Warm, toasty, and full of buttery, garlic flavor!
As a kid, I had an upside-down view of spaghetti and garlic bread. To me, the garlic bread was the main dish, and spaghetti was just something that went with it! I was forever being scolded for “filling up on bread,” much to my annoyance. The garlic bread, toasted and buttery, was the best part of the meal! Now that I’ve grown up, I get it and definitely have to watch loading up on bread but still love garlic bread in particular. And when we are feeding friends who follow a vegan diet, I want them to be able to enjoy it too.
For those following a plant-based diet, most store-bought garlic bread loaves are a no-go. The butter slathered on those frozen or refrigerated loaves is definitely a dairy product. Making garlic bread at home means you can make it vegan, and this recipe is super easy and fast.
You will love making vegan garlic bread because it uses a pre-made baguette that you can pick up at the store (or, if you’re feeling ambitious, bake yourself). Then, using vegan butter (I like the Country Crock brand, but there are plenty of options in most supermarkets), you simply mix in the garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. It’s easy to mix since vegan butter is naturally so soft. Spread, bake, and serve. It’s that simple. Crisp it up as much as you like and serve with your favorite pasta or salad, and you’ve got a delicious, vegan meal.
What’s vegan Parmesan?
If you haven’t used vegan Parmesan cheese before, you might be wondering what it actually is, since traditional Parmesan is definitely not vegan. This plant-based alternative is usually made from finely ground nuts (for instance, cashews), nutritional yeast, and salt. The texture is very similar to grated Parmesan cheese, and the flavor is just-right nutty. You can make your own easily or look for it in the vegan cheese section of your supermarket.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover vegan garlic bread can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge. At room temperature, place it in a resealable plastic bag, and it will keep for up to 2-3 days. In the fridge, it will keep up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place the pieces in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw on the countertop for about 30 minutes before serving or reheating.
Serving suggestions
Vegan garlic bread goes well with any number of dishes. For instance, it can be a side dish to spaghetti topped with Vegan Meatballs for a hearty, filling meal. But it also rounds out lighter dishes like Vegan Minestrone Soup or Vegan Lentil Soup. Whatever you serve it with, it’s a delightfully crisp, buttery bread that is full of flavor.
Vegan Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup vegan butter softened
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 French baguette or Italian bread split lengthwise
- Grated vegan Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the vegan butter, minced garlic, parsley, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the garlic butter evenly on the cut sides of the split bread. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle with vegan Parmesan cheese when serving.
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