Gale Force Garlic Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Introducing Gale Force Garlic Bread — a bold twist on a classic favorite that’s bursting with flavor! Perfect for garlic lovers craving something more dynamic, this recipe transforms a simple loaf into a deliciously aromatic treat.

Ingredients for Gale Force Garlic Bread

Butter serves as the creamy base, carrying all the flavors and ensuring the bread crisps up perfectly. The star of the show, garlic, is roasted to mellow out its sharpness, creating a sweet, nutty depth. Freshness comes from parsley and basil, which brighten up the whole dish with their vibrant, herbaceous notes. A pinch of chili flakes provides a subtle heat that elevates the taste without overpowering it. Salt and black pepper are there to balance and enhance all the other flavors. Finally, a touch of olive oil aids in roasting the garlic to perfection.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a serrated knife for easy slicing of the bread without squashing it.
  • Roast extra garlic cloves and store them in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your spice tolerance.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic bread pairs wonderfully with a hearty spaghetti Bolognese or any creamy pasta dish. It also works as a fantastic side for a grilled steak dinner, providing a garlicky counterpoint to the savory meat. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a fresh, crisp salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What if I don't have a French loaf?
A similar crusty bread like Italian or sourdough will work just as well.
How can I store leftovers?
Wrap them in foil and reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.

Gale Force Garlic Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab a whole bulb of garlic and slice the top off to expose the cloves. Place it on a piece of foil, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and wrap it up snugly. Roasting the garlic for about 30 minutes will soften it and bring out that lovely sweetness.

Once the garlic is done and cool enough to handle, squeeze the cloves out into a bowl. They should pop right out of their skins. Mash them up into a paste and mix with the softened butter until well blended. Stir in the chopped parsley, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. You’ll have a fragrant, herby butter ready to spread.

Take your large loaf of French bread and slice it in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over both halves. Place them on a baking sheet with the cut side up, and pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, crispy finish. Once done, slice them up and serve immediately for the best crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Features roasted garlic for an intense, mellow sweetness.
  • Infused with fresh herbs for a garden-fresh taste.
  • Quick and easy to make, yet impressively delicious.
  • Spicy kick from chili flakes adds a surprising twist.

Ingredients

1 large loaf of French bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 bulb garlic
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft.
3. Allow garlic to cool, then squeeze roasted cloves into a bowl and mash with softened butter.
4. Stir in parsley, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Slice French bread in half lengthwise and spread garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves.
6. Place bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Slice and serve immediately.

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