Easy Garlic Basil Bread Recipe
This easy garlic basil bread recipe is the perfect addition for any dinner party.There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. And when that bread is infused with the flavors of fresh garlic and basil, it’s sure to be a hit at any table.
Today, we’re taking you through the delightful process of making your own braided garlic basil bread – a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delicious treat on its own. The secret is in the garlic butter mixture baked into the bread, made with simple ingredients found in grocery stores.
When it’s time to serve, simply transfer the bread to a cutting board, tray or large dish. The best part? Cutting into this crusty bread with kitchen shears or a sharp knife, revealing the soft bread interlaced with delicious strands of garlic basil butter, is an experience unto itself. And if by any chance you find yourself with leftovers, wrap the bread in plastic wrap, put it in a zippered plastic bag or store it in an airtight container; it will make for a delicious side to your Italian meal the next day.
Your braided garlic basil bread is not just a treat for the tastebuds but also a feast for the eyes. It’s a testament to the joys of baking and the beauty of homemade bread. Slice it up, serve with your favorite dishes, or enjoy it as is – every bite is a piece of comfort.
Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious recipe, which has the right amount of garlic to make it delicious but not overpowering.
Braided Garlic Basil Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Rise time: 1 hour
Bake time: 25 min
Makes 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 3 cloves garlic
- 6 tbsp butter
- ½ tbsp salt
- 4 tbsp fresh basil
- ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp whole milk
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and salt. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, gradually add buttermilk and 1 tbsp butter. Stir until a dough forms.
- After transferring the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead it for approximately 3-5 minutes until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency. Next, take the dough and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Give it some time to rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour, or until it expands and doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it back to the floured surface, put aside small portion of a dough, It will be needed to make a braid later. Using a rolling pin roll the large portion of dough into a 16-10-inch rectangle
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, blend the remaining butter with chopped garlic cloves and finely diced basil. You can also use a food processor to make the garlic butter. Spread this flavorful mixture onto the dough using a fork or knife, ensuring it covers the surface evenly. Roll the dough into a log shape.
- Begin by dividing the log of dough into two equal parts and intertwine them, like the pattern depicted in the picture. Next, shape the resulting braided dough into a captivating coil resembling a graceful snake. For added flair, switch directions with the other end of the dough rope, creating an eye-catching twist. Finally, take the small remaining portion of dough and carefully divide it into three slender ropes. Intertwine these ropes together in a beautiful braid, creating a seamless finish.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 350 F. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
This beautiful braided bread is delicious on its own but you can also dip it in olive oil. Let me know if you make and love this easy garlic bread recipe!
Braided Garlic Basil Bread
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 3 cloves garlic
- 6 tbsp butter
- ½ tbsp salt
- 4 tbsp fresh basil
- ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp whole milk
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and salt. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, gradually add buttermilk and 1 tbsp butter. Stir until a dough forms.
- After transferring the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead it for approximately 3-5 minutes until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency. Next, take the dough and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Give it some time to rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour, or until it expands and doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it back to the floured surface, put aside small portion of a dough, It will be needed to make a braid later. Using a rolling pin roll the large portion of dough into a 16-10-inch rectangle
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, blend the remaining butter with chopped garlic cloves and finely diced basil. You can also use a food processor to make the garlic butter. Spread this flavorful mixture onto the dough using a fork or knife, ensuring it covers the surface evenly. Roll the dough into a log shape.
- Begin by dividing the log of dough into two equal parts and intertwine them, like the pattern depicted in the picture. Next, shape the resulting braided dough into a captivating coil resembling a graceful snake. For added flair, switch directions with the other end of the dough rope, creating an eye-catching twist. Finally, take the small remaining portion of dough and carefully divide it into three slender ropes. Intertwine these ropes together in a beautiful braid, creating a seamless finish.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 350 F.
What to serve with this easy garlic bread
Garlic Basil Bread is a versatile accompaniment that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions that could complement your homemade bread beautifully:
- Soup: Serve your bread with a hearty bowl of soup. It can be a creamy tomato soup, a rich minestrone, or a comforting chicken noodle soup. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up all the flavors.
- Pasta: Whether it’s a simple aglio e olio, a robust marinara, or a creamy alfredo sauce, pasta and garlic basil bread are a match made in heaven.
- Salads: Pair the bread with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. A Caesar salad, a green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a Mediterranean-inspired salad with olives and feta would all be great choices.
- Cheese: A cheese platter with a variety of cheeses, from creamy brie to sharp cheddar, along with some fruit and nuts, can be a delightful way to enjoy the bread.
- Meat and Stews: The bread can serve as a side to main dishes like braised meats, stews, or roasted vegetables. It’s particularly good at sopping up sauces and gravies.
- Dips and Spreads: Use the bread to scoop up dips such as hummus, baba ganoush, or an artichoke dip. Spreads like tapenade or a roasted red pepper spread also work well.
- Charcuterie: Accompany the bread with a selection of cured meats, pickles, and mustard for a rustic and satisfying meal.
- Seafood: Garlic basil bread can be a great side to seafood dishes like grilled fish, shrimp scampi, or a seafood paella.
Remember, the robust flavors of garlic and basil in the bread will complement many dishes, especially those with Italian or Mediterranean flavors. It’s best served warm to maximize the flavors and the comforting experience of freshly baked bread. Enjoy your meal!
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