Classic Garlic Bread

Gluten-free option, Nut-free option, Soy-free option 

Growing up, we rarely ate stuffed shells or lasagna without a side of garlic bread. For this recipe, all you need is a loaf of your favorite bread, vegan butter, garlic salt and about 20 minutes. Serve it with our Classic Stuffed Shells or Cashew Tofu Sweet Potato Lasagna for the perfect pairing.

The star of this dish is a fresh loaf of bread, preferably a French loaf or your favorite unsliced vegan bread, ensuring a delightful combination of crusty exterior and soft, buttery interior. Vegan butter, at room temperature, serves as the base for the rich and savory garlic spread. The magic ingredient that gives this dish its characteristic zing is garlic salt, which infuses the butter with a robust garlic flavor and just the right amount of saltiness.

Preparing classic garlic bread is a breeze. The bread is sliced in half lengthwise, allowing for even butter distribution. The softened vegan butter is then generously spread on both cut sides of the bread. A sprinkling of garlic salt adds depth and aroma to the bread. The halves are placed on a baking sheet, butter side up, and baked until they achieve a golden brown crust. The result is a fragrant, golden, and flavorful bread that’s perfect for tearing apart and savoring with your favorite pasta dishes, soups, or as a standalone indulgence.

Classic garlic bread is a comforting and versatile accompaniment that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Whether it’s served as a family favorite or at gatherings with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit, delighting taste buds with its delicious simplicity.

PREP TIME: 5 minutes

COOK TIME: 10 to 15 minutes

YIELD: 20 slices

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (16-oz [453-g]) vegan French loaf or your favorite loaf of unsliced vegan bread (gluten-free, nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• ⅓ cup (75 g) vegan butter, at room temperature (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• 1 tbsp (10 g) Garlic Salt or store-bought

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and set aside a baking sheet.
2. Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise.
3. Spread the butter evenly over both of the cut sides.
4. Sprinkle the garlic salt evenly over the butter.
5. Place both halves, butter side up, on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Slice each half into 10 slices and serve immediately.

TIPS:

1. Use Fresh Bread: Start with a fresh loaf of bread, preferably one with a crispy crust and soft interior. This combination creates the perfect texture for garlic bread.
2. Vegan Butter: Choose a quality vegan butter or margarine for the best flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature, so it spreads easily and evenly.
3. Garlic Salt: Garlic salt is a convenient way to infuse your bread with garlic flavor while providing the right amount of saltiness. Adjust the quantity to your taste, but be mindful not to overdo it, as garlic salt can be quite potent.
4. Even Butter Spread: Ensure that you spread the butter evenly across the bread to guarantee a consistent garlic flavor in every bite.
5. Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the bread while it’s in the oven. It can go from golden brown to overdone quickly. Aim for a crisp, golden crust but with a soft interior.
6. Slicing: Slicing the garlic bread into individual servings after baking makes it easy to serve and share.