Not Just Any Garlic Bread: Variations on a Delicious Classic
Enjoy the Health Benefits of Garlic with These Variations on Garlic Bread
Garlic is renown not only for its unique, pungent flavor, but also for its potential health benefits. Scientists have found garlic is helpful for relaxing the arteries, lowering high blood pressure and protecting against cardiovascular disease. Garlic may be helpful in fighting diabetes and infection.
Health benefits are fantastic, but it is garlic's irresistible (to some) flavor that makes it a common theme in cooking. Garlic's flavor is the reason for recipes such as Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Baked Garlic Fries, Baked Garlic Asparagus, and Jo's Baked Garlic Soup.
Garlic bread basically is an Italian or French loaf, split and spread with garlic butter or olive oil, then toasted or broiled. Why not take garlic bread to the next level? Many cooks have. Here are some wonderful variations on classic garlic bread.
"Anthony's Garlic Bread Recipe"
The twist in this recipe is the use of fresh parsley. It simply must be fresh parsley! In my book, fresh parsley is the winner in linguine and clam sauce, too, so I thoroughly understand the cook's emphasis here. Anthony's Garlic Bread Recipe also emphasizes the use of real butter. Additional spices in the recipe are sweet basil, garlic powder (in addition to fresh garlic), and oregano.
"My Dad's Garlic Bread"
My Dad's Garlic Bread Recipe is a classic version to which the cook (and daughter of the recipe holder) , Heidi Swanson, adds chives and lemon zest to finish the bread after it's out of the oven. Swanson sprinkles a little lemon zest on the bread before toasting as well. This gives the bread a "roasted lemon flavor alongside the garlic." If you enjoy reading about cooking, Swanson's back story on her father and his garlic bread recipe is a delight.
"Spinach Garlic Bread" by Rachel Ray
Rachel Ray's "Spinach Garlic Bread" recipe was featured on her television show. In this recipe, fresh baby spinach, as well as 1 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, is incorporated into the classic garlic butter mixture with a food processor. The bread may be baked or broiled. (Many recipes suggest a double-baking method: after toasting in the oven, broil the loaf to crisp the edges and give it a little more color.)
"Dani's Garlic Bread"
Dani Spies gives an excellent video presentation of how to prepare her "Dani's Garlic Bread" recipe. Dani starts with a classic garlic bread. Once the bread is toasted, she finishes it with a pinch of cayenne and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Dani then returns the bread to the oven and broils it until the "edges are toasted and the cheese is melted." It is a very fine looking garlic bread when it comes out of the oven. It certainly nudges one to get cooking for a taste sensation.
Garlic bread is a simple, but amazing addition to many kinds of meals. It is easy to change up, with wonderful results. Variations on the classic garlic bread make it even easier to enjoy the health---and culinary---benefits of garlic.
*** For a different kind of garlic bread altogether, check out this recipe for Roasted Garlic Bread, by Susan, and lay your eyes on a gorgeous photo of what this artisan baker describes as a loaf that turned out "crisp-crusted, cheesy, and mouthwateringly garlicky." Beautiful!
Links to Sources:
"Garlic Boosts Hydrogen Sulfide To Relax Arteries," Science Daily.
"Garlic Chemical Tablet Treats Diabetes I And II, Study Suggests," Science Daily.
"Garlic Hope In Infection Fight," Science Daily.
"Roasted Garlic Mozzarella Mashed Potatoes," Cooks.
"Baked Garlic Fries," Made Healthier.
"Baked Garlic Asparagus," Robbie's Recipes.
"Jo's Baked Garlic Soup," Recipe Source.
"Anthony's Garlic Bread Recipe," Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs.
"My Dad's Garlic Bread," 101 Cookbooks.
"Spinach Garlic Bread," Rachel Ray Show.
"Dani's Garlic Bread," YouTube.
"Roasted Garlic Bread," Wild Yeast.
Published by B.A. Rogers
Rogers grew up in Tampa, Florida, and lives with her husband, two kids, a dog and a cat near the coastal wildlands of North Carolina. As a writer, whether of fiction, information or op-eds, she views her cr... View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentMy favorite recipe: garlic toast with roasted red onions and a bit of cheddar melted on top.
yum! i love bread of any variety :)
Yummy...I could eat any of these every day of the week! Thanks for all the great links!
I love garlic. If only my kids liked it too!
Having had garlic bread spread with roasted garlic once, I am totally smitten with it.
My husband, Ron, will only eat "Ron's garlic bread," made the old fashioned way by rubbing a garlic clove on the bread, sprinkling it with olive oil and broiling it. Myself, I like those frozen and dairy things, but I dare not bring them in the house!