How To Make Garlic Bread With Garlic Powder

Garlic bread is a beloved dish consisting of bread that has been seasoned and topped with garlic. It's especially popular as an appetizer or side dish paired with Italian meals. While you can certainly make garlic bread using fresh garlic cloves, using garlic powder offers some advantages.

Garlic powder provides an easy shortcut - no need to peel and mince fresh garlic cloves! The powdered format also makes it simple to mix the garlic flavor directly into soft butter or oil. Garlic powder has a long shelf life compared to fresh garlic. And it provides a more concentrated and potent garlic punch.

So for fast and easy garlic bread, turning to garlic powder can be the perfect choice. A little goes a long way in infusing recipes with a big garlic taste.

Table of Contents

How to Make Garlic Bread with Garlic Powder

Making garlic bread with garlic powder is simple. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Select the bread. For best results, choose a loaf of Italian or French bread with a soft interior and crusty exterior. Baguettes also work well. Avoid dense whole grain breads, which won't soak up the garlic butter as well.

Make the garlic butter. Soften butter to room temperature. In a small bowl, mix the soft butter with garlic powder, starting with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. Add more to taste if you want a stronger garlic flavor. You can also add dried parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, or other herbs.

Prepare the bread. Cut the loaf horizontally. For softer bread, cut halfway through and don't separate. For crisper bread, slice fully in half.

Spread on the garlic butter. Generously coat the cut sides of the loaf with the garlic butter mixture. Really work it into the nooks and crevices.

Bake. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for crispy edges.

Garnish and serve. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley if desired, and slice to serve warm.

Garlic Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

1 loaf of Italian or French bread
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Cut the bread loaf in half horizontally.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic powder, and chopped parsley if using.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on the two bread halves.
If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the garlic butter.
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned on the edges.
For the last 1-2 minutes of baking, broil to toast the edges and melt the cheese if using.
Remove from oven and slice the loaf into sections. Serve warm.

Tips for Making the Best Garlic Bread with Garlic Powder

Making excellent garlic bread with garlic powder relies on a few simple tricks:

Use fresh, high-quality bread - don't let it sit around and go stale first.
Allow butter to fully soften for easy spreading.
Opt for fresh garlic powder rather than old powder that's lost its potency.
Mix the garlic powder into soft butter before spreading to distribute the flavor.
Spread generously and work the garlic butter into the bread crevices.
Bake immediately after spreading on the garlic butter for optimal flavor and texture.
Watch closely as it bakes since cooking time can vary based on loaf size and oven.
For added flavor, mix minced fresh parsley or other herbs into the garlic butter.
For extra garlic intensity, add a pinch of garlic salt along with the garlic powder.

Customizing Your Garlic Bread

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing garlic bread! Here are some tasty garlic powder garlic bread variations to try:

Cheesy garlic bread: After spreading the garlic butter, top the loaf with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, or other favorite melty cheese before baking.
Herbed garlic bread: Stir 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil, oregano, chives, or other herbs into the garlic butter before spreading.
Chili garlic bread: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter.
Rosemary garlic bread: Add 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary to the garlic butter mixture.
Everything bagel garlic bread: Top with a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, and dried garlic before baking.
Pesto garlic bread: Spread pesto on the loaf before topping with the garlic butter and baking.
Cream cheese garlic bread: Spread a layer of cream cheese on the bread before topping with garlic butter.

Serving Ideas for Garlic Bread Made with Garlic Powder

Garlic bread made with garlic powder makes for an easy, versatile side to serve with all types of meals. Here are some top pairing ideas:

Pasta dishes - spaghetti, baked ziti, chicken alfredo, lasagna
Soups - tomato soup, broccoli cheese soup, French onion soup
Salads - Caesar salad, Italian salad, Greek salad
Appetizer board - with cheeses, oils, dips, olives, meats
Entrees - steak, chicken, seafood, pork chops, meatloaf
Sandwiches and subs - for garlic bread “buns”

Take your garlic bread from plain to party-worthy with a few easy serving ideas:

Brush with olive oil or melted butter then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Pair with a dipping sauce - marinara sauce, balsamic glaze, pesto, or seasoned olive oil.
Serve sliced garlic bread crisps in shot glasses for fun garlic bread “shots”.
Make mini garlic bread by cutting small baguettes horizontally, topping them with garlic butter, and baking.

However you serve your garlic powder garlic bread, it's sure to be a hit!

Storing and Freezing Leftover Garlic Bread

Like most breads, garlic bread is best fresh and should be served immediately if possible. But leftovers can be saved. Here are some storage tips:

Room temperature: Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. Store cut side down on the cutting board or wrap in foil. Do not refrigerate, which speeds up staling.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
Freezing: Let cool completely then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before use.
Reheating: Bake wrapped garlic bread at 300°F for 10 minutes until warm. Or unwrap and bake open-faced for crisper edges.

FAQ

What kind of garlic powder works best for garlic bread?

For optimal flavor, use fresh garlic powder that is less than 6 months old. The garlic flavor fades over time, so older garlic powder won't have the same potency. Purchase garlic powder from a store with high turnover like Trader Joe's. Or make your own by dehydrating fresh garlic cloves.

How can I make garlic bread without butter?

For a dairy-free version, substitute olive oil or melted coconut oil for the butter. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of oil in place of the 4 tablespoons of butter. You can also brush the bread with oil first before topping it with garlic powder and herbs.

What is the best way to reheat leftover garlic bread?

The best way to reheat garlic bread is in the oven. First, wrap the bread in foil. Bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For extra crispiness, unwrap the foil for the last few minutes. Avoid microwaving garlic bread, which makes it rubbery.

Can I make garlic bread without baking it in the oven?

Yes, you can make stove-top garlic bread on the stovetop. Simply toast or grill the bread slices first. Then brush with garlic butter and cook in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Add cheese for the last 1-2 minutes if desired.

What kind of bread works best for making garlic bread?

For the classic garlic bread texture, use a French or Italian loaf with a soft interior and crispy crust. Baguettes and sourdough also work well. Avoid dense whole-grain breads that won't soak up the garlic butter as effectively. Texas toast can be used for a quicker, easier garlic bread.

Conclusion

Garlic bread made with garlic powder is quick, easy, and full of flavor. By mixing garlic powder into soft butter, you can create an intensely garlicky flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.

Customize with different cheeses, herbs, and seasonings to suit your taste. Serve alongside pasta, soups, salads, and more for an instant side dish upgrade.

Store leftovers properly and you can continue enjoying this beloved garlic bread for days to come.