Easy Pan de Ajo
This Garlic Bread recipe is a gem! It is incredibly simple to prepare, but the flavor is exceptional. The secret is in the roasted garlic; its mild sweetness and nutty depth take the flavor to a whole new level. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer!
Equipment
- Bread Knife
Ingredients
For the Roasted Garlic:
- 4 whole garlic bulbs
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Pan de Ajo:
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper , optional
- 1 -½ sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter , softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan ,
- 1 large soft Italian or French bread loaf Cut the bread horizontally in half
Instructions
Roasted Garlic
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel the outer layers off, keeping individual clove skins on. Cut ½ inch from the top of the cloves, exposing them.
- Place the garlic in a pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour until soft.
- After cooling slightly, squeeze the cloves out of their skins and mash them with a fork to form a paste.
Garlic Bread
- Combine the mashed garlic, softened butter, dried herbs, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cut the bread horizontally in half.
- Spread the garlic butter over the bread's cut sides.
- Wrap in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Unwrap and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp.
- Optionally, top with cheese and bake just until the cheese melts. Slice and serve.
Notes
Store
Storing is not recommended, as it tastes best when served fresh.
Make Ahead & Freeze
Follow the recipe for garlic bread up until spreading the butter mixture on the bread. Instead of baking, wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil and seal it inside a freezer bag, removing all air. Store it in the freezer for up to three months.
When ready to serve, bake the garlic bread directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 400°F, still wrapped in foil, for about 15 minutes. Then, open the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until crisp.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Easy Pan de Ajo
Amount per Serving
Calories
435
% Daily Value*
Fat
32
g
49
%
Saturated Fat
19
g
119
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
8
g
Cholesterol
33
mg
11
%
Sodium
413
mg
18
%
Potassium
153
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
31
g
10
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
18
g
20
%
Protein
6
g
12
%
Vitamin A
396
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
47
mg
5
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
