There’s something magical about the smell of garlic bread baking in the oven, right? I’ve been obsessed with garlic bread for as long as I can remember, and when I went vegan, I was determined to recreate that same buttery, garlicky perfection without any animal products. Let me tell you — this vegan garlic bread doesn’t just match the original; it might even be better! So, let’s dive into how you can make your own irresistible vegan garlic bread at home.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Garlic Bread
I’ve made this recipe so many times that I’ve lost count. Here’s why I think you’re going to fall in love with it, too:
- Perfect Texture: It’s crispy on the outside and soft pillowy on the inside. The bread makes you close your eyes and savour every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy. You likely already have most of the ingredients sitting in your kitchen!
- Quick to Make: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes, start to finish. It’s perfect for those last-minute cravings.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re vegan or not, everyone loves this garlic bread. It always disappears in minutes whenever I serve it!
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll also become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Garlic Bread
Let me walk you through the ingredients you’ll need. These are my go-to staples for making the most delicious vegan garlic bread:
- Bread: My favourite is a crusty baguette, but sourdough or ciabatta also works. I’ve even used a regular loaf of bread in a pinch, which still turned out amazing.
- Vegan Butter: This is the key to that rich, buttery flavour. I’m a big fan of brands like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance. They’re creamy and melt beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for me. The flavour is so much better than the pre-minced stuff.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh parsley is my go-to for adding colour and freshness. A pinch of sea salt and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast take it to the next level.
- Olive Oil: Just a little olive oil helps everything spread smoothly and adds a touch of Mediterranean flair.
When you gather all these ingredients, you know something amazing will happen.
How to Make Vegan Garlic Bread – Step-by-Step Guide
Making this garlic bread is simple, and I’ll walk you through every step. Here’s how I do it:
Prepare the Garlic Spread
First, I mix softened vegan butter, minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, freshly chopped parsley, a pinch of sea salt, and a little nutritional yeast in a bowl. The aroma alone at this stage is enough to make my mouth water.
Slice the Bread
I like to use a sharp knife to cut thick slices into the bread. I’m careful not to cut through so the slices stay connected. It’s like creating little pockets for all that garlic butter to melt into.
Spread the Mixture
This is my favourite part! I generously slather the garlic butter mixture onto each slice, ensuring it gets deep into the cuts. Don’t hold back here — the more, the better.
Bake to Perfection
I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread on a parchment-lined tray for 10-12 minutes. Sometimes, I switch to broil for the last two minutes to get those crispy, golden edges. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s out of the oven, I let it cool for a minute (if I can wait that long!) and then serve it hot, garnished with more parsley for that fresh, vibrant touch. It’s pure bliss.
Tips for the Best Vegan Garlic Bread
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make this garlic bread perfect. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Use High-Quality Vegan Butter: It makes a difference. A good vegan butter will give you that authentic, rich flavour.
- Fresh is Best: Fresh garlic and parsley are non-negotiable. They’re what make this bread taste so vibrant and alive.
- Be Generous with the Spread: Don’t be shy! The more garlic butter, the better the flavour.
- Experiment with Herbs: Sometimes, I’ll add rosemary or basil if I feel fancy. It’s fun to switch things up.
These tips will help you nail it every single time.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
One of the best things about vegan garlic bread is its versatility. Here are some of my favourite ways to enjoy it:
Pair with Pasta
Nothing like dunking a slice of garlic bread into a bowl of vegan linguine or spaghetti. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Enjoy with Soups
Creamy tomato soup, minestrone, or vegan mushroom bisque are perfect partners for this bread.
Create Garlic Breadsticks
If I want something snackable, I’ll use thinner slices of bread to make breadsticks.
Add Some Heat
When craving a little spice, I’ll sprinkle red pepper flakes on the bread before baking. It’s a game-changer.
No matter how you serve it, this garlic bread always hits the spot.
Faq Section About Vegan Garlic Bread
Is all bread vegan?
A: Not all bread is vegan, but many are! Just check the label to ensure no milk, butter, or honey. If you’re unsure, a crusty baguette is usually a safe bet.
Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! I’ve made this recipe with gluten-free bread, and it’s just as delicious. Look for a good-quality gluten-free loaf for the best results.
How do I store leftover garlic bread?
A: If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), just pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for a day or two. To reheat, throw them back in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Can I freeze garlic bread?
A: Yes! I love making extra and freezing it. Just assemble the garlic bread, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from the freezer. It’s so convenient!
Conclusion : Vegan Garlic Bread
So, what do you think? Ready to make your kitchen smell like a garlic-lover’s paradise? This vegan garlic bread recipe is easy, delicious, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your home. Give it a go and share how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so drop a comment below or share a photo of your garlic bread creation. Let’s spread the garlic love — one slice at a time!
Vegan Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 baguette or crusty bread loaf of choice
- 1/4 cup vegan butter softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast optional, for a cheesy flavor
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the softened vegan butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, sea salt, and nutritional yeast (if using) until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, cut the bread into thick slices, careful not to cut all the way through so the loaf stays intact at the base.
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice and over the top of the bread, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. To add extra crunch, broil for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Remove the bread from the oven, let it cool slightly, and sprinkle with additional chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Bread Options: You can use a sourdough loaf, ciabatta, or gluten-free bread for dietary preferences.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Freezing: Assemble the garlic bread, wrap it in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy them.
- Customization: Add rosemary, thyme, or basil for a flavorful twist, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.