- In a bowl, combine room-temperature butter, minced garlic, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix thoroughly to create garlic butter.
- Generously spread the garlic butter on both sides of each bread slice.
- Heat a griddle or tawa over low-medium heat. Place the buttered bread slices and toast until golden brown on both sides, ensuring the garlic doesn't burn.
- Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and crispness.
- Calories:220 kcal25%
- Energy:920 kJ22%
- Protein:4 g28%
- Carbohydrates:25 mg40%
- Sugar:1 mg8%
- Salt:250 g25%
- Fat:12 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Garlic Butter Toast Recipe – Easy Italian Flavored Bread
Hey everyone! There’s just something so comforting about warm, crusty bread slathered in garlic butter, isn’t there? This Garlic Butter Toast is seriously easy to make, and it’s become a staple in my kitchen – perfect for a quick breakfast, a side with soup, or just a cozy evening snack. I first made this when my kids were little and needed something quick and tasty, and it’s been a hit ever since! Let’s get into it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just any toast. It’s a flavor explosion! The combination of garlic, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning is just divine. Plus, it comes together in under 10 minutes – seriously! It’s the perfect recipe when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. And honestly, who doesn’t love that?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this amazing garlic butter toast:
- 1/4 cup (57g) Butter, at room temperature
- 1 Big Clove Garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) chilli flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.75g) Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt
- 8-10 crusty bread slices
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference:
- Room Temperature Butter: This is key! It needs to be soft enough to easily mix with the garlic and seasonings. Don’t melt it, just let it sit out for a bit.
- Bread Quality: Use a good quality, crusty bread. Sourdough is fantastic, but anything with a nice texture will work. The bread is the base, so make it a good one!
- Italian Seasoning Blend: The quality of your Italian seasoning really shines through. I like to use a blend with oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. You can even make your own if you’re feeling fancy!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s so simple, you’ll be enjoying this in no time.
- In a bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, minced garlic, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix everything together really well until it’s all nicely combined.
- Now, generously spread that glorious garlic butter on both sides of each bread slice. Don’t be shy!
- Heat a griddle or tawa over low-medium heat. Place the buttered bread slices on the hot surface and toast until golden brown on both sides. Keep a close eye on it – you want golden brown, not burnt garlic!
- Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and crispness. Seriously, don’t wait!
Expert Tips
Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches if you need to. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and you’ll end up with soggy toast.
- Low and Slow: Cooking over medium-low heat prevents the garlic from burning. Burnt garlic is bitter, and nobody wants that!
- Fresh Garlic is Best: While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Spice Level:
- Mild: Reduce the chili flakes to 1/8 teaspoon or omit them altogether.
- Medium: Stick with the 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes.
- Hot: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. My friend, Priya, loves it extra spicy!
- Bread Type:
- Sourdough: My personal favorite! The tanginess of sourdough pairs beautifully with the garlic butter.
- Multigrain: A healthier option that still tastes amazing.
- French Baguette: Slice it into thick pieces for a truly decadent treat.
- Herb Variations:
- Parsley: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley to the garlic butter.
- Oregano: A little extra oregano never hurts!
- Rosemary: A teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary adds a lovely aromatic flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic butter toast is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Breakfast: Serve with eggs, avocado, or a side of fruit.
- Side Dish: Perfect with soups, salads, or pasta.
- Snack: Just enjoy it on its own! It’s delicious any time of day.
- With Dips: Serve alongside marinara sauce or a creamy pesto for dipping.
Storage Instructions
Honestly, this is best enjoyed fresh. But if you must store it, here’s what I recommend:
- Leftover Garlic Butter: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Toasted Bread: It will lose its crispness quickly. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container at room temperature, but be prepared for it to be a little softer. Re-toasting can help, but it won’t be quite the same.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Is this garlic butter toast best served immediately? Absolutely! It’s at its crispiest and most flavorful when served right away.
- Can I make garlic butter toast ahead of time? You can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge. But I recommend toasting the bread just before serving.
- What type of bread works best for garlic butter toast? Crusty bread like sourdough or a French baguette is ideal.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning? Cook over medium-low heat and keep a close eye on it!
- Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic? You can, but the flavor won’t be as strong. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic.
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!