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This garlicky vegan bread brings warmth and flavor to any table. Made with fresh garlic and basil, it pairs beautifully with creamy pastas or hearty soups and offers a deliciously crispy crust and buttery softness in every bite.
I first made this garlic bread to serve with tomato soup on a cold evening. Now it has become a must have side dish in my home and I always keep a batch frozen for quick dinners.
Ingredients
- Ciabatta bread: delivers the perfect texture with a crisp crust and chewy center great for soaking up garlic butter
- Vegan butter: melts smoothly and brings a rich creamy base choose one with clean ingredients
- Fresh garlic cloves: add strong aromatic flavor finely mince or grate for best results
- Vegan parmesan: boosts the savoriness use aged varieties or nutritional yeast if preferred
- Fresh basil: brings brightness and a touch of color chop finely for even mixing
- Salt and pepper: enhance every other flavor choose sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice the Bread:
- Cut the ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise using a serrated knife and place both halves cut side up on a baking tray
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a mixing bowl combine softened vegan butter minced garlic finely chopped basil salt pepper and vegan parmesan mash with a fork until it becomes smooth and spreadable
- Spread the Butter:
- Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture on both bread halves ensuring it reaches every edge and corner
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat oven to 180C or 350F and bake for 15 minutes until golden on top and crisp around the edges watch closely so the garlic does not burn
- Slice and Serve:
- Remove from the oven let cool slightly then slice and serve warm or allow to cool completely and freeze for later
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Basil is my favorite herb to use here because I always have a pot growing in the kitchen it adds fresh aroma and a vibrant green color that complements the garlic flavor perfectly
Storage Tips
Let the bread cool fully before storing. Place in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to a month. To reheat use a toaster on low heat until warmed through and crispy again. No need to defrost ahead of time.
Ingredient Substitutions
If ciabatta is unavailable try sourdough or French baguette as long as it has a sturdy crust. For vegan parmesan swap in nutritional yeast or a touch of sea salt. Olive oil can be used in place of butter but the texture will be less creamy.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic bread goes especially well with creamy pasta like fettuccine alfredo or tahini pasta. It is also fantastic with hearty soups such as roasted pumpkin or lentil soup. For a twist cut it into cubes for crunchy salad croutons.
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Cultural and Historical Context
This version of garlic bread draws from Italian traditions like bruschetta where garlic and oil are rubbed on toasted bread. By using vegan butter and cheese it stays true to those roots while fitting modern plant based cooking styles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, ciabatta is preferred for texture, but you can also use sourdough, baguettes, or Italian bread. Just ensure it’s crusty enough to hold the garlic butter.
- → What can I use instead of vegan parmesan?
If vegan parmesan isn’t available, try nutritional yeast or another vegan cheese like mozzarella for a similar savory flavor.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make and freeze it. When ready to eat, simply toast or reheat in the oven until warm and crispy.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Adjust quantity to taste.
- → Can I add spice to the garlic butter?
Yes, adding chili flakes to the butter mixture adds a nice heat and flavor variation.
- → How do I reheat frozen garlic bread?
Use a toaster on low or bake briefly in the oven. Avoid high heat to prevent burning the garlic.