I know it's super unhealthy, but sometimes you just got to have a big Italian dinner and say to hell with it! At least I do. :) I have a pretty intense recipe for garlic bread that is a HUGE family favorite, so I thought I should share. It is really garlicy, but more then just that, its herby, buttery, cheesey, and not soggy!
Here's how I do it:
Take french bread, and cut into nice servable sized slices for garlic bread. Sprinkle with a little Parmesan and pepper. The Parmesan will help to absorb the butter so it doesn't make the bread soggy, plus add a salty element. Place on an oven safe dish. I used a glass pyrex casserole dish as it keeps them upright with the sides, but as long as you cut it pretty straight it should be fine.
In a saucepan melt one stick of unsalted butter over low heat, just want it to gently melt. When it is all melty, add an obscene amount of garlic, I used about 2 whole garlic balbs, probably like 15+ cloves, you really can't make too much! Add some fresh chopped basil, a little pepper, a tiny bit of red chili flakes are optional if you want a little more spice, but trust me the garlic will be a bit spicy on its own. Don't cook it long, just a minute or so to bring it all together, it will cook a little in the oven, and if you over do it, it will come out less flavorful.
I used a tablespoon to carefully get nice spoonfuls of mostly garlic/herb leaving much of the butter in the pan, as to not immediately soggy the bread. Remember the Parmesan will help with that too, but only if you hurry to get it in the oven. Once you've gotten a good amount of the garlic/herb mix onto the bread, drizzle each slice with a bit of the left over butter.
Put in the oven on broil and for 5 minutes or until lightly brown and has come together happily. Let cool for a minute or two before serving. Best while its still pretty hot though.
Serve with your favorite italian dinner, here it is with my homemade turkey spaghetti, a Caesar salad and some yummy Pinot!
Remember it's not super healthy to eat like this all the time, but once in a while is good for the soul. ;)
Hope you enjoy!
Kela
