Make-Ahead Crispy, Buttery Garlic Bread

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This year since I live close to my parents we will be surrounded by family during most of the Christmas season. I love it! So the other day my mom, sister and I went through and made menus for ALL the food we want to make and this garlic bread is on the list. We want good food, but we don't want to be consumed in the kitchen the entire time, so we are finding some time saving tricks to help us out! Good thing my mom has about 40 fridges..maybe just 3, but with all our food we will need, 40 might be just about right ;)

I never knew you could freeze garlic bread with it all ready sliced and it still turn out flavorful and delicious. We even take these when we bring dinner to someone. We just have them cook the bread for a few minutes on each side.

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Ingredients

  • 12 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 4 garlic cloves, very finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 12 (1-inch) slices Italian or French bread

Preparation

Step 1

Using a fork, beat butter, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper in small bowl until combined. Spread butter mixture evenly over both sides of bread.

Freeze the slices on a large baking sheet or plate until firm, about 15 minutes. After they are firm, transfer the slices to a freezer Ziploc bag and freeze for up to one month. Then you can take out how many you need each time.

To serve, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange bread on rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden brown on the first side, about 10 minutes. Flip and bake until golden brown on the second side, 6-7 minutes more. Serve.

Note: To serve the bread immediately instead of freezing, bake buttered bread on rimmed baking sheet at 425 degrees for 8 minutes then flip and bake 5 more minutes on the second side.

Recipe Source: slightly adapted from Cook's Country

NOTE: I don't put mine in the oven for as long and I also turn the heat down a little. I think it gives it enough crisp without baking that long. Just watch it, no one likes burnt toast..well maybe a few.

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