Garlic bread is a favorite for many, pairing perfectly with pasta, soups, or as a tasty snack on its own. While store-bought versions are convenient, they often lack that special touch that makes them truly flavorful. Luckily, with a few easy upgrades, you can turn store-bought bread into something much more exciting.
In this guide, we’ll cover creative ways to improve store-bought bread. From adding extra ingredients like cheese and herbs to trying out fresh toppings, these simple tricks will help you take your side dish to the next level.
Why Choose Store-Bought Garlic Bread?
Store-bought bread is a popular choice because it’s quick and easy to prepare. You can find pre-sliced or whole loaves at nearly every grocery store, making it a convenient option for busy nights or unexpected gatherings. It saves time in the kitchen and provides a reliable base to build on.
Reasons to choose store-bought include:
- Time-Saving: With no prep needed, you can simply heat it up and serve.
- Consistent Flavor: Pre-made garlic bread offers consistent flavor and texture every time.
- Available Everywhere: It’s easy to find in grocery stores, either fresh or frozen.
Even though store-bought options are convenient, they sometimes need a bit of help to achieve the flavor and texture of freshly made bread. By adding a few extra ingredients, you can elevate the taste.
How to Jazz Up Store-Bought Garlic Bread
There are many ways to enhance pre-made bread and make it more flavorful. Here are some easy ideas to get started:
1. Boost the Garlic Flavor
Store-bought varieties often have a milder garlic taste. To intensify it, try adding fresh ingredients.
- Fresh Garlic: Mince a few cloves and spread them on the bread before baking to enhance the flavor.
- Roasted Garlic: For a more subtle, caramelized flavor, roast whole garlic cloves and spread them on top.
- Garlic Paste: You can also use garlic paste for a smooth and bold garlic punch.
2. Add Herbs for Freshness
Fresh herbs add a fragrant and flavorful touch.
- Parsley: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of green and brightness.
- Rosemary and Thyme: These herbs offer a more aromatic flavor and pair well with richer meals.
- Basil or Oregano: For an Italian flair, use basil or oregano, especially if serving the bread with pasta.
3. Make It Cheesy
Cheese is an easy way to make garlic bread more indulgent.
- Mozzarella: A stretchy, gooey option that melts beautifully.
- Parmesan: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and a crispy texture when baked.
- Cheddar: For a more robust flavor, add cheddar for a rich, creamy finish.
Simply sprinkle your preferred cheese on top before baking to create cheesy garlic bread. If you want extra crispiness, broil it for the last minute or two.
4. Use Compound Butter
Upgrading the butter can make a big difference.
- Garlic-Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with garlic and herbs, then spread it on before baking.
- Cheese Butter: Add Parmesan or cheddar to your butter mixture for extra depth.
- Spicy Butter: Mix in chili flakes or paprika for a bit of heat.
Spread this butter on your bread before baking to infuse it with more flavor.
5. Top with Vegetables or Other Toppings
Vegetables can turn garlic bread into a more substantial side.
- Tomatoes: Add fresh tomato slices to create a bruschetta-inspired bread.
- Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with herbs for an earthy flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet caramelized onions add a lovely contrast to the savory garlic.
Adding toppings can make the dish more filling and nutritious, while also enhancing flavor.
6. Spice It Up
For those who enjoy a little heat, adding some spice can take the bread to the next level.
- Chili Flakes: A simple sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick.
- Sriracha: Drizzle some hot sauce over the top for an extra spicy touch.
- Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for a bold, spicy contrast.
These spicy additions can make garlic bread more exciting and flavorful for those who like a little heat.
7. Make Garlic Bread Sandwiches
Transform the bread into a sandwich by adding fillings:
- Meatball Sub: Use garlic bread as the base for a meatball sandwich.
- Grilled Cheese: Add cheddar between two slices and grill for a melty, garlicky sandwich.
- Ham and Cheese: Layer ham and cheese for a savory meal.
These sandwiches are perfect for lunches or easy snacks.
8. Drizzle with Olive Oil
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil after baking can enhance the flavor and add a peppery finish. You can also use garlic-infused olive oil for extra depth.
How to Keep Garlic Bread Crispy
If your bread has softened, there are ways to restore its crispy texture:
- Oven Reheat: Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Broil It: For faster results, place the bread under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Avoid microwaving, as this can make the bread chewy instead of crispy.
Transporting Garlic Bread
To keep your garlic bread fresh during transport, follow these tips:
- Let It Cool Slightly: Allow the bread to cool after baking to release steam and prevent sogginess.
- Wrap Loosely: Use parchment paper or a clean towel to wrap the bread. This helps keep it warm without trapping too much moisture.
- Use an Insulated Bag: For longer trips, place the bread in an insulated bag to maintain its temperature.
If necessary, reheat the bread in the oven for a few minutes upon arrival to restore crispiness.
Nutritional Benefits
Although garlic bread is often considered indulgent, it can offer some health benefits when made with the right ingredients:
- Garlic: Rich in antioxidants and known for its heart health benefits.
- Whole-Grain Bread: Whole-grain options provide more fiber than white bread.
- Olive Oil: Replacing butter with olive oil adds healthy fats and lowers saturated fat content.
By making a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a healthier version of this popular dish.
Common Questions
How do you make store-bought garlic bread better?
You can improve pre-made bread by adding fresh garlic, herbs, or cheese. Experiment with toppings like tomatoes or mushrooms to create a gourmet version.
How do you make garlic bread crispy again?
Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or use the broiler for 1-2 minutes for a faster solution. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soft.
How do you transport cooked garlic bread?
Let it cool slightly, then wrap it loosely in parchment paper or a kitchen towel. Use an insulated bag to keep it warm, and reheat it at your destination if needed.
Conclusion
Elevating store-bought garlic bread is easy with these simple upgrades. By adding fresh garlic, herbs, cheeses, or toppings, you can turn a simple side dish into a gourmet treat. Whether you’re serving it at dinner or enjoying it as a snack, these ideas will help you bring out the best in your bread.
For more information on garlic bread, check out this Wikipedia article. And if you’re dealing with frozen bread, learn how to handle it in our guide on breaking apart frozen garlic bread.