Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to use up leftover pizza dough? Look no further than garlic bread made with pizza dough! This mouthwatering treat combines the flavors of garlic, butter, and cheese with the chewy texture of pizza dough. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a quick snack, garlic bread made with pizza dough is sure to satisfy your cravings. Read on to discover the simple steps to create this irresistible treat.
Choosing the Right Pizza Dough
The first step in making garlic bread with pizza dough is selecting the right dough. While you could make your own pizza dough from scratch, using store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option that saves time and effort. Look for pre-made pizza dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store or ask your local pizzeria if they sell dough. Whole-wheat or gluten-free pizza dough options may also be available, depending on your dietary preferences or restrictions.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before getting started with the garlic bread preparation, gather the required ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Pizza dough
- Garlic cloves
- Butter
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparing the Garlic Butter
Garlic butter is the key to achieving that irresistible garlic bread flavor. Here’s how to make it:
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the garlic butter mixture cool down.
Rolling Out the Dough
Now it’s time to roll out the pizza dough and prepare it for the garlic butter. Follow these steps:
- Dust a clean surface with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Place the pizza dough on the floured surface and start stretching it gently with your hands.
- Continue stretching and pulling the dough until it forms a rectangular shape.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to an even thickness of about ⅓ inch.
Applying the Garlic Butter and Toppings
With the dough ready, it’s time to infuse it with the delicious flavors of garlic and cheese. Follow these steps:
- Using a pastry brush, generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt evenly over the garlic butter.
- Add any additional toppings like shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Baking the Garlic Bread
The final step is baking the garlic bread to perfection. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the pizza dough package.
- Transfer the prepared garlic bread to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish.
- Bake the garlic bread in the preheated oven for the recommended time or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Now your homemade garlic bread with pizza dough is ready to be enjoyed! Cut it into slices, serve it warm, and watch it disappear in no time. Whether paired with a bowl of pasta, enjoyed alongside your favorite pizza, or simply savored on its own, this garlic bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends.