Garlic Bread
Baked bread with garlic butter.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) 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.
Garlic bread evolved from bruschetta, a simple Italian appetizer featuring grilled bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. The addition of butter, a key component of modern garlic bread, likely developed as Italian immigrants adapted to ingredients readily available in their new homelands, particularly the United States. It also shares similarities with garlic toast which existed before garlic bread became widely popularized.
Garlic bread has become a widely enjoyed accompaniment to Italian-American cuisine, often served alongside pasta dishes, pizza, and salads. It's also a popular appetizer in many restaurants and a common homemade snack.
Italian-American Staple
Garlic bread is almost synonymous with Italian-American dining experiences. It's frequently offered as a complimentary starter or a low-cost add-on to meals.
Pizza's Best Friend
It's a common side dish to pizza, perfect for soaking up leftover sauce or adding an extra layer of flavor to the meal.
Comfort Food
Garlic bread, with its simple preparation and satisfying flavors, is often considered a comfort food.
The dominant flavor is, unsurprisingly, garlic, complemented by the rich taste of butter or olive oil and the toasted, slightly crisp texture of the bread.
The flavor profile is primarily savory, with a strong garlic pungency softened by the fat content of butter or olive oil. The toasting process provides a pleasant crunch and a slightly caramelized flavor to the bread. Herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil may add subtle herbal notes. Cheese variations, such as Parmesan or mozzarella, contribute salty and umami elements.
Garlic Infusion
For a more intense garlic flavor, infuse melted butter or olive oil with minced garlic for a few hours before applying it to the bread. This allows the garlic to fully flavor the fat.
Bread Choice
Sourdough, baguette, or Italian bread are excellent choices due to their structure and ability to withstand toasting. Avoid overly soft bread, which may become soggy.
Toasting Technique
Broiling provides a quick and even toasting method. Watch closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, toasting in the oven at a moderate temperature allows for more control.
Herb Application
Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or oregano *after* toasting to preserve their flavor and color. Dried herbs can be added to the garlic butter before spreading.
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