Italian Garlic Bread

Yield: 

12-16 servings

Ingredients: 

1 cup warm water
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon dry yeast (or 1 pkg; I get mine in bulk and measure)

For garlic butter spread:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 teaspoon garlic salt OR 1/2 tablespoon freshly minced garlic + 1 teaspoon salt
1/8 t parsley flakes

Instructions: 

1. Put bread ingredients into bread machine in order listed. Turn to dough setting and start.
2. When dough setting is complete (usually takes about 1.5 hours), remove dough and knead to remove air bubbles. (Sometimes I just re-start the dough setting for a few minutes until it's kneaded down, and then turn off and take out the dough.)
3. Form dough into a long loaf and place on a greased cookie sheet. Cover, and put in a warm place to rise. (I turn the oven on "warm" or "200" for a few minutes, then turn off and put the bread inside to rise.)
4. After about 30 minutes of rising, remove cloth cover and place sheet in oven. Turn the oven on to 375 and bake for 35-38 minutes. (Bread will get even bigger while oven is getting up to temp.) Remove to cooling rack and cover.

To make into garlic bread:
1. Slice cooled bread. Mix garlic butter ingredients and spread on each slice. Put slices back into a "loaf" shape and wrap securely in foil. Place in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until butter is melted and bread is hot.

Tammy's Recipes