Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Forget store-bought garlic bread that arrives dry and flavorless. This homemade garlic bread is loaded with real garlic, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh ingredients that make every bite irresistible. Perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or any time you crave something warm and delicious straight from the oven.
Ingredients
- 5 baguettes or French bread rolls
- 4 heads of garlic (approximately 200g / 7 oz)
- 1 cup cream cheese (200g / 7 oz)
- 2 tablespoons butter (30g / 1 oz)
- 1 ripe tomato, finely diced
- 300g / 10.5 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley and chives to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Mixture
Peel all garlic cloves from the 4 heads of garlic. Process or blend the garlic until finely chopped but not pureed, leaving small chunks for texture. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
Make the Garlic Spread
Add the cream cheese and butter to the garlic. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed, as the spread should be well-seasoned.
Prepare the Tomatoes and Herbs
Remove the seeds from the ripe tomato and dice it very finely. Chop fresh parsley and chives into small pieces.
Slice the Bread
Cut each baguette completely in half lengthwise to create two separate pieces. This ensures even toasting and easier serving.
Assemble the Garlic Bread
Spread a generous amount of the garlic mixture on each bread half. Don’t be shy with the spread as this gives the bread its incredible flavor. Arrange the bread halves on an ungreased baking sheet.
Add Toppings
Sprinkle the finely diced tomato over each bread piece. Reserve some tomato for the final layer. Add chopped parsley and chives evenly across all pieces.
Top with Cheese
Cover each bread half generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, using all 300g across the 10 pieces. Finish by sprinkling the remaining diced tomato and more fresh herbs on top.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F with the broiler function on. Bake the garlic bread for 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden and crispy.
Serve
Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Time and Serving
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 10 pieces (serves 4-5 people)
Nutrition Per Serving: Calories: 285 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 2g
Why This Recipe Works
This garlic bread stands out because it uses real, fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, creating an authentic and robust flavor. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a creamy base that keeps the bread moist while baking. Fresh tomatoes add brightness and prevent the bread from becoming too heavy, while generous amounts of mozzarella cheese ensure every bite is satisfyingly cheesy. The fresh herbs elevate the dish with a pop of color and freshness that store-bought versions simply cannot match. Making garlic bread at home allows you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients, resulting in a far superior product that costs less than pre-made alternatives.