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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive—try again with fresh yeast.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a small well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture, along with the olive oil and melted butter. Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until it forms a dough.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours in a warm place, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape and Cook the Bread
- Preheat your pan: While the dough rises, heat a nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a flat disc that’s about 1 inch thick, or the size that fits your pan.
- Cook the bread: Carefully place the shaped dough into the hot pan. Cook on medium-low heat for about 4-5 minutes per side. The bread should develop a golden-brown crust on each side while remaining soft and fluffy inside. You can cover the pan with a lid to help cook the bread more evenly. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat.
- Check for doneness: After 10-12 minutes of cooking, check the bread by tapping it lightly. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready. Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
- Sauté the garlic: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Season the sauce: Add oregano, parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for another minute to meld the flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Brush the garlic sauce: Once the bread has cooled slightly, use a pastry brush to generously brush the garlic sauce over the top of the bread. You can drizzle the remaining sauce over individual slices as well.
- Slice and serve: Slice the bread into wedges or strips and serve immediately as a side dish or appetizer. Pair it with a fresh salad, pasta, or even use it to mop up your favorite soups and stews. The possibilities are endless!
Tips and Variations:
- Add cheese: For an extra indulgent treat, sprinkle some grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the bread before brushing on the garlic sauce. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously cheesy, garlicky crust.
- Herb variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the garlic sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Vegan option: Replace the butter with plant-based alternatives (like margarine or vegan butter), and use olive oil as the base for the sauce to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Garlic overload: If you’re a garlic lover, you can roast the garlic ahead of time to give the sauce a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Homemade Pan Bread with Garlic Sauce is the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and ease. The bread itself is wonderfully soft and pillowy, with a slight crispy edge from pan-frying, while the garlic sauce adds a punch of savory goodness that will have you coming back for more. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it with nearly any meal, or simply enjoy it on its own as a snack.
What’s even better? It’s so easy to make from scratch, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. With minimal time and effort, you can have a warm, fresh loaf of homemade bread, dripping with aromatic garlic sauce, ready to enjoy.
So, next time you’re craving something comforting and delicious, skip the store-bought bread and give this Homemade Pan Bread with Garlic Sauce a try. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
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