Italian Garlic Bread
A flavorful Italian garlic bread featuring a crispy crust, savory cheese, and fragrant garlic and olive flavors, perfect as an appetizer or side for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Split the French bread loaf lengthwise.
- Spread both pieces with soft margarine.
- Mix chopped black olives with chopped garlic.
- Spread the olive and garlic mixture evenly on the bread halves.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, and grated Romano or Parmesan cheese over the bread.
- Put the bread halves back together.
- Wrap the loaf in foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using garlic-infused olive oil instead of regular olive oil. If you don't have black olives, green olives or sun-dried tomatoes can work well as substitutes. You can also experiment with different cheeses; mozzarella adds a delightful stretch while still keeping it Italian. For an added kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Garlic Bread is perfect as a side dish with pasta, especially when served with Ma Saya'S Marinara Tomato Sauce. Pair it with a fresh salad, like Houston Summer Salad, for a balanced meal. You can also cut it into smaller pieces for appetizers at your next gathering. Enjoy it alongside your favorite Italian recipes for a complete experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispier texture, remove the foil for the last few minutes of heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Garlic Bread contains roughly 858 calories, with 11g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 621mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this garlic bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic bread up to the wrapping step and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. Just remember to bake it fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you prefer a dairy option, unsalted butter works perfectly as a substitute for margarine. For a vegan alternative, use vegan butter or a blend of olive oil and nutritional yeast to achieve a buttery flavor.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in finely chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic and olives. Alternatively, you could serve the garlic bread with a spicy dipping oil for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).