Roasted Garlic Bread Spread

Roasting the garlic first transforms it from sharp and pungent to sweet, mellow, and deeply flavorful. This spread is perfect for making the ultimate garlic bread.

Here is the complete recipe with instructions, plus some tips and variations.

Roasted Garlic Bread Spread

This recipe makes a generous amount of spread, perfect for 2-3 large baguettes or a loaf of Italian bread. It can be easily halved or stored for future use.

Yields: Enough for 2-3 loaves of bread
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes (for roasting garlic)

Ingredients

• 3 whole heads of garlic

• Olive oil, for drizzling

• 2 cups (4 sticks / 452g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (use 1 teaspoon if you only have table salt)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried oregano and basil)

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Slice about 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the top of each head of garlic to expose the cloves. Discard the tops.

3. Place each head on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil, making sure it seeps down into the head.

4. Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil to create a little packet.

5. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft, golden brown, and easily pierced with a knife.

6. Let the garlic cool until it’s safe to handle.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Spread

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the entire contents of each head (the soft, caramelized paste) directly into the bowl with the butter. You can also pop the cloves out with your fingers or a small fork.

3. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Garlic Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice a loaf of French bread or a baguette in half lengthwise.

3. Spread the roasted garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.

4. Optionally, sprinkle with a little extra parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Place the bread on a baking sheet, buttered-side up, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.

6. For a browned, bubbly top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch closely!).

7. Slice and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Roasted Garlic Bread

• Softened Butter is Key: Take the butter out of the fridge at least 1-2 hours ahead of time. It should be soft enough to easily mix, but not melted.

• Testing Garlic Doneness: The roasted garlic is done when the cloves are deeply golden, soft, and have a jam-like consistency.

• Make-Ahead: This spread can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before using.

• Flavor Variations:

  • Cheesy: Add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese to the butter mixture.

  • Spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

  • Herby: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped chives or 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves along with the parsley.

• For Grilling: Instead of baking, place the buttered bread directly on the grill over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until toasted and slightly charred.

Enjoy your incredibly flavorful, aromatic homemade garlic bread