Bread & rolls
Garlic bread with parsley butter
Toasted bread spread with garlic, butter and parsley.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Servings / pieces
- 4
- Topic
- Bread & rolls
This garlic bread starts with an already baked loaf. Use softened butter so garlic and herbs distribute evenly rather than forming isolated sharp pockets. Splitting a long loaf lengthways creates a broad toasted surface. Garlic burns before the entire bread dries, so keep the temperature moderate and watch the final stage. Parsley adds freshness but does not replace the actual garlic quantity. Serve the warm bread with a simple salad, tomato soup or pasta dish rather than leaving it waiting uncovered.
Method
Step by step
- 01
Prepare
Heat the oven to 190°C conventional. Split bread lengthways and place cut-side up on the tray.
- 02
Prepare garlic
Peel and finely grate garlic. Wash parsley, dry thoroughly and chop finely.
- 03
Mix butter
Combine butter evenly with garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Reduce added salt if using salted butter.
- 04
Spread
Distribute the butter to the edges without leaving thick heaps of garlic in isolated spots.
- 05
Toast
Bake for 10–14 minutes until the edges are crisp and the surface golden. Rest briefly, then slice crossways into portions.
Times are a guide. Your hob, oven and ingredients affect the result; use the cooking cues as well as the clock.
Choosing bread
A moderately open loaf absorbs butter without becoming completely soggy. Very old, hard bread will not become fresh simply through added butter; use it instead for smaller toasted cubes where drying is intentional.
Controlling garlic flavour
Three cloves are a starting point because size and pungency vary. Use less for a milder result. Watch dry garlic pieces on the surface near the end: they brown more readily than the surrounding buttery crumb. Under a grill or broiler, garlic can darken very quickly. The conventional oven setting specified here allows more control. Cut portions on a board rather than working with a knife directly on the hot baking tray.
Kitchen questions
One more question?
Can I use olive oil?
Yes, for a different version. Apply a thin layer and distribute garlic evenly.
Why does it taste bitter?
Burnt garlic is a common cause. Reduce top heat and check earlier.
Can I mix the butter ahead?
Yes; keep it covered and chilled. Soften before spreading to avoid tearing the bread. Toast the prepared loaf shortly before serving so its edges remain crisp.
