Let’s go down The Garlic Bread Trail

The Italian obsession for garlic and for bread is not a lesser-known fact. So it's not a big surprise that they brought these two classic ingredients together to create what has undoubtedly become one of the most popular Italian appetisers worldwide. Essentially made with a loaf of focaccia bread cut into smaller portions, smeared with garlic butter and toasted until crisp and golden brown, Garlic Bread works as an ubiquitous side to every Italian meal. What to know more? Read on.

Revisiting The Origins Of This Globally-Approved Side Dish

Garlic bread is a staple in Italian cuisine and every nook and corner of the country has its own way of consuming it. In most parts of Italy, it is an accompaniment to the main meal, where the bread is perfect to soak up the sauces and flavours of pastas, stews and broths. In some other parts it is served as an appetiser or a side dish during larger-than-life social gatherings, that Italians are so fond of! 

While the history of this dish is somewhat murky and not one that has been best documented, what we do know is that over time the recipe has evolved from what it originally was. It is said to have originated in Southern Italy as a way to use up leftover bread, which was sliced and rubbed with garlic and olive oil. Over time, the garlic bread recipe evolved as butter, or burro, replaced olive oil, and the bread was toasted or baked instead of being grilled.

A fun fact: Garlic bread became a popular side dish across the American Italian restaurants during the 1970s.

Want to know what is used to make garlic bread? Let’s find out!

Well, the name is a great giveaway for you to know the main ingredients, but what else does it take to make the perfect slice of Italian garlic bread? The answer is butter and those Italian herbs that we just can't seem to get enough of! Here are a few steps to follow, in case you decide to make a batch of this delizioso bread at home.

• Pick an Italian bread: you could go for a ciabatta or any kind of sourdough, because the crusty texture of the bread works perfectly.

• Cut it your preferred shape: you could make small crostini shaped ones or slice the loaf horizontally to cut just 2 slices of garlic bread from one Italian loaf.

• Make Garlic Butter: Mix butter or olive oil with minced garlic and Italian herbs like oregano and parsley or just use a generous sprinkling of our Aglio Olio Peperoncino Seasoning and smear it over your sliced bread.

• Bake: Bake the basted breads in a preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, till the bread is golden brown and crisp and the aroma of garlic butter has completely taken over your kitchen! 

As simple as this recipe is, we’ve got a cheats version for this too and trust us, you won't be compromising on the taste. You can JUST smear our Aglio Olio Peperoncino Sauce over bread before baking it and make this easy recipe even easier.

Upgrade your Garlic Bread Game

Even though it is best served warm, when the aroma of the ingredients and crispness of the bread is the most inviting, there really are no hard and fast rules when it comes to serving garlic bread. The flavours of this bread are enough to be enjoyed just the way it is, but you can also use it as a base to create more impact with other Italian appetisers like crostini and bruschetta.

1. Bruschetta

A variation of garlic bread wherein you toast the bread and top it with diced tomatoes, basil and olive oil. Make yourself a mean bruschetta by following these simple steps -

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Slice the Garlic Bread into thin slices and brush with butter.

3. Toast the bread in the oven until lightly browned.

4. Take a small bowl, add in some diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic and salt and pepper to taste.

5. Keep the mix in the refrigerator.

6. Once the mix is chilled, top the toasted bread with it and serve!

2. Crostini

Another variation of garlic bread is made by toasting thin slices of bread and topping it with a variety of toppings, such as goat cheese, prosciutto, or roasted vegetables.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Spread across the garlic bread slices and top each slice with your favourite toppings (a mixture of goat cheese and figs taste delicious.)

3. Toast the Crostinis till golden brown and serve as an appetiser or alongside a salad.

Dishes That Pair Well With Herbed Garlic Bread

The best thing about garlic bread is that it is versatile! You can add it to a brunch platter or take it along in a picnic basket.  It is a great combination to be served with saucy pasta and soups and salads, but is also the perfect accompaniment to coffee and for your breakfast sandwich! 

If you enjoy your wine along with your meals, enjoy the flavours of an authentic herbed garlic bread with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Garlic Bread is perfect anytime and any meal of the day! 

Where Can You Find The Best Garlic Bread And Its Variations

There are so many different types of garlic bread variations that it might sometimes spoil you for choice. Well, do not get overwhelmed, just get our garlic bread trio, which has 3 amazing variations and find out which garlic bread flavour really makes your taste buds sing! You can also browse through our assorted selection of breads to explore a whole world of delicious handcrafted Italian breads.