Are you craving warm, garlicky, buttery bread but short on time? Then this bread machine garlic bread recipe is your answer! Forget complicated kneading and rising; your trusty bread machine does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with perfectly golden-brown, flavorful bread in a fraction of the time. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or simply a comforting treat for yourself. It's a delicious and satisfying homemade dish that's surprisingly simple to make. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bread Machine: Grease your bread machine pan lightly with cooking spray or oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to your bread machine pan. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and will properly leaven the bread.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the olive oil, salt, bread flour, melted butter, minced garlic, parsley (if using), and oregano (if using) to the bread machine pan.
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Select the Dough Cycle: Select the dough cycle on your bread machine. This varies depending on your machine's model, so refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.
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Bake: Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the pan and gently shape it into a loaf. Place it back in the greased pan. Select the bake cycle on your bread machine and let it bake according to the machine's instructions.
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Cool & Serve: Once the bread is baked, remove it from the pan and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving. The warm, garlicky aroma will fill your kitchen – enjoy!
Tips for the Best Garlic Bread:
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh garlic provides the most intense flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in a tough loaf. Let the bread machine do its job.
- Adjust the Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Rosemary, thyme, or a blend of Italian herbs would all be delicious additions.
- Customize the Garlic: For extra garlicky goodness, add a little more minced garlic or brush the top of the loaf with garlic butter before baking.
Variations:
- Cheese Garlic Bread: Add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese to the dough for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Garlic Bread: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Garlic Bread: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. However, generally, expect this recipe to be a moderate source of carbohydrates, with some fat and protein from the flour, butter and yeast.
This easy bread machine garlic bread recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal, from simple pasta dishes to hearty soups. The delicious homemade flavor is unbeatable, and the convenience makes it a perfect recipe for busy weeknights. Enjoy!