Crusty Garlic Bread: Homemade Delight!

Crusty Garlic Bread

Making crusty garlic bread from scratch involves baking your own bread and then transforming it into delicious garlic bread. Here’s a step-by-step easy recipe for baking a crusty loaf and turning it into flavorful garlic bread:

Step 1: Make the Bread (Basic Crusty Loaf)

Ingredients for the Bread:
  • 3 ¼ cups (400g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (around 100°F or 38°C)
Instructions for the Bread:
  1. Mix the dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring to form a rough dough.
  2. Knead:
    • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6 minutes.
  3. First rise:
    • Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Shape the dough:
    • Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a round or oval loaf, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a proofing basket.
  5. Second rise:
    • Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes.
  6. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking stone or an upside-down baking sheet inside to heat up, and place a small oven-safe dish of water in the bottom of the oven to create steam for a crusty finish.
  7. Bake the bread:
    • Once the dough has risen, slash the top with a sharp knife and slide it onto the hot baking surface.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crusty. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
    • Let the bread cool on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Bread

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter:
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) or 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella
  • Optional: 1 tsp olive oil (for extra crispiness)
Instructions for the Garlic Bread:
  1. Prepare the garlic butter:
    • In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt. If using Parmesan or mozzarella, mix it in for a cheesy garlic bread option.
  2. Slice the bread:
    • Once your homemade bread has cooled slightly, cut it in half horizontally or into thick slices.
  3. Spread the garlic butter:
    • Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on the cut sides of the bread.
  4. Bake the garlic bread:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the buttered bread cut side up on a baking sheet.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy on the edges. For extra crunch, you can broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes.
  5. Serve:
    • Remove the garlic bread from the oven and slice into pieces. Serve immediately while it’s hot and crusty.

Tips:

  • Steam in the oven (using the water dish) helps create a crispier crust on your loaf.
  • For extra flavor, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes or oregano on the garlic butter before baking.

This method of baking gives you a homemade crusty bread with a delicious garlicky twist—perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or as a standalone snack!

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Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The author of this article is not an expert. It is important to consult with a qualified professional. The content of this blog post is based on the author’s personal experiences, research, and opinions. SmoothiePerks.com nor the author assumes no responsibility or liability for any consequences resulting from the use of this information. By reading this blog post, you acknowledge and accept that the information provided here is not a substitute for professional advice.

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