Are you craving that warm, garlicky, buttery goodness of garlic bread but don't want the fuss? Then this recipe is for you! Forget about kneading dough and waiting for hours – this easy garlic bread recipe uses your bread machine to do all the heavy lifting. Get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality garlic bread in a fraction of the time, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is a delightful addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, proving that homemade cooking can be both simple and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ - 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bread Machine: Grease your bread machine pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Many bread machines have a setting for a basic dough cycle. This recipe fits perfectly.
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Add Ingredients: Add the warm water, sugar, salt, olive oil, and yeast to the bread machine pan in the order specified by your machine's manual. Most machines have a specific order for best results.
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Incorporate Flour: Add 2 ½ cups of flour to the pan. It's best to add the flour gradually to avoid making the dough too dry. Your bread machine will mix the ingredients well.
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Start the Dough Cycle: Select the dough cycle on your bread machine. Allow the machine to knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball. Depending on your machine, this may take about 15-20 minutes.
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Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the bread machine is kneading, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Shape the Bread: Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine and gently shape it into a loaf. You can also make small rolls.
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Brush with Garlic Butter: Brush the top of the dough generously with the garlic butter mixture.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the shaped dough in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Baking time can vary depending on oven and bread size. Always check with a toothpick to make sure the center is cooked through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the garlic bread cool slightly before slicing and serving. It's delicious warm alongside soups, stews, or as a side dish to your favorite meal. This is a true quick dinner idea that will impress everyone!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the dough.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Cheese lovers: Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, in place of Parmesan.
- Herby goodness: Experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or thyme.
- If you don’t have a bread machine, you can certainly make this garlic bread by hand – follow steps 5-9 using your favorite homemade bread recipe.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the amount of bread you make and the ingredients used. A reasonable estimate per slice would be around 150-200 calories, with varying amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. For more precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient quantities.
This easy garlic bread recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes made effortlessly. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a great way to enjoy the comfort of homemade cooking without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!