Description
Classic Italian garlic bread combines crusty bread with garlic-infused butter for a savory, irresistible appetizer. Explore traditional methods and creative twists like cheesy spaghetti-stuffed loaves that elevate this timeless favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large French or Italian loaf (12 oz/350 g)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti (for stuffed loaf variation)
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato pasta sauce (for stuffed loaf)
- ½ lb (225 g) ground beef (optional, for stuffed loaf)
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup chicken ham, diced (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs: rosemary, oregano, chives
- Optional cheeses: provolone, Parmesan
- Optional add-ins: caramelized onions, crumbled bacon, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- For classic garlic bread, mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley; add optional herbs if desired.
- Slice the loaf diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces without cutting all the way through (for pull-apart style) or slice fully for individual pieces.
- Spread garlic butter mixture evenly on each slice or inside the loaf for pull-apart.
- Wrap pull-apart loaf in foil; bake for 10–12 minutes, then unwrap and bake 3 more minutes for a golden crust.
- For spaghetti-stuffed loaf: cook spaghetti al dente; drain.
- In skillet, cook turkey bacon until crisp; add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic, chicken ham, Italian seasoning, tomato sauce; simmer 3–4 minutes. Season to taste.
- Mix spaghetti with sauce and meat mixture.
- Slice top third off loaf lengthwise; hollow out both halves leaving ½ inch border.
- Spread garlic herb butter inside hollowed loaf.
- Fill bottom half with spaghetti mixture; sprinkle mozzarella on top; cover with loaf top.
- Wrap loaf tightly in foil; bake 15 minutes. Unwrap and bake additional 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and crust is golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with extra marinara if desired.
Notes
Use crusty bread like baguette or Italian loaf for best texture. For crispier edges, finish baking uncovered. Customize herbs and cheese blends to taste. Store leftovers in airtight container; reheat at 350 °F (175 °C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Freeze unbaked stuffed loaf wrapped tightly for up to one month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg