Ingredients
Garlic Bread
- 4 slices sourdough bread (about ½ one small boule), sliced 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons very soft unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Optional: 2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped leafy fresh herbs (e.g. basil, parsley, oregano)
- Optional: 1 cup shredded melty cheese of choice (e.g. mozzarella, fontina, asiago)
- Kosher salt, to season
- Ground black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Prep the Broiler and Baking Sheet: Turn on your oven’s broiler to its highest setting and position a rack in the top third of the oven. Line a small baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
- Toast the Bread: Arrange the sliced sourdough bread on the prepared baking sheet. Broil each side for 2-3 minutes until toasty and golden, watching closely to prevent burning since broilers vary in intensity.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the very soft unsalted butter, finely chopped garlic, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, and the optional parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if using. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste, mixing well to combine.
- Apply Garlic Butter and Finish Broiling: Flip the toasted bread so the initially toasted side is facing up. Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over this side. For cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle shredded melty cheese over the butter before broiling.
- Final Broil to Melt and Crisp: Return the bread to the oven and broil for 1-3 minutes until the butter melts and the garlic is fragrant. For cheese-topped versions, broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and serve immediately alongside your favorite pastas, soups, or salads. Enjoy the warm, flavorful treat!
Notes
- Use 1-inch thick slices of sourdough bread to get the best texture that holds up to broiling.
- Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the bread as broiler strengths can vary significantly.
- Optional parmesan and fresh herbs elevate the flavor but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- Adding shredded cheese before the final broil makes a delicious cheesy garlic bread variation.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper allow you to season to your preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
