Grilled Garlic Bread
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A Simple Classic Elevated Through Technique

Yield: Serves 8

Perfect grilled garlic bread depends not on complexity, but on control. Moderate heat, patience, and proper seasoning ensure crisp texture, smoky depth, and balanced garlic infusion without bitterness.

Platter of grilled garlic bread slices topped with herbs, next to a bowl of olives, olive oil, and a wooden spoon with seasoning on a rustic wooden table.
Deliciously grilled garlic bread served on a rustic wooden board with olive oil, olives, and fresh herbs.
A platter of golden, crispy garlic bread slices garnished with herbs, alongside whole garlic cloves.
Deliciously toasted garlic bread, perfectly seasoned and ready to enhance any meal.
A platter featuring grilled cheese crostini topped with melted cheese and a side salad, alongside a bowl of salad greens and poached eggs on a separate plate.
Deliciously toasted garlic bread served alongside a fresh salad and poached eggs, showcasing the perfect balance of crispy texture and aromatic flavor.
Sliced garlic bread topped with herbs and melted cheese on a wooden cutting board, accompanied by whole garlic cloves and fresh parsley.
Deliciously toasted garlic bread, freshly baked and garnished with herbs, served on a rustic wooden board.
A plate of grilled garlic bread slices arranged in a circular pattern around a small bowl of dipping sauce.
Grilled garlic bread served on a plate with a savory dipping sauce, showcasing a perfect crisp texture.
A tray of four pieces of cheese-topped garlic bread, golden brown and crispy, resting on parchment paper.
Deliciously cheesy garlic bread served warm, perfect for pairing with various dishes.
A bowl of red soup garnished with herbs and spices, served alongside pieces of toasted garlic bread on a white plate.
A bowl of flavorful soup garnished with herbs and spices, accompanied by toasted garlic bread for dipping.
Slices of toasted garlic bread topped with melted cheese, served on a white paper background.
Deliciously cheesy grilled garlic bread served on parchment paper.
Slices of grilled garlic bread topped with fresh herbs, served on a wooden board with olive oil and bowls of olives.
Deliciously grilled garlic bread garnished with herbs, paired with olives and olive oil.
A wooden cutting board displaying slices of golden-brown grilled garlic bread, with a knife, fresh garlic, and herbs surrounding it.
Deliciously toasted garlic bread, golden brown and ready to enhance any meal.

Ingredients

  • 8 slices rustic Italian-style bread (½–1 inch thick; crusty artisan loaf such as ciabatta preferred)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2–3 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved
  • Sea salt or kosher salt, to taste

Method

1. Prepare the Grill

Preheat a gas grill to medium heat or prepare a charcoal grill with even, moderate embers. Avoid excessive heat, as it will burn the bread before proper toasting occurs.

2. Oil and Grill

Brush both sides of the bread lightly with extra-virgin olive oil.
Place directly on the grill grates. Grill covered, turning once, until golden brown and marked on both sides, approximately 1–3 minutes per side.

3. Infuse with Garlic

While the bread is still warm, rub the cut side of a garlic clove over the surface of each slice. The residual heat allows the garlic oils to gently melt into the bread, creating aromatic depth without harshness.

4. Finish

Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

(Per Serving – 1 slice)

  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g

Culinary Reference

All About Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, encompasses a wide range of styles, textures, and aging profiles. It may appear as soft logs, medallions, pyramids, or aged wheels, with textures ranging from creamy and spreadable to firm and crumbly.

Flavor Profile

Fresh goat cheese is typically mild with a delicate tang. As it ages, flavors intensify, developing earthy, nutty, and occasionally sharp characteristics.

How to Select

Most supermarket goat cheeses are commercially produced and packaged in plastic. When possible, taste different varieties to determine preference. Avoid cheeses that appear overly dry, cracked, or excessively slimy. Slight surface mold is acceptable in aged varieties but should not dominate the aroma.

How to Prepare

For optimal flavor, allow goat cheese to rest at room temperature before serving. To make crumbling easier, chill briefly before use.

How to Store

Wrap goat cheese in wax paper or parchment, then loosely cover with foil and refrigerate. Proper wrapping allows slight airflow while preventing excessive drying. Plastic wrap may be used for short-term storage but restricts airflow and may accelerate flavor changes.

Professional Notes

  • Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for best flavor development.
  • For variation, finish grilled bread with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, chopped herbs, or a drizzle of aged balsamic.
  • This preparation pairs exceptionally well with antipasti, burrata, grilled vegetables, or tomato-based starters.
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