Fall is FINALLY upon us! There's nothing better than that crisp chill in the air and when pumpkin and apple flavors start cropping up in everything from coffee to baked goods. Another thing about fall that I absolutely love is all the transition to grilling practically everything I eat during the summer to finding a way to eat soup and other savory comfort fall foods as much as possible. There's nothing better than a delicious bowl of hot soup and a good old fashioned grilled cheese sandwich on a wonderful fall afternoon.
This post is not focused on soup, but it IS focused on savory bread that will accompany any bowl of soup perfectly. This recipe for Homemade Garlic Bread is definitely a staple in my house. Jake and I use it for pretty much any sort of sandwich we make (it's great with peppercorn turkey breast or grilled chicken), or slathered up with butter as toast. Our favorite use of this bread is - are you ready for it? - grilled cheese. This toasted garlic bread + melted cheese + butter = perfection.
The recipe here is catered to those using a breadmaker (like me!).
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cup water, 90 degrees*
- 2 Tbs butter or margarine
- 3 1/3 cups bread flour
- 2 Tbs dry milk
- 1 Tbs dried parsley flakes**
- 1 Tbs sugar
- 1 1/4 salt
- 1/2 - 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
How to:
- Add water to the bread pan first, then the dry ingredients. Make sure the dry ingredients are leveled to ensure you achieve the proper consistency in your baked bread.
- Quarter the butter or margarine and add it to the corners of the bread pan.
- Make an impression in the center of the dry ingredients in the bread pan and add the yeast.
- Bake according to your bread machine's specifications.
*My recipe (and most recipes utilizing a bread maker) recommend using water at 80 degrees. After fooling around with this recipe, I have found that water at a temperature of 90 degrees works best.
**I have also substituted half of the dried parsley in this recipe with Italian seasoning and was pleased with the results.
If you are looking for a good soup recipe to pair this bread with, I suggest taking a look at my recipe for Chunky Vegetable Soup or (my personal fave) Chicken Noodle Soup. I'd love to hear how you use this bread, so let me know!
Enjoy!
