There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. Combine that with the rich flavors of garlic butter and gooey mozzarella cheese, and you’ve got a dish that’s impossible to resist. This Simple and Delicious Garlic Butter Bread is the perfect treat—whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a cozy family meal, or simply indulging in a snack.
With a soft, fluffy interior and a golden, cheesy crust, this bread is both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners! Let’s explore how you can create this flavorful bread from scratch.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Bread
This bread is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:
- Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
- Easy to Customize: You can experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and toppings.
- Perfect for Sharing: Its pull-apart style makes it great for gatherings or family meals.
Once you taste the combination of garlic, buttery richness, and melted cheese on soft bread, you’ll never want store-bought garlic bread again!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Bread
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious bread, divided into three main sections for easy preparation.
For the Dough
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Warm water | 70 ml |
Warm milk | 70 ml |
Dry yeast | 1 teaspoon |
Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Egg | 1 |
Melted butter | 2 tablespoons |
All-purpose flour | 320 g |
Salt | ½ teaspoon |
For the Garlic Butter
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
Parsley, chopped | A handful |
Butter, softened | 60 g |
Salt | A pinch |
Honey | 1 teaspoon |
For the Topping
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Mozzarella cheese | Sliced or shredded |
Egg yolk | 1 (mixed with 1 teaspoon milk) |
Poppy seeds (optional) | As desired |
How to Make Garlic Butter Bread
Follow these simple steps to create a soft, flavorful bread that’s loaded with garlic butter goodness.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and the foamy yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and honey until well combined.
- Set aside at room temperature to let the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Shape the Bread
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1 cm thick.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough, ensuring every corner is covered.
- Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other to form a log.
- Slice the log into even pieces, approximately 2-3 cm thick.
Step 4: Assemble and Add Toppings
- Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart to allow for rising.
- Brush the tops of the slices with the egg wash (egg yolk mixed with milk) and sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired.
- Add a slice or generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese to the top of each piece.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Let the dough slices rest for 15 minutes while the oven heats up.
- Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of buttery garlic, soft bread, and gooey cheese.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Bread
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley elevate the flavor of the garlic butter. Avoid substitutes like garlic powder or dried parsley if possible.
- Ensure Proper Rising: The dough should rise in a warm, draft-free environment for the best texture.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is classic, you can use cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Add a Twist: For a spicy kick, sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes over the garlic butter before rolling the dough.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
Garlic butter bread is versatile enough to complement almost any meal. Pair it with spaghetti, creamy soups, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner. It’s also a fantastic appetizer or party snack, guaranteed to please your guests.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on a recipe yielding 12 slices):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Protein | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 24g |
Total Fat | 10g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 180mg |
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Bread
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
2. Can I use pre-made dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought bread or pizza dough works well for a quicker version of this recipe.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the bread in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to restore its crispy edges and melty cheese.
4. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze the baked bread. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen for convenience.
5. How do I adjust the recipe for a smaller batch?
Halve all the ingredients to make a smaller batch of 6 slices. The preparation and baking times remain the same.
6. Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter, use plant-based milk for the egg wash, and opt for vegan cheese.
Conclusion: Bake Your Garlic Butter Bread Today!
This Simple and Delicious Garlic Butter Bread is the ultimate combination of soft, fluffy bread and rich, savory toppings. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the heavenly aroma of homemade garlic butter bread. Happy baking!
PrintSimple and Delicious Garlic Butter Bread: A Must-Try Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
Description
This Simple and Delicious Garlic Butter Bread recipe brings together soft, fluffy homemade bread with rich garlic butter and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect side dish or snack to pair with pasta, soups, or salads—or enjoy on its own!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 70 ml warm water
- 70 ml warm milk
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 320 g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Garlic Butter:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- A handful of parsley, chopped
- 60 g butter, softened
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the Topping:
- Mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 teaspoon milk (egg wash)
- Poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, warm milk, dry yeast, and sugar. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg, melted butter, and frothy yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
Make the Garlic Butter:
- Mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and honey in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.
-
Shape the Bread:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a 1 cm thick rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from a long edge. Slice the log into 2-3 cm thick pieces.
-
Assemble and Add Toppings:
- Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired.
- Top each slice with mozzarella cheese.
-
Bake the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Let the bread slices rest for 15 minutes while the oven heats.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the bread from the oven and cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm and savor the garlic butter and cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Yeast Activation: Ensure the water and milk are warm (around 100-110°F or 37-43°C) to properly activate the yeast.
- Cheese Variations: Parmesan, cheddar, or a cheese blend can be used for a twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be refrigerated overnight and brought to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American