Garlic bread and garlic toast are very similar foods that are enjoyed around the world. They both involve bread that has been flavored and topped with garlic. However, there are some key differences between garlic bread and garlic toast that set them apart.
What is garlic bread?
Garlic bread consists of bread that has been spread with garlic butter or olive oil and then baked or broiled until toasted. The bread used for garlic bread can vary, but some common types include baguette, ciabatta, sourdough, and Italian bread. The distinguishing feature of garlic bread is that the garlic flavor is baked into the entire slice of bread rather than just being on top.
To make classic garlic bread, the bread is first sliced lengthwise without fully cutting all the way through. Then garlic butter or olive oil mixed with minced garlic is spread onto each half of the bread. Sometimes parsley, oregano, or other herbs are also added to the garlic mixture. The bread is then closed up and baked or broiled until the garlic butter melts and the bread becomes toasted.
The result is a full slice of bread infused with garlic flavor throughout. The crust becomes crunchy and the inner bread soft and soaked with garlic butter. The baking brings out the aroma and full taste of the garlic.
What is garlic toast?
Garlic toast is bread that has been toasted or grilled and then had garlic rubbed onto it or topped with a garlic mixture. Rather than being baked into the entire slice, the garlic flavor is mainly on the surface of the toast.
To make basic garlic toast, slices of bread are first toasted or grilled. Then a clove of fresh garlic is cut in half and rubbed vigorously over each slice while still hot to infuse the toast with raw garlic essence. Butter or olive oil is often spread onto the toast before rubbing the garlic for added moisture and flavor.
Other popular versions of garlic toast include brushing the hot toast with olive oil, butter, or garlic butter, and then sprinkling over minced garlic or garlic powder. The toast absorbs some of the garlic flavor while the garlic bits stick to the surface. The garlic can also be mixed with herbs, cheese, or spices to create different flavor profiles.
Comparing garlic bread and garlic toast
While garlic bread and garlic toast are very similar, there are some key differences between them:
| Garlic Bread | Garlic Toast |
|---|---|
| Garlic flavor baked into the entire slice | Garlic flavor mainly on the surface |
| Made from unsliced loaf bread | Made from pre-sliced bread |
| Bread is sliced after baking | Bread is sliced before toasting |
| Has soft interior and crunchy crust | Entire slice is crunchy |
| Often has more oil or butter | Often has less oil or butter |
| Takes longer to prepare | Quick and easy to prepare |
In summary:
- Garlic bread has the garlic flavor baked into the entire slice of unsliced bread
- Garlic toast has the garlic flavor applied on top of pre-sliced bread
Preparing garlic bread
Authentic garlic bread takes a bit more time and effort to prepare compared to basic garlic toast. Here is a step-by-step guide to making classic garlic bread:
- Start with an unsliced loaf of soft Italian or French bread about 1-2 inches wide. Ciabatta, sourdough, and baguette all work well.
- Cut the loaf of bread lengthwise without fully slicing through. You want to create flaps that open like a book.
- Mix together at room temperature 1/2 cup of butter, 3-5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper. The amounts can be adjusted to taste preference.
- Spread the garlic butter generously onto each side of the sliced bread.
- Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until the bread is toasted and the garlic butter is melted and absorbed into the bread.
- Remove the foil and bake for 2-3 more minutes to make the crust extra crunchy.
- Remove from the oven, separate the slices, and serve immediately while hot.
The result is hot, crunchy, garlic-infused bread that is soft and moist on the inside. The waiting time is worth the flavor payoff.
Quick and easy garlic toast
For fast garlic toast, start with pre-sliced bread rather than a whole loaf:
- Lightly toast slices of bread under the broiler or in a toaster.
- As soon as the slices are toasted, rub the tops vigorously with a halved garlic clove.
- Optionally spread with butter or brush with olive oil or garlic butter for extra flavor and moisture.
- Finish with a pinch of dried or fresh herbs, salt, and pepper if desired.
This quick garlic toast can be made in just a couple of minutes. The key is to rub the raw garlic onto the toast while still piping hot to infuse the maximum garlic essence.
Serving suggestions for garlic bread and toast
Both garlic bread and garlic toast make for fantastic appetizers, snacks, or accompaniments. Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve alongside pastas, soups, and stews
- Top with cheese, tomatoes, or avocado
- Dip into hummus, olive tapenade, or roasted red pepper spreads
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze or pesto
- Top with prosciutto or other charcuterie meats
- Use as the bread for bruschetta
- Serve as an appetizer bread basket
Garlic bread also makes great sliders and mini-sandwiches by topping with ingredients between two slices. Garlic toast can be used as croutons for salads and soups.
Storing and reheating garlic bread
Leftover garlic bread should be stored in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-5 days.
To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and place it in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. The bread won’t be quite as crunchy, but it will still taste great.
Sliced garlic toast can also be frozen for 1-2 months. To reheat, toast the frozen slices of bread in the oven or toaster until hot and crispy.
Health benefits of garlic
Garlic is highly nutritious and has some impressive health benefits. Eating garlic bread and toast is a tasty way to get these perks.
Some health benefits of garlic include:
- High in antioxidants that support immune function and reduce oxidative stress
- Contains antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that may help fight infections
- May enhance heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol
- Linked to improved memory, focus, and cognition
- May help regulate blood sugar levels
The sulfur compounds in garlic are thought to provide many of its health-promoting effects. Garlic also contains manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and some prebiotics.
Keep in mind that cooking garlic reduces its antioxidant content. But enjoying garlic bread and toast is still a tasty way to get some of garlic’s benefits!
Conclusion
Garlic bread and garlic toast share the magical combination of garlic, butter or oil, and toasted bread. But garlic bread gets extra garlicky flavor baked throughout the entire slice, while garlic toast has the garlic mainly on top.
Garlic bread requires more time and a whole unsliced loaf, but packs an intense garlic punch. Quick and easy garlic toast can be made in minutes with just pre-sliced bread and some raw garlic.
Both make for scrumptious and garlic-y appetizers, snacks, or bread basket additions. They can be served on their own or topped with cheeses, veggies, meats, and herbs. Storing leftover garlic bread and toast is easy, and reheating returns the bread to tasty life.
So are garlic bread and garlic toast the same thing? While very similar, the differences in how they are made and how the garlic flavor permeates the bread makes them distinct in their own right. When you want soft, deeply garlic-infused bread, go for garlic bread. For quick garlic flavor on crunchy toast, make garlic toast.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with this combination of garlic and bread. The aroma, taste, and health benefits are undeniable. Garlic bread or toast can instantly elevate a meal while adding deliciousness.