Garlic Bread Recipe – Easy Herb Butter Toast on Tawa or Oven

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Garlic Bread Recipe – Easy Herb Butter Toast on Tawa or Oven

Hey everyone! There’s just something about warm, crusty garlic bread, isn’t there? It’s the perfect sidekick to pasta, soups, or honestly, just a cozy night in. I remember first making this when I was craving something comforting after a long day, and it instantly became a family favorite. It’s so simple, so flavorful, and honestly, it just feels like a hug in bread form. Let’s get baking (or toasting!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic bread recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy – seriously, you can whip it up in under 20 minutes. The flavor is fantastic, thanks to a generous slathering of garlicky, herby butter. Plus, you have options! You can make it on a stovetop tawa for a quick weeknight treat, or bake it in the oven for a golden, crispy finish. It’s totally customizable to your preference.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this garlicky goodness:

• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) mixed herbs
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) oregano
• ⅛ teaspoon (0.6ml) pepper powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) coriander leaves, chopped
• 6 slices bread
• 2 tablespoons (30g) cheese (optional)

Ingredient Notes

A few little tips to make this recipe even better!

• Mixed Herbs: I love using a pre-mixed Italian herb blend, but feel free to experiment! A little rosemary or thyme would be lovely too.
• Bread Choices: While I usually use a simple white bread, you can absolutely use French bread, baguette slices, or even whole wheat bread. Each will give a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Chili Flakes & Spice: Chili flake heat can vary a lot depending on the brand. Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more if you like a real kick! My friend’s family in Andhra Pradesh always adds a pinch of cayenne pepper too for extra heat.
• Butter is Best: Using softened butter is key for easy spreading. Don’t melt it!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking!

1. Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, mixed herbs, oregano, pepper powder, chili flakes, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix everything together really well until it’s all nicely combined. This is where the magic happens!
2. Butter the Bread: Generously spread the garlic butter on both sides of each bread slice. If you’re using the oven method, you can butter just one side. Don’t be shy – the more butter, the more flavor!
3. Stovetop Toasting (Tawa Method): Heat a hot iron tawa (flat griddle) over medium heat. Place the buttered bread slices on the hot tawa and toast until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Keep an eye on it – it cooks quickly!
4. Oven Baking: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Place the buttered bread slices on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown. For extra crispiness, grill for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Cheesy Goodness (Optional): If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the grated cheese over the buttered bread before baking or grilling. Watch it melt and bubble – pure perfection!
6. Serve Immediately: Cut the garlic bread into strips and serve immediately. Seriously, don’t wait! It’s best enjoyed warm and fresh.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Keep a close eye on the bread while toasting, especially on the tawa. Burnt garlic is bitter!
• Softened Butter is Key: It makes spreading so much easier and ensures even coverage.
• Fresh is Fantastic: If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use them! About 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs equals 1 teaspoon of dried.

Variations

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

• Vegan Garlic Bread: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative and use vegan cheese. My sister swears by this version!
• Gluten-Free Garlic Bread: Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your taste. A pinch for mild, ¼ teaspoon for medium, and ½ teaspoon or more for spicy.
• Festival Adaptations: This garlic bread is amazing served alongside a festive Indian meal, like biryani or butter chicken. It’s a great way to add a little extra flavor to the spread.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic bread is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas:

• With pasta dishes (spaghetti, lasagna, fettuccine)
• Alongside soups (tomato, minestrone, lentil)
• As a side with grilled meats or vegetables
• Simply enjoyed on its own as a snack!

Storage Instructions

While garlic bread is best enjoyed immediately, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or tawa to restore some of the crispness.

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 fresh.

Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time? Yes, you can! Store the garlic butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly before spreading.

How long will the garlic butter keep? Up to 3 days in the fridge.

What type of bread works best for this recipe? Any bread you like! White bread, French bread, baguette, or whole wheat all work well.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes! Use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.

How can I prevent the garlic from burning while toasting? Keep the heat at medium and watch it closely. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat.

Enjoy your homemade garlic bread! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Let me know in the comments how it turns out!