Garlic bread consists of bread, topped with garlic and olive oil or butter and may include additional herbs, such as oregano or chives. It is then either grilled or broiled until toasted or baked in a conventional or bread oven. It is typically made using a French baguette, or sometimes a sourdough like ciabatta which is partially sliced downwards, allowing the condiments to soak into the loaf while keeping it in one piece. The bread is then stuffed through the cuts with oil and minced garlic before baking. Alternatively, butter and garlic powder are used, or the bread is cut lengthwise into separate slices which are individually garnished. Some variants are topped with a variety of cheeses, often mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar or feta. Some restaurants use clarified butter in place of olive oil.
History
Garlic bread stems from bruschetta, which appeared in Italy around the 15th century, and can be traced back to Ancient Rome.
Europe
Garlic bread is widely popular across Europe, and is available in many different food shops and restaurants.
In Greece, garlic bread often contains olives and onions.
In France, it was common in Provence, where it was called :wiktionary:fr:chapon#Nom commun|chapon and served with salad. It was also prepared in other regions, such as Quercy, as a crust of bread rubbed with garlic, and spiced with a pinch of salt and a drop of walnut oil.
In England, butter is used instead of olive oil in garlic bread.
North America
In the United States garlic bread has been on the menu of many restaurants since at least the 1950s, often paired with pasta dishes, particularly lasagna and spaghetti. Commercially manufactured frozen garlic bread was developed in the 1970s by Cole's Quality Foods in Muskegon, Michigan.
South America
In Brazil the bread is commonly served in churrascarias as an entrée. In Peru it is very common to find in pizzerias.
In Australia and New Zealand the bread is widely available at pizzerias and supermarkets.
Cultural references
British comedianPeter Kay famously mentioned the bread in his stand-up routine, quoting his father's disbelief upon hearing of it. He subsequently referenced this in his sitcomPhoenix Nights, when nightclub owner Brian Potter says, "Garlic bread – it’s the future, I’ve tasted it". In a 2004 poll by Gold to find the bestBritish television comedy one-liner, this came top. In the 2005 comic bookScott Pilgrim vs. the World created by Canadian cartoonist Bryan Lee O'Malley, and the 2010 film adaptation of the same name, Scott mentions this as his favorite food: "Garlic bread is my favourite food. I could honestly eat it for every meal. Or just all the time without even stopping".
