Garlic bread slices (Pull apart bread)

Autumn is a magical season, when the leaves change color and a gentle breeze invites you to cozy up in the warmth of home. And when the rain taps at the window, there’s nothing more comforting than the aroma of warm bread, just out of the oven. Today, I invite you to experience a delicious garlic bread recipe, a perfect choice for the cool autumn evenings. This soft and fragrant bread is ideal to be enjoyed on its own, alongside a cup of buttermilk or as an accompaniment to a special meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 375 g flour (about 3 cups)
- 300 ml lukewarm water (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 7 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 1 tablespoon heaped sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

*For the filling:*
- 45 g butter (at room temperature)
- 6-7 crushed garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Chopped fresh parsley (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

*For brushing:*
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons milk

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in lukewarm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast, ensuring a fluffy and airy bread.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour. Make a well in the center where you will add the activated yeast mixture. Add the salt and olive oil around the edges. Start kneading, gradually adding lukewarm water until you obtain a smooth dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. If necessary, you can add a little more flour.

3. Kneading: If you want to save time, you can use a kitchen mixer with a dough hook or a bread machine. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

4. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy bread.

5. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the softened butter with the crushed garlic, oregano, thyme, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Make sure the flavors are well incorporated.

6. Shaping the bread: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangular sheet. Evenly spread the flavored butter mixture over the entire surface of the sheet.

7. Cutting the bread: Cut the sheet into strips about 10 cm wide. Stack the strips on top of each other and cut them into rectangles suitable for the baking pan. These layers will give the bread an interesting texture.

8. Arranging in the pan: Place the stacks of rectangles upright in a baking pan lined with parchment paper, so you can easily pull the slices apart after baking. Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.

9. Brushing and baking: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with the milk. Brush the bread with this mixture for a golden and appetizing crust at the end. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until golden and well risen.

10. Cooling: After baking, let the bread cool slightly in the pan, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Wait a few minutes before slicing, to allow the flavors to settle.

Serving suggestions:
This garlic bread is perfect to be enjoyed on its own, but you can pair it with a warm soup or a fresh salad. A cup of buttermilk or a glass of white wine can perfectly complement this meal.

Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add shredded mozzarella cheese to the filling for extra flavor. Also, try different herbs such as basil or dill to customize the aroma.

Nutritional benefits:
This garlic bread is not only delicious but also beneficial for health. Garlic is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and consuming whole grain bread instead of white flour can contribute to a balanced diet.

Calories:
A serving of garlic bread contains approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used, making it a relatively light choice for a snack or accompaniment.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version of the recipe.

2. What if I don’t have dry yeast?
You can use fresh yeast, making sure to adjust the quantity (25g of fresh yeast instead of 7g of dry yeast).

3. How can I store the bread?
The bread is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and can be consumed within a few days. You can freeze it for later use.

Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create memories with loved ones. Garlic bread is not just a simple recipe, but an invitation to bring warmth and love into your home. Experiment, adapt, and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!