My boys are growing fast and their appetites are astounding, so I’m continually on the lookout for effortless ways to prepare tasty, crowd-pleasing dishes. Thus, when King Arthur Baking, a favorite flour brand of ours, sent a box of their pull-apart garlic bread mix, we couldn’t wait to give it a go…
As loyal customers of King Arthur Baking—a certified B Corp dedicated to offering high-quality, responsibly sourced flour—we’ve baked countless cookies, zucchini muffins, and pancakes with their products since 2020. They are also known for their fabulous breakfast kits, blueberry muffins, gluten-free options, and decadent chocolate lava cakes. The boys and I particularly adore their pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon mixes.
For our dinners, we frequently enjoy pasta, soup, or chicken, so we were eager to sample the pull-apart garlic bread as a delightful side. The process is straightforward: Combine the kit ingredients with butter and water in a large mixing bowl, then knead the dough by hand for two minutes. Next, divide the dough into 24 balls (which is quite meditative), place them in a pan, and allow them to rise for 15 minutes. After that, drizzle melted butter and garlic seasoning over the dough before letting it rise again for another 15 minutes. Finally, bake for 22-28 minutes.
The final outcome? A large tray of piping hot, fluffy garlic rolls. We devoured them, and our neighbors, who joined us for dinner, enjoyed them as well. It’s such a simple, comforting addition to our meals, and I’m thrilled to make these kits a regular occurrence.
Which King Arthur bread mix would you choose to make? Their tender flatbread is excellent for homemade pizza, and their focaccia mix is delicious (we like to add olives). Plus, their muffins and cookies are fantastic. You can explore all their mixes here, if you’re interested.
P.S. “The number one piece of advice I’d share with new parents about family dinners,” and what’s your signature dish?
(Photos by Yossy Arefi for Cup of Jo. This post is sponsored by King Arthur Baking. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cup of Jo.)
# Quick and Easy Garlic Bread Recipe for Dinner
Garlic bread is a tasty and effortless side dish that goes wonderfully with pasta, soups, or salads. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or whipping up a quick meal, this swift and simple garlic bread recipe will curb your cravings in no time. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can savor warm, buttery, and flavorful garlic bread in less than 15 minutes.
## Ingredients
To prepare this quick and easy garlic bread, you will need:
– **1 loaf of French or Italian bread** (cut in half lengthwise)
– **4 tablespoons of unsalted butter** (softened)
– **3 cloves of garlic** (minced)
– **2 tablespoons of fresh parsley** (chopped)
– **¼ teaspoon of salt**
– **¼ teaspoon of black pepper**
– **¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes** (optional, for a spicy touch)
– **¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese** (optional, for added flavor)
## Instructions
### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. For crisper garlic bread, you can switch to **broil** during the last few minutes of baking.
### Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the **softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes** (if desired). Mix until all ingredients are well blended.
### Step 3: Apply the Garlic Butter
Using a butter knife or spoon, evenly distribute the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the **French or Italian bread**. Ensure the entire surface is coated for optimal flavor.
### Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
To create a cheesy garlic bread variation, sprinkle **grated Parmesan cheese** over the buttered bread before placing it in the oven.
### Step 5: Bake the Garlic Bread
Position the prepared bread halves on a **baking sheet**, cut side facing up. Bake in the preheated oven for **10-12 minutes**, or until the edges become golden brown.
### Step 6: Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
For an extra crispy garlic bread, turn the oven to **broil** and cook for an additional **1-2 minutes**. Keep a vigilant eye on it to avoid burning.
### Step 7: Slice and Serve
Take the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Cut into smaller pieces and serve warm alongside your favorite dishes.
## Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread complements:
– **Pasta dishes** (such as spaghetti, lasagna, or Alfredo)
– **Soups** (like tomato soup or minestrone)
– **Salads** (such as Caesar salad)
– **Grilled meats or seafood**
## Tips for the Optimal Garlic Bread
– **Use fresh garlic** for the most robust flavor. If fresh garlic isn’t available, substitute with **½ teaspoon of garlic powder**.
– **Experiment with different cheeses** like mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy variation.
– **Opt for olive oil instead of butter** for a dairy-free alternative.
– **Incorporate herbs** like oregano or basil for added seasoning.
## Conclusion
Crafting homemade garlic bread is quick, simple, and only requires a handful of ingredients. Whether you serve it as a side or a snack, this straightforward recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Try it tonight and revel in the rich, buttery, and garlicky delight along with your dinner!
Share in the comments how your garlic bread turned out! 🍞🧄✨
