Garlic Bread. Some people call it a side dish, we call it a gift from above. Garlic Bread has been claimed by cultures all over the world and everyone’s making it in their own way but the true origin is undecided with people all over the world staking their ownership over this beloved dish (and who can blame them, it’s amazing).
Many think that it stems from the 15th-century Italian Bruschetta - bread toasted over hot coals after being rubbed with garlic, olive oil and salt. The story behind it tells of a king who loved his food so much that he invented all the best chefs to cook for him at his palace and one day when he was sick, one chef named Giuseppe ran out of ingredients so cobbled together this ‘garlic bread’ which soothed the king’s throat and became his favourite.
Others think it was first made by an Italian immigrant in Sydney, Australia who then sold the concept to a sandwich bar. Yet more people believe that Garlic Bread is 100% true blue American and was invented in the 1970s.
Wherever its true origins lie, we know it's here to stay, so if you’re making some at home, here are some top tips to make sure that it’s delicious every time.
Pre-Toast The Bread
It may seem counterproductive since the bread will be baked again anyway, but by lightly buttering and toasting the top of your garlic bread, you can seal in the moisture and prevent it from becoming hard and crusty as it bakes.
Make Garlic Butter
Instead of simply rubbing garlic on your bread, double up on flavour by making garlic butter. Use confit or roasted garlic blended with herbs and paprika to make butter so flavourful it makes your mouth water.
Blend Your Cheese
Using a variety of cheeses can help create different levels of texture and flavour. Make sure it's all grated for the optimum surface area and if you can, microwave your cheese with a few tablespoons of milk to form a cheese paste to spread on your bread. It sounds weird, but trust us, it works.
Bake With A Bowl Of Water
Pour some water into a small metal bowl or ramekin and put it in the oven while you’re baking your garlic bread. It creates steam in the oven and prevents the garlic bread from drying out so you have soft, delicious bread with crusty cheese on top.
Top It Up
You can definitely add some toppings underneath your cheese for flavours such as corn, olives or jalapenos, but if you add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, chopped arugula or some finely diced gherkins, you can amp up the flavour to a whole new level.