Everyone loves Garlic Bread, right? Perfect as side dish to accompany a bowl of soup or a large Italian meal, Garlic Bread is also a delicious snack all on its own.
But what is the best type of bread to use for this fabulous treat? The answer might surprise you – French Bread! Before we go any further, let’s define both French Bread and Garlic Bread.
Definition of French Bread
French Bread is a long, thin loaf of bread typically made from white flour, water, and yeast. The dough is rolled into “snakes” and is then twisted or braided before being baked.
French Bread is characterized by a crispy crust, an airy interior, and a slightly chewy texture. It is often called a baguette, due to its long, cylindrical shape and pointed ends.
Garlic Bread is made by spreading a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs on a loaf of bread, then toasting or broiling it. The result is a crispy, aromatic, and flavorful side dish or snack.
Benefits of French Bread for Making Garlic Bread
The benefits of using French Bread for making Garlic Bread are plentiful! First and foremost, the taste of French Bread is hard to beat.
The crispy crust and airy interior add a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the buttery garlic topping. Plus, the slight chewiness of the bread holds up to the buttery topping without becoming soggy.
French Bread is also incredibly versatile. It can be used to make traditional Garlic Bread, as well as any number of variations – from Cheesy Garlic Bread to Herb-infused Garlic Bread to Spicy Jalapeno-Garlic Bread.
Finally, French Bread is relatively low in fat and calories, making it a perfect choice for a more health-conscious snack.
Steps for Making a Perfect Garlic Bread Using French Bread
Making the perfect Garlic Bread using French Bread is surprisingly easy! If you’re looking for the traditional version of this delectable treat, here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Preparing the French Bread
Start by cutting the French Bread into ½” slices. If you’d like, lightly toast the slices in the oven prior to topping.
- Step 2: Creating the Topping Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of butter (melted) and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Then, stir in ½ teaspoon of parsley (dried or fresh) and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Step 3: Applying the Topping to the French Bread
Spread the topping mixture on the French Bread slices, then bake them in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Variations on Traditional Garlic Bread Using French Bread
We’ve outlined the traditional recipe for Garlic Bread made with French Bread, but there are also a variety of delicious variations on this classic dish. Here are a few of our favorites:
Cheesy Garlic Bread with French Bread
Prepare French Bread slices as outlined above. Then top with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle with parsley and oregano, then bake in a 350-degree oven until cheese is melted.
Herb-infused Garlic Bread with French Bread
Prepare French Bread slices as outlined above. Then top with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon each of chopped fresh rosemary, oregano, basil, and thyme.
Bake in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes.
Spicy Jalapeno-Garlic Bread with French Bread
Prepare French Bread slices as outlined above. Then top with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapenos.
Sprinkle with parsley and oregano, then bake in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes.
Nutritional Information of Garlic bread made with French Bread
Garlic Bread made with French Bread is surprisingly low in fat and calories. Here’s the nutritional analysis for a traditional serving of Garlic Bread made with French Bread:
Calories and Macronutrients in Traditional Garlic Bread made with French Bread
Calories: 167
Fat: 3.5g
Carbs: 22.4g
Protein: 3.9g
Calories and Macronutrients in Variations on Garlic Bread made with French Bread
Cheesy Garlic Bread with French Bread
Calories: 215
Fat: 12.5g
Carbs: 22.4g
Protein: 6.9g
Herb-infused Garlic Bread with French Bread
Calories: 167
Fat: 3.5g
Carbs: 22.4g
Protein: 3.9g
Spicy Jalapeno-Garlic Bread with French Bread
Calories: 167
Fat: 3.5g
Carbs: 22.4g
Protein: 3.9g
Pros and Cons of Making garlic bread using french bread
The Pros of making Garlic Bread with French Bread are obvious – it tastes delicious and is relatively low in fat and calories. Additionally, French Bread is an incredibly versatile ingredient – you can use it to make any number of variations on Garlic Bread, from Herb-infused Garlic Bread to Spicy Jalapeno-Garlic Bread.
The one major Con of using French Bread for making Garlic Bread is that it can be slightly harder to slice than other types of bread, like Italian or Sourdough.
Tips for Making your own garlic bread using french bread
Making Garlic Bread with French Bread doesn’t have to be tricky! Here are a few tips to make sure you get the perfect Garlic Bread every time:
• Start with a fresh loaf of French Bread – the bread should be light and springy to the touch.
• Preheat your oven before you start – this will help ensure that the bread is perfectly browned when it’s done.
• Toast the slices lightly before topping – this will add an extra layer of crunch to the Garlic Bread.
• Be generous with the topping – the more butter and garlic, the better!
• Keep an eye on the bread while it’s baking – it can go from perfectly browned to burned in a matter of minutes.
Alternatives to making garlic bread using french bread
If you’re looking for an alternative to using French Bread for making Garlic Bread, try using other types of bread. Italian bread, sourdough, or any type of artisan bread would work well. You could also try using other types of toppings, such as olive oil and herbs, or pesto and Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Garlic Bread is a classic dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish for any meal. French Bread is the perfect choice for making Garlic Bread due to its crispy crust, airy interior, and slight chewiness.
With a few simple steps and some delicious variations, you can make the perfect Garlic Bread using French Bread every time. Bon Appétit!