Christmas Garlic Bread with Creamy Herb Filling
Transform your garlic bread into a luxurious treat with this Christmas Garlic Bread recipe. It features a rich filling of butter, cream cheese, fresh herbs, and roasted garlic. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, this garlic bread is a decadent indulgence, rich, creamy, and brimming with holiday flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Flavorful: A creamy garlic and herb filling adds a gourmet twist to classic garlic bread.
- Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation.
- Perfect for Entertaining: A crowd-pleaser that pairs well with almost any holiday meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and roasted garlic add flavor.
- Roast Your Garlic: Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and enhances its sweetness.
- Customize the Cheese: Swap Boursin for goat cheese, ricotta, or mascarpone for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking for extra indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
This festive garlic bread pairs beautifully with the following:
- Soups: Serve alongside tomato soup, minestrone, or creamy mushroom soup.
- Pasta: Complements dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti Bolognese, or lasagna.
- Holiday Spreads: Add it to your Christmas dinner table as a flavorful side.
Storing and Reheating
Storage:
- Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in foil and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs About Christmas Garlic Bread
1. Can I prepare the bread ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bread with the filling and wrap it tightly in foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours and bake just before serving.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free baguette or bread loaf to accommodate dietary needs.
3. Can I use store-bought roasted garlic?
Yes, but freshly roasted garlic offers the best flavor.
4. What other herbs can I use?
Add fresh thyme, chives, or dill for a unique twist.
5. Can I freeze the garlic bread?
Yes! Assemble the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why This Recipe Works
The creamy garlic filling melts into the bread as it bakes, creating a decadent side dish perfect for any holiday meal. Combining butter, cream cheese, roasted garlic, and fresh parsley ensures every bite is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
Conclusion
This Christmas Garlic Bread with Creamy Herb Filling is the ultimate holiday side dish. It’s easy to make, packed with festive flavors, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Add it to your holiday spread and watch it disappear in no time!
Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- ½ cup warm milk
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar plus 1 teaspoon
- ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- ¼ cup soft butter or margarine
- 150g cream cheese or boursin ( garlic &herbs flavor )
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp roasted garlic
Instructions
Bread Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, egg, and salt.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions..
- Roll out each dough ball into a circle about 8- 10 inch diameter.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the first piece.
- Line another piece of dough.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the second piece.
- Line with the last piece.
- With a cookie cutter or any lid about 2.5 inches in diameter and make an indent in the center.
- Cut the dough into long, strips using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, but not completely through.
- Make 16 segments.
- Carefully lift two segment pairs and twist into a spiral shape.
- Repeat this process all the way around the circle.
- Pinch the ends of each pair of dough twists so they hold together while baking.
- Cover and let rise in warm place until risen slightly, about 1 hour.
- Brush the bread with some melted butter or margarine.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Serve the bread warm, and enjoy!
Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, butter, roasted garlic, and chopped parsley, until well combined.
How To Roast Garlic
- Drizzle some olive oil over the garlic.
- Wrap garlic in tin foil, and bake for 30-40 minutes