The smell of garlic bread wafting through the air is a surefire way to get anyone’s stomach growling. While traditional oven-baked garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, cooking it on the BBQ adds a smoky flavor that takes it to a whole new level. In this article, we’ll explore the art of cooking garlic bread on the BBQ, including the benefits, necessary equipment, and a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly toasted, garlicky goodness.
The Benefits of Cooking Garlic Bread on the BBQ
Cooking garlic bread on the BBQ offers several advantages over traditional oven-baking. For one, it allows for a crispy crust to form on the outside, while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. This texture combination is a result of the high heat and smoke from the BBQ, which can’t be replicated in a conventional oven. Additionally, cooking garlic bread on the BBQ adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the pungency of the garlic perfectly.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the equipment you’ll need to get started:
- A BBQ grill with a lid (gas or charcoal)
- A garlic bread recipe (we’ll provide one below)
- A baking sheet or pizza stone
- A pastry brush
- A pair of tongs or a spatula
- Aluminum foil (optional)
A Simple Garlic Bread Recipe
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 loaf of Italian bread (such as Ciabatta or Focaccia)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Preparing the Garlic Butter
To start, preheat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). While the grill is heating up, mix the minced garlic and softened butter in a small bowl until well combined. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and mix until smooth.
Cooking the Garlic Bread
Now it’s time to cook the garlic bread. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Slice the Bread
Slice the Italian bread into 1-inch thick slices. You should end up with around 8-10 slices, depending on the size of your loaf.
Step 2: Brush with Garlic Butter
Using a pastry brush, spread a generous amount of garlic butter onto each slice of bread. Make sure to get both sides evenly coated.
Step 3: Place on the BBQ
Place the slices of bread onto the preheated BBQ grill, leaving about 1 inch of space between each slice. If you’re using a gas grill, you can place the bread directly on the grates. If you’re using a charcoal grill, you may want to place the bread on a baking sheet or pizza stone to prevent it from getting too crispy.
Step 4: Cook for 2-3 Minutes
Close the lid of the BBQ grill and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy on the bottom. You may see some smoke rising from the grill – this is a good sign!
Step 5: Flip and Cook for Another 2-3 Minutes
Using a pair of tongs or a spatula, carefully flip the slices of bread over and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to take your garlic bread to the next level:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese make a big difference in the flavor of your garlic bread.
- Don’t overcook: Garlic bread can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Try different types of bread: While Italian bread is classic, you can also try using sourdough, baguette, or even gluten-free bread for a twist.
- Add some herbs: Chopped fresh parsley or rosemary can add a bright, refreshing flavor to your garlic bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cooking garlic bread on the BBQ, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Not preheating the grill: Make sure the grill is hot before adding the bread to ensure a crispy crust.
- Not using enough garlic butter: Don’t be shy with the garlic butter – it’s what makes the bread so delicious!
- Overcrowding the grill: Cook the bread in batches if necessary, to ensure each slice has enough room to cook evenly.
Conclusion
Cooking garlic bread on the BBQ is a simple yet impressive way to elevate a classic favorite. With the right equipment, a simple recipe, and a few tips and variations, you can achieve perfectly toasted, garlicky goodness that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So next time you fire up the grill, give garlic bread a try – your taste buds will thank you!
What is the best type of bread to use for BBQ garlic bread?
The best type of bread to use for BBQ garlic bread is a crusty bread, such as Italian or French bread. This type of bread holds up well to the heat of the grill and has a nice texture that pairs well with the garlic butter. You can also use a baguette or ciabatta, but Italian or French bread is the most traditional choice.
When selecting a bread, look for one that is a day or two old, as it will be firmer and easier to slice. You can also use a fresh bread, but it may be more prone to tearing when you slice it. Avoid using a too-soft bread, such as white sandwich bread, as it will not hold up well to the heat of the grill.
How do I prepare the garlic butter for BBQ garlic bread?
To prepare the garlic butter for BBQ garlic bread, you will need to mix together softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and parsley. You can also add other ingredients, such as grated Parmesan cheese or dried herbs, to give the garlic butter extra flavor. Start by softening the butter to room temperature, then mix in the minced garlic and other ingredients until well combined.
You can make the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply bring the garlic butter to room temperature before spreading it on the bread. You can also make extra garlic butter and use it for other dishes, such as sautéing vegetables or making garlic mashed potatoes.
What is the best way to cook garlic bread on the BBQ?
The best way to cook garlic bread on the BBQ is to place the slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is toasted and the garlic butter is melted. You can also cook the garlic bread in a foil packet, which will help to keep the bread warm and the garlic butter melted.
To cook the garlic bread in a foil packet, simply place the slices in the center of a piece of aluminum foil, dot the top with garlic butter, and fold the foil over the bread. Place the packet on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the garlic butter is melted.
Can I cook garlic bread on a gas BBQ or charcoal BBQ?
Yes, you can cook garlic bread on either a gas BBQ or charcoal BBQ. The key is to make sure the grill is preheated to the right temperature, which is medium-low heat. If you are using a gas BBQ, you can simply turn the knob to medium-low heat and place the garlic bread on the grill. If you are using a charcoal BBQ, you will need to adjust the vents to control the heat.
Regardless of the type of BBQ you are using, make sure to keep an eye on the garlic bread as it cooks, as it can burn quickly. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the bread, which should be around 150°F to 200°F.
How do I prevent the garlic bread from burning on the BBQ?
To prevent the garlic bread from burning on the BBQ, make sure to keep an eye on it as it cooks and adjust the heat as needed. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the bread, which should be around 150°F to 200°F. If you notice the bread starting to brown too quickly, you can move it to a cooler part of the grill or cover it with foil to prevent burning.
Another way to prevent burning is to brush the garlic bread with a little bit of oil before cooking. This will help to create a barrier between the bread and the heat of the grill, which will prevent burning. You can also use a garlic bread stone, which is a stone that is specifically designed for cooking garlic bread on the BBQ.
Can I add other toppings to my BBQ garlic bread?
Yes, you can add other toppings to your BBQ garlic bread, such as cheese, meats, or vegetables. Some popular toppings include mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and fresh basil. You can also use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, or add some diced ham or bacon.
When adding toppings, make sure to add them after the garlic bread has been cooked, as this will help to prevent the toppings from burning. You can also use a combination of toppings to create a unique flavor profile. For example, you could add some diced tomatoes and fresh basil for a caprese-inspired garlic bread.
How do I store leftover BBQ garlic bread?
To store leftover BBQ garlic bread, simply wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. The garlic bread will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze the garlic bread for up to 2 months, and reheat it in the oven or microwave when you are ready to serve.
When reheating leftover garlic bread, make sure to wrap it in foil and heat it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until the bread is warm and the garlic butter is melted. You can also reheat the garlic bread in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the bread to dry out.