Bread Machine Garlic Bread: Easy Homemade Perfection
Bread Machine Garlic Bread
Bread Machine Garlic Bread is one of those kitchen adventures that consistently brings such a warm smile to my face, transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. I vividly remember the first time I dared to make it from scratch in my bread machine on a crisp, chilly evening, yearning for something comforting to complement a pasta dinner, and the thought of getting that beautiful dough without any messy hand-kneading felt like pure magic.
The aroma that began to waft through our kitchen was absolutely intoxicating; my family practically floated in, irresistibly drawn by the scent of baking bread mingling with fragrant garlic – a moment straight out of a cozy movie. This recipe isn’t just about the sheer convenience of letting a machine do the heavy lifting, making it feel almost as transformative as finally mastering sourdough for beginners; it’s about capturing that unmistakable, cozy homemade feeling with such ease that you’ll wonder why you ever bought it pre-made.
This Bread Machine Garlic Bread truly is a game-changer for weeknight meals, bringing a touch of restaurant-quality goodness right to your table, hot and fresh. It celebrates the versatility and wonder of homemade bread, whether served alongside dinner or, for other projects, even pondering whether you should dry out bread for French toast casserole to perfect its texture. Get ready to fall in love with your bread machine all over again!
Bread Machine Garlic Bread: Easy Homemade Perfection
Course: BreadsCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalHomemade garlic bread is a breeze with your bread machine handling all the dough work! This recipe yields perfectly soft, garlicky bread with a golden crust, ready to elevate any meal.
Ingredients
1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
For the Garlic Butter Spread:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4-5 cloves garlic, minced (or 1.5 tsp garlic powder)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch of black pepper
Directions
- Add ingredients to bread machine: Place the warm water, olive oil, sugar, salt, flour, and yeast into your bread machine pan in the order recommended by your machine’s manufacturer (typically liquids first, then dry ingredients, with yeast on top of the flour).
- Set bread machine: Select the ‘Dough’ cycle on your bread machine. This cycle usually takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, including kneading and rising.
- Prepare garlic butter: While the dough is rising, combine the softened butter, minced garlic (or powder), chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- Remove and shape dough: Once the dough cycle is complete, carefully remove the dough from the bread machine and place it on a lightly floured surface. Gently punch down the dough to release air.
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This makes it easier to roll.
- Preheat oven: While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll and spread: Roll the dough into a rectangular shape, about 12×8 inches, on your wooden cutting board. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
- Fold the dough: Fold the dough in half lengthwise, bringing one long edge over to meet the other. Gently press the edges to seal.
- Slice and bake: Carefully transfer the folded dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut slits across the top of the bread, about 1 inch apart, going about halfway through the dough (don’t cut all the way through).
- Bake until golden: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning of the garlic butter.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven, slice all the way through the pre-cut slits, and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade bread machine garlic bread!
Notes
- A Family Secret: For an extra crispy crust, brush the top of the bread with a little additional olive oil or melted butter right before it goes into the oven. Sometimes, I even sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top for a finishing touch. It makes all the difference!
- Real Talk Tip: Bread machine doughs can sometimes be a bit sticky. If your dough feels too wet after the cycle, add a tablespoon of flour at a time during the initial kneading stage until it forms a soft, pliable ball. If it’s too dry, a teaspoon of water can help.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs! While parsley is classic, a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning mixed into your garlic butter can add another layer of deliciousness. Just remember, fresh herbs are best added at the very end to preserve their vibrant flavor.
