Easy & Fool-proof* Garlic Bread
Years ago my friend Susan taught me how to make garlic bread that was not only delicious, but so incredibly easy it's virtually fool-proof.* In fact, were it not for my friend Jen requesting a profile of this technique, I'm not sure I would have ever remembered to share. After you make it a time or two, hopefully you'll fold it into your routine as well.
You only NEED three ingredients (the fourth is optional)
- 1 French Baguette (you can use other types of bread, but you may need to adjust the quantity of butter and garlic)
- 1 cube butter, softened
- 3-4 garlic heads
- Parmesan or Romano cheese
Divide the baguette in half.Put the garlic into a press and add to the softened butter. Mash together thoroughly so the garlic is evenly incorporated.Spread evenly onto the bread, making sure you get the mixture to the edges. Put the bread on a cookies sheet for baking.If you don't mind the calories or sodium (and I don't!!), sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before putting in the oven. I don't always have the good stuff handy, so I'll use the kind from the jar and it works just fine.
Be sure to note all of those chunks of garlic. Mmmmmm.Put the oven on broil and toast for 3-5 minutes or until the bread is perfectly toasted a into golden brown deliciousness. This is easier said than done. In fact, now might be a good point to mention the big asterisk...
*Fool-proof doesn't mean you won't routinely burn the bread to a blackened crisp, but that you can't mess up the preparation up to this point. I can't tell you how often I burn this bread. Here's how you execute this critical last part...
#1 Use the SECOND rack below the broiler (NEVER THE FIRST)
#2 Turn the bread halfway through the cooking
#3 AVOID multitasking during toasting. PLAN on spending 3-5 minutes staring into the oven.
#4 BEST solution - when one of your guests asks, "How can I help?" given THEM the assignment of watching the bread. If you're like me and prone to distraction, your company will do a better job finishing this project! That's how I achieve the results in the picture below!Serve with your favorite meal. Enjoy!!