Roasted Shallot & Garlic Bread: The Ultimate Upgrade

This recipe takes the comforting flavors of roasted garlic bread and elevates them with the subtle sweetness and depth of roasted shallots. Get ready for an aromatic and utterly delicious appetizer or side!

Yields: 1 loaf
Prep time: 20 minutes
Roasting time: 30-40 minutes
Bake time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1 large head of garlic
* 2-3 medium shallots, unpeeled
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 long loaf of crusty bread (such as baguette or Italian loaf), halved lengthwise
Equipment:
* Baking sheet
* Aluminum foil
* Small bowl
* Knife
* Cutting board
* Oven
Instructions:
1. Roast the Garlic and Shallots:
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* For the garlic: Slice off the top quarter of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and wrap the foil tightly around it.
* For the shallots: Place the unpeeled shallots on the same baking sheet, leaving them unwrapped.
* Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the garlic cloves are soft and easily squeezed out, and the shallots are tender and slightly caramelized. The shallots may be ready slightly before the garlic, so check them around the 25-minute mark.
2. Prepare the Roasted Shallot and Garlic Mixture:
* Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted cloves into a small bowl.
* Peel the roasted shallots and mash them into the bowl with the roasted garlic using a fork.
* Add the softened butter, remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, chopped parsley, and rosemary (if using) to the bowl.
* Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until you have a smooth and fragrant paste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Assemble the Garlic Bread:
* Place the halved loaf of bread, cut-side up, on a clean baking sheet.
* Spread the roasted shallot and garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut surfaces of both halves of the bread.
4. Bake the Garlic Bread:
* Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the butter mixture is bubbly and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
* Carefully remove the roasted shallot and garlic bread from the oven.
* Slice into wedges and serve immediately. This bread is perfect on its own, as an appetizer, or as a delicious accompaniment to pasta, soups, or salads.
Enjoy the enhanced flavors of your upgraded roasted garlic bread! Let me know how it turns out! 😊