Garlic Bread Recipe – Crispy, Chili-Oregano Indian-Style Toast

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Garlic Bread Recipe – Crispy, Chili-Oregano Indian-Style Toast

Hey everyone! There’s just something about warm, crusty garlic bread, isn’t there? It’s the perfect comfort food, and honestly, I can never resist a slice (or three!). I first made this version years ago, experimenting with flavors I love, and it quickly became a family favorite. This isn’t your average garlic bread – we’re adding a little Indian-inspired twist with chili flakes and oregano that takes it to a whole new level. Get ready for seriously addictive garlic bread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic bread is unbelievably easy to make – seriously, it comes together in under 15 minutes! It’s crispy, garlicky, and has a lovely little kick from the chili flakes. Plus, the oregano adds a fragrant, herby note that complements the garlic beautifully. It’s perfect as a side with pasta or soup, or just as a delicious snack on its own. And the best part? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this amazing garlic bread:

• 6 bread slices
• 4 tablespoons melted butter (about 60ml)
• 6 garlic pods (minced)
• ½ teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)
• Chili flakes, to taste
• Oregano, to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using fresh garlic is a game-changer – it has a much more vibrant flavor than garlic powder. Don’t be shy with it!

Now, about the butter. You can use salted or unsalted. If you’re using salted butter, you might want to skip the added salt, or just use a tiny pinch. I usually use unsalted so I can control the saltiness myself.

And finally, the chili flakes and oregano? This is where we add that little Indian touch! Feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes to your liking – if you like it spicy, add more! My friend, Priya, loves a really spicy kick, so she always doubles the amount.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, in a bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and salt (if using unsalted butter). Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. The aroma alone is heavenly!
2. Now, generously spread the garlic-butter mixture onto both sides of each bread slice. Don’t skimp – we want every bite to be packed with flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or sandwich toaster. Place the bread slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and beautifully crispy. Keep a close eye on them – you don’t want them to burn!
4. Once they’re cooked, remove the garlic bread from the heat and sprinkle with chili flakes and oregano.
5. Serve immediately while hot! Seriously, this is the best part.

Expert Tips

• Don’t burn the garlic! Keep a close watch while grilling. Lower heat and a little more time is better than high heat and burnt garlic.
• Use good quality bread. A slightly thicker slice holds up better to all that delicious butter.
• For extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese along with the chili flakes and oregano.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Garlic Bread Adaptation: Swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative. It works beautifully!
• Gluten-Free Bread Options: Use your favorite gluten-free bread. Just be mindful that it might cook a little faster.
• Spice Level Adjustments – Mild to Spicy: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your taste. A pinch for mild, a generous sprinkle for spicy!
• Festival/Party Appetizer Adaptation: Cut the bread into smaller squares or triangles before grilling for easy snacking at parties. My family loves this for Diwali!

Serving Suggestions

This garlic bread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• With a bowl of hearty tomato soup.
• As a side to your favorite pasta dish – spaghetti carbonara is a classic pairing.
• Alongside a creamy mushroom risotto.
• Simply on its own as a delicious snack.

Storage Instructions

Garlic bread is always best served fresh. However, if you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. The bread will lose some of its crispness, but it will still be tasty. To reheat, pop it in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this garlic bread best served immediately? Absolutely! It’s at its crispiest and most flavorful when served right away.
• Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic? You can, but the flavor won’t be as strong or vibrant. If you do use garlic powder, use about ½ – 1 teaspoon per 4 tablespoons of butter.
• What type of bread works best for this recipe? A slightly thicker-cut bread, like Italian or sourdough, works really well.
• How can I prevent the garlic from burning? Use medium heat and keep a close eye on the bread while it’s grilling.
• Can I make this garlic bread ahead of time? You can prepare the garlic-butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. But I recommend grilling the bread just before serving for the best results.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!