American Garlic Bread

American Garlic Bread Recipe with Parmesan Cheese and Black Pepper

Region / culture: Italy, USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

American Garlic Bread is a beloved side dish that has found its way into the hearts of food lovers across the globe. This recipe transforms a simple loaf of Italian bread into a delectable, aromatic treat that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Featuring a rich blend of roasted garlic, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese, this garlic bread recipe promises to deliver a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

History

The concept of garlic bread likely originated from bruschetta, a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to ancient times. However, the American version of garlic bread, slathered with butter and garlic, began gaining popularity in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s alongside the rise of Italian-American cuisine. This recipe has evolved over the years, with various adaptations adding different herbs, cheeses, and preparation methods to enhance its flavor.

Ingredients

9 to 10 cloves of garlic, with skins left on
6 tbsp of unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese
0.5 tsp of salt
1 loaf of high-quality italian bread
ground black pepper

How to prepare

Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
Toast the garlic cloves in a small skillet over medium heat.
Once cool enough to handle, peel and mince the cloves.
In a small bowl, mash together the garlic, butter, cheese, and salt until thoroughly combined.
Evenly spread the butter mixture on the cut sides of the loaf and season to taste with pepper.
Transfer the loaf halves, buttered side up, onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake.
Cut each half into 2-inch slices and serve immediately.

Variations

Add herbs such as parsley, oregano, or basil to the garlic butter mixture for an extra flavor dimension.
For a spicier version, include a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Substitute mozzarella for Parmesan cheese for a gooey, melted topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To achieve the perfect garlic bread, consider these tips:

- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Roasting the garlic before mixing it with the butter will mellow its bite and add a sweet, complex flavor.

- Opt for high-quality Italian bread with a crispy crust and soft interior for a satisfying texture contrast.

- For an even richer taste, you can mix a small amount of olive oil with the butter.

- Spread the garlic butter mixture all the way to the edges of the bread to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this garlic bread as a side with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or any Italian-inspired meal. It's also perfect for dipping into marinara sauce or olive oil.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the garlic before incorporating it into the butter enhances its sweetness and depth of flavor, a key technique in this recipe. Baking the bread at a high temperature quickly crisps the exterior while keeping the interior soft.

Ingredient Substitutions

Vegan butter and nutritional yeast can be used as dairy-free substitutes for butter and Parmesan cheese.

- If Italian bread is unavailable, a French baguette can be a suitable alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

The garlic butter mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. Spread it on the bread just before baking for fresh garlic bread anytime.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the garlic bread with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch. Serve on a wooden cutting board for a rustic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This garlic bread pairs beautifully with red wines such as Chianti or Merlot, which complement the rich, savory flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this garlic bread contains approximately 250 calories. The majority of these calories come from the carbohydrates in the bread and the fats in the butter and cheese.

Carbohydrates

A serving of this garlic bread contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of these carbohydrates is the Italian bread, which provides the body with energy.

Fats

Each serving of garlic bread has about 14 grams of fat, mainly from the unsalted butter. The Parmesan cheese also contributes a small amount of fat. These fats add richness and flavor to the bread, making it irresistibly delicious.

Proteins

This garlic bread recipe provides around 6 grams of protein per serving. The protein comes from the Italian bread and Parmesan cheese, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic bread is a source of several vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the Parmesan cheese and various B vitamins from the bread. Garlic itself is rich in vitamins C and B6, manganese, selenium, and other antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter and cheese). Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, this garlic bread is a delicious side dish that provides energy from carbohydrates, richness from fats, and nutritional benefits from proteins and various vitamins and minerals. However, it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie content and the presence of common allergens.

Summary

This American Garlic Bread recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to any meal. With its rich history and versatile nature, it's a dish that can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether enjoyed as a side or as a snack on its own, garlic bread is sure to be a hit among all who try it.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret, who had just returned from a trip to the United States. She had brought back with her a cookbook filled with American recipes, and as she flipped through its pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for American Garlic Bread.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of butter, garlic, and herbs sounded absolutely delicious. Margaret, who knew of my love for cooking, graciously offered to share the recipe with me. I eagerly copied it down in my notebook, making sure to jot down all the ingredients and steps in detail.

When I returned home, I couldn't wait to try out the recipe. I gathered all the ingredients - a loaf of French bread, butter, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese - and got to work. As I mixed the butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley, the aroma that filled my kitchen was absolutely heavenly.

I sliced the French bread in half lengthwise and spread the butter mixture generously over each half. I then sprinkled on a generous amount of Parmesan cheese and popped the bread into the oven to bake. The smell that wafted out of the oven as the bread baked was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the finished product.

When the bread emerged from the oven, golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. I eagerly sliced it into pieces and served it to my family, who all raved about how delicious it was. From that moment on, American Garlic Bread became a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit our tastes. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or swap out the Parmesan for mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy twist. But no matter how I choose to make it, the smell of garlic bread baking in the oven never fails to bring a smile to my face.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its simple yet delicious flavors. It has become a go-to dish for potlucks and parties, always disappearing within minutes of being set out on the table.

As I look back on the day I first discovered the recipe for American Garlic Bread, I can't help but feel grateful for the wonderful friends and experiences that have brought me to this point. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and finding new and exciting recipes to try out has been a joy throughout my life.

So here's to American Garlic Bread - a dish that has brought me so much joy and satisfaction over the years. May it continue to be a staple in my kitchen for many more years to come, and may it bring as much happiness to those who taste it as it has brought to me. Cheers to good food, good friends, and good memories!