Poor Man's Garlic Bread is a budget-friendly recipe with bursts of garlicky goodness. It's easy to make in a pinch, tastes delicious and is inexpensive to make with under 5 ingredients!
My grandma used to call it "poor man's bread." I'm not sure why or where the term originated but it's the name that has stuck through the years. Except the kids call it "poor mans meal" because I often serve this bread with spaghetti.
This garlic bread not only works for a side with spaghetti but also works for a main dish or lunch. I love making cheese bread for lunch. It's also the perfect side to a salad.
Ingredients
- Bread Slices (Preferably Day-Old): Utilizing day-old bread is key. It's often more affordable and works well in soaking up the garlic butter mixture.
- Butter: Unsalted or salted butter, softened at room temperature.
- Garlic (Fresh or Powdered): Fresh cloves minced finely or powdered garlic provide a nice garlicky kick.
- Parmesan cheese: Optional but it's the perfect topping for your bread!
- Italian Seasoning (Optional): Elevate the flavor profile with a dash of Italian seasoning with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic or garlic powder. Add Italian seasoning if desired. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
Step 2: Spread the Mixture
- Take the day-old bread slices and generously spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each slice. Top with cheese if desired.
Step 3: Toast or Bake
- There are two ways to achieve the golden, buttery goodness: pan toasting or baking.
- Pan Toasting: Place the buttered side of the bread slices on a heated skillet or griddle until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Baking: Arrange the buttered slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and golden.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
- Once done, remove the garlic bread slices from the heat source and serve immediately.
Storing
This recipe is best served hot and fresh for best results. leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven until warm and slightly crispy.
Equipment
You will need a pan or baking sheet.
Substitutions
You can make this recipe for a variety of food allergies, intolerances or preferences. For this recipe you will need to:
- Gluten free: Use gluten free bread
- Dairy free: Use dairy free butter and dairy free cheese. You can also omit the cheese.
- Vegan: Use dairy free butter and cheese. Like the dairy free version, you can also leave out the cheese. Make sure to use vegan bread.
FAQ
While butter offers a richer flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute. Opt for unsalted margarine for better control of saltiness.
Absolutely! Grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses can be sprinkled atop the buttered slices before toasting for a cheesy twist.
This bread is best served hot and fresh but leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven for a crispy texture.
Certainly! Finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano can be added to the garlic butter for a fresher taste.
Using day-old bread helps absorb the butter mixture without becoming too soggy, but fresh bread can be used if toasted longer for a crisp finish.
Poor Mans Garlic Bread
Equipment
- frying pan or cookie sheet
Ingredients
- 4 slices sandwich bread
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 1-2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Blend softened butter with minced garlic or garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Optionally, add Italian seasoning. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Spread the Mixture Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture generously onto one side of each day-old bread slice.
- Choose Your Method for Golden Goodness Two cooking methods bring that perfect golden crispness:
- Pan Toasting: Place the buttered side of the bread slices on a heated skillet or griddle. Toast until they achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture.
- Baking: Arrange the buttered slices on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges turn crisp and golden.
- Serve Warm and Delightful Once done, remove the garlic bread slices from the heat source. Serve immediately
Rose Martine
This looks tasty but might I suggest that you swap cage-free organic for pastured organic. From what I know, it seems like a kinder option!
burntapple
Of course, you can use any eggs you would like! 🙂