D.
No matter if you are having spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti, it is likely you will be looking to complete your meal with a crispy slice of garlic bread. Garlic bread is a perfect accompaniment to soak up the extra red sauce on your plate – you can’t beat a slice of bread infused with buttery garlic flavor. This delicacy is also often infused with cheese and herbs. But is there one specific type of bread that makes the best slice of this treat?
How do you make garlic bread? What types of bread can you use for garlic bread?
A basic recipe for garlic bread starts by splitting a loaf of bread in half lengthwise, similar to how you split a roll for a sandwich. Butter, garlic, and parsley are combined in a bowl and adjusted to taste. The garlic mixture is then spread across the open face of the bread, which is then placed into a hot oven (around 400 degrees) for 10 minutes, or until the butter has melted. Just as you can change the butter mixture to satisfy your taste buds, you can also add extra cheeses or other toppings to your liking.
Is garlic bread made from Italian bread?
Garlic bread can be made from Italian bread. Any bread with a thick crust – such as ciabatta – are favorites for delicious garlic bread. Ciabatta is a good choice for garlic bread as it can be easily cut horizontally, and provides an open crumb with a soft interior texture, perfect for the garlic butter. And after toasting, ciabatta garlic bread still has that great crunchy exterior characteristic of excellent garlic bread.
Can you use French bread or baguette for garlic bread? What is garlic baguette made of?
French bread is a great choice for garlic bread as well. French bread has a classic soft interior, with a flaky, crispy crust, similar to ciabatta. Baguettes can also be used for garlic bread, but have a crunchier texture than Italian bread and French bread. Garlic baguette is made the same way as garlic bread, it is just made with a French baguette instead of a loaf. Often, to best prepare garlic baguette, cut the baguette into slices instead of cutting the bread in half lengthwise before applying the garlic-butter mixture.
What’s the difference between garlic bread vs Texas toast? Is Texas toast the same as garlic bread?
Typically, garlic bread is made with breads that have a hard crust (e.g. French bread, ciabatta, baguette). Texas toast is made by spreading butter on both sides of a slide of bread and broiling or grilling it until it is light brown – sometimes garlic is added to the butter as well. Although made in a similar fashion to garlic bread, Texas toast has a soft crust and soft fluffy interior, more similar to sandwich bread you would buy at the store than the crunchy breads used in garlic bread.
What is the best bread for garlic bread?
French breads and Italian breads top the list for the best bread for garlic bread, but the best choice between these comes down to personal preference. For example, ciabatta is a flat Italian bread with a larger crumb (bigger holes) but still with a crunchy crust. French bread and baguettes are longer and thinner with chewy texture and a crispy crunchy crust. You cannot go wrong with either ciabatta or baguette for garlic bread!
How do you heat up garlic bread in the oven? What are directions to bake frozen garlic bread?
Made fresh, garlic bread can be heated in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 10 minutes, or until the butter melts. Homemade garlic bread can also be frozen before you bake it, and lasts up to 3 months in the freezer – but you can also buy already prepared garlic bread at the store. There is no need to thaw frozen garlic bread, it can go straight from the freezer to the oven. The oven should be heated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the garlic bread butter side up on a baking sheet and bake for around 5 minutes, or until the butter melts and the edges are golden.
Where can I buy the best bread for garlic bread online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include sourdough demi baguette, sourdough loaf, and sourdough whole wheat. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
