About the Recipe
This Garlic Bread recipe is a classic bread preparation made with a soft, homemade dough and rich roasted garlic butter. The dough is proofed to develop flavour and texture, generously coated with roasted garlic butter, topped with cheese and baked at a high temperature. It is finished with bocconcini cheese, fresh basil leaves and chilli oil for an extra burst of flavour.
Ingredients
GARLIC BREAD DOUGH
Water: 150 gm
Yeast: 0.25 gm
White Flour: 250 gm
Salt: 7.5 gm
GARLIC BUTTER
Salted Butter: 100 g (softened)
Garlic: 1 medium bulb
Neutral Oil: As required (enough to completely submerge the garlic)
Fresh Coriander Leaves: 2 tbsp (finely chopped)
ASSEMBLY
Mozzarella Cheese: As required
Bocconcini Cheese: As required
Basil Leaves: As required
Chilli Oil: As required
Any other toppings: As desired
Preparation
GARLIC BREAD DOUGH
Step 1
To a bowl, add water and yeast. Give it a mix and start adding white flour in parts. Gradually add the flour and keep mixing it.
Step 2
Once you have added all the flour and it’s well-combined, add salt and start kneading for 3-5 minutes.
Step 3
Give it shape and let it rest for 1 hour covered. It will rise. After 1 hour, you can check for a window-pane test.
Step 4
Re-knead the dough for 2-3 mins and keep it aside for final proofing for another hour or depending on your ambient temperature. If it’s warm, 1-2 hours will do the job. If it’s cold, it will take some more time. If you have time, you can keep it in the fridge overnight. This will deepen the flavour.
Step 5
Once proofed, your dough is ready to be used.
GARLIC BUTTER
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 160°C.
Step 2
Peel all the garlic cloves and place them in a small ramekin or oven-safe bowl.
Step 3
Pour enough neutral oil over the garlic to completely submerge it.
Step 4
Bake at 160°C for 40-45 minutes, or until the garlic turns a deep golden brown and becomes very soft.
Step 5
Remove the garlic from the oil and let it cool slightly. Reserve the garlic-infused oil for another recipe if desired.
Step 6
Transfer the roasted garlic to a bowl or mortar and pestle. Add the 100 g softened salted butter and mash until the mixture becomes completely smooth.
Step 7
Add the finely chopped coriander leaves and mix until evenly incorporated. Your roasted garlic butter is ready to use.
ASSEMBLY
Step 1
Roll out the dough, brush the garlic butter generously, top with cheese and bake at maximum temperature until golden brown.
Step 2
Once baked, top with any toppings of choice. I used bocconcini cheese, basil leaves and chilli oil.
Step 3
Cut into pieces, serve hot and enjoy.
Tips and Tricks:
Allow the dough sufficient time to proof as the proofing time can vary depending on the ambient temperature.
The garlic should be completely submerged in oil while roasting to ensure it cooks evenly.
Do not burn the garlic while roasting. It should turn deep golden brown and become very soft.
Reserve the garlic-infused oil and use it in other recipes for additional flavour.
Bake the garlic bread at maximum temperature to achieve a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside soft.