Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir again. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. If you see bubbles or foam forming, this means the yeast is active and ready to use. If not, you may need to start over with new yeast.
2. Prepare the Dough:
While the yeast activates, place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. If you want an extra burst of garlic flavor, you can also add garlic powder to the dry ingredients.
Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients along with the melted butter. Mix everything together to form a dough. The dough will be a bit sticky at first, but that’s perfectly fine.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 3-5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little bit more flour, but avoid adding too much as it can make the dough tough. Kneading the dough helps develop the gluten and gives the bread its structure and soft texture.
Once the dough is smooth and elastic, cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rest and rise for 20-30 minutes in a warm place. The dough should double in size. You can speed up the rising process by placing the bowl in a slightly warm area, like near a stove or on top of a warm oven.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Then, transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle or shape that will fit your skillet or griddle. If you prefer mini garlic breads, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and roll them into smaller rounds.
5. Cook the Garlic Bread:
Heat a non-stick skillet or a flat griddle over medium heat. You can add a little bit of oil or butter to grease the skillet, but it’s not necessary if you’re using a non-stick pan.
Place the rolled dough onto the hot skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to trap steam inside. This helps the bread cook evenly and rise slightly while keeping it soft inside. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, flipping once the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
Tip: If you’re unsure, gently press on the bread with a spatula. If it feels firm and springy, it’s done. If it feels soft or doughy, cook it for another minute or two.
6. Make the Garlic Butter:
While the bread is cooking, prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Stir to mix everything evenly.
7. Brush with Garlic Butter:
Once the bread is cooked through and golden on both sides, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board or serving plate. Immediately brush the hot bread with the prepared garlic butter. Be generous with the garlic butter to ensure every bite is flavorful. The hot bread will soak up the butter, giving it a delicious, rich taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the garlic bread and serve it immediately while it’s still warm. This bread is perfect as an accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, salads, or even as a standalone snack.