Grilled Garlic Bread is the perfect complement to a lakeside gathering. Each crunchy and buttery slice is a delicious vehicle for several summertime dishes. The smoky kiss from the char is a reminiscent and nostalgic flavor of summer.
Grilled Garlic Bread
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 heads garlic, ¼-inch tops cut off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Canola oil, for brushing grill
- ½ loaf Italian bread, cut into ½-inch slices (approximately 12 slices)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Garnish: chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Place garlic, cut side up, onto large sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Tightly wrap heads in foil. Bake until garlic is deep golden and soft, 50 minutes to 1 hour.
- When cool enough to handle, squeeze garlic into a medium bowl, discarding skins. Using a fork, mash cloves into a paste. Fold in butter, Italian seasoning, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper. Place in a covered container until ready to use. Compound butter can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated; let come to room temperature before continuing to next step.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (350° to 400°), or heat a cast-iron grill pan on medium-high heat. Brush grill or grill pan with canola oil.
- Spread 1 teaspoon compound butter on each side of bread. Grill until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Turn each slice over, sprinkle with cheese and parsley, and grill until golden, about 1 minute more. Serve immediately with extra compound butter. Garnish with parsley and cheese, if desired.
Notes
If grilling bread in an alfresco setting, make compound butter and slice bread ahead of time, and transport in airtight containers. For garnish, use a Microplane to achieve pretty shavings of Parmesan, if desired.
