Garlic Bread

This garlic bread is the recipe you need to take your appetizers to the next level. It features a creamy roasted garlic spread on a crunchy whole grain bread slice, topped with tangy goat cheese and juicy pear. The final touch includes a sprinkle of nuts, chilli flakes and a drizzle of honey. This is my healthy and refined take on classic garlic bread, designed to create a complete and nutritious meal.

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You probably already have these few ingredients in your pantry, and the steps you need to follow are really simple. Here’s why you should try this recipe, especially if you’re looking for a last-minute idea to impress your guests or simply treat yourself with a comforting meal.

Garlic bread is a very popular and easy recipe with numerous and diverse variations. This dish has its origins in Italy and is related to the classic bruschetta, a rustic and homemade recipe consisting of toasted bread topped with garlic, olive oil and rubbed tomato. In the modern version, garlic is in the form of spreadable cream and baked to achieve a crispy texture. In the U.S, garlic bread is associated with Italian-American cuisine and is often served as a side dish with pasta or pizza.

The choice of bread is crucial, and for my version of garlic bread, I use a whole grain baguette. This healthy base has a earthy flavor that perfectly complements the cheese and garlic spread. However, there are many other options, such as airy ciabatta, soft French bread or rich Focaccia.

Ingredients for healthy garlic bread

• Whole grain baguette: this type of bread has a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the pear, the tanginess of the goat cheese, and the richness of the honey. Additionally, its robust structure holds up well under the other ingredients and prevents it from becoming soggy. Whole grain bread is also very nutritious, providing fiber and vitamins to the dish.

• Garlic head: garlic is the key ingredient that defines the pungent flavor of this dish. I use peeled garlic cloves, which I roast in the oven with herbs and olive oil to make it easier to create a smooth paste. However, you could also bake the entire garlic head cut in half and then squeeze it to release the pulp. In addition, garlic boosts the immune sysyem and has anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

• Olive oil: it infuses the garlic with a fruity flavor and helps the flavors blend together. Additionally, when garlic cloves are seasoned with olive oil, the heat is distributed more evenly, which prevents the garlic from burning. Olive oil also provides moisture, keeping the garlic tender and creamy.

• Goat cheese: its tanginess and slightly sour taste cut through the sweetness of the honey and pears, balancing the dish and preventing the garlic bread from becoming overly sweet. For this recipe, I use shredded cheese that melts well, creating a creamy layer that contrasts with the crispy bread. Additionally, the golden effect on top of the garlic spread is visually appealing, making the meal even more appetizing.

• Honey: its natural sweetness complements the strong flavor of garlic and saltiness of goat cheese, creating a pleasant sweet-savory taste experience. A simple drizzle of honey ensures the garlic bread doesn’t become too rich. In addition, honey provides a glossy effect that is aesthetically appealing while also helping to hold all the toppings in place.

• Chilli flakes: this ingredient is important because it adds heat and a spicy note to the garlic bread, contrasting with the sweetness of the honey and pears. Chilli flakes enhance the other ingredients, making them more pronounced and cutting through the richness of the cheese and butter. Finally, they include a touch of vibrant red color, making the garlic bread even more appetizing.

• Walnuts: they provide crunch and texture, complementing the creaminess of the cheese and the crispiness of the bread. Nuts have a pleasant earthy flavor and their richness pairs well with the buttery garlic spread. Additionally, this ingredient offer healthy fats, proteins and good nutrients, giving the dish a nutritional boost.

• Pear: thin pear slices have a juicy texture and add moisture, making each bite of this garlic bread more refreshing. Their fruity flavor completes the overall taste and enhances its complexity. Visually, the slices add a touch of elegance and make the garlic bread more attractive. Additionally, pears provide vitamins, fiber and natural sugars, contributing to the nutritional value of the dish.

• Rosemary: in aluminium foil with garlic cloves and olive oil, rosemary’s its pine-like aroma infuses the other ingredients while baking but is also noticeable in the final garlic spread. Rosemary adds a rustic touch to the dish, and although its primary role is related to flavor, it is also known for its antioxidant properties.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare this easy garlic bread

Put the peeled garlic cloves on a sheet of aluminium, then season with oil and rosemary.

Wrap the foil into a packet and roast in the oven, preheated at 180°C/ 350 °F , for about 30-40 minutes . Once fully roasted, let the garlic cool and in the meantime cut the baguette in half. Then grate the cheese and slice the pear thinly.

Now that the garlic head has cooled down, mash with a fork to create a spreadable cream.

Spread the pulp onto the baguette and garnish with grated cheese. The bread will broil in the oven for about 5-10 minutes until golden and crispy.

Top the bread with slices of pear , walnuts, honey and chilli flakes.

My tips for a delicious garlic and cheese appetizer

• Goat cheese can be replaced by mozzarella , cheddar, feta or other melting cheeses.

• I peeled the garlic gloves before cooking them in the oven.  Another option is to cut the garlic head in half and cook it whole, without separating the gloves.

• I use a whole grain baguette, but you can choose another type, such as a sturdy and crusty ciabatta.

• If you prefer, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds. It’s a good idea to lightly toast the nuts in a dry pan to enhance their flavor and crunch.

• A drizzle of maple syrup is a good vegan alternative to honey.

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!