Garlic bread with sauce is one of my favorite side dishes to make on a lazy weeknight or to bring to a potluck. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s a crowd favorite. While the recipe below should act as a general guideline, feel free to adjust it based on what tastes good to you, specifically if you like more or less garlic.
Garlic Bread
- 1 loaf fresh artisan bread (Italian, ciabatta or baguette preferred)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- Small bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup cheese (Italian blend or mozzarella preferred)
- Grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 450°.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and parsley, stirring occasionally until garlic is sizzling but not yet golden-brown. Remove pan from heat and add kosher salt to taste.
- Slice loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Spread the oil mixture on both halves of bread using a basting brush.
- Grate Parmesan cheese lightly over both halves of bread. Sprinkle cheese blend over bottom half of the bread only.
- Put the loaf back together and wrap in tinfoil.
- Bake until loaf is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Let cool for 3-5 minutes, then cut and serve.
Sauce
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat olive oil and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat until garlic is almost golden-brown.
- Add can of diced tomatoes and cayenne pepper, stirring occasionally. Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Let sauce come to a boil. Allow sauce to cook for about 15 minutes, then bring to a simmer until ready to serve.
Voilà! Crave-worthy cheesy garlic bread!
