12 Best garlic bread substitutes for best cooking experience

There are numerous reasons why someone might want or need a substitution for garlic bread.

Maybe you’re on a low-carb diet, maybe you’re allergic to garlic, or maybe you just don’t like the taste of garlic. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of tasty garlic bread substitutes out there.

Here’re just a few of our favorites.

What kind of bread is garlic bread, and what does garlic bread taste like?

Garlic bread is typically a type of Italian or French bread toasted with garlic, butter, and herbs. The resulting taste is savory, salty, and garlicky.

Some variations may include Parmesan cheese, oregano, parsley, and other seasonings for extra flavor. Garlic bread pairs well with soups, salads, and pasta dishes.

It’s also great as an appetizer when served with a dipping sauce like marinara or pesto. No matter how you serve it, garlic bread adds that special something to any meal!

Ideal Garlic bread substitutes

1. Herbed Flatbread – a great Garlic bread substitute

This flatbread is infused with aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme. It’s the perfect complement to any Italian dish, and it’s easy to make at home.

Just combine 1/4 teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, and basil in a small bowl. Rub the mixture onto a pre-baked flatbread or naan until evenly distributed.

herbed flatbread is a great garlic bread substitute

Then bake the flatbread for an additional 5 minutes so that the herbs can toast and become fragrant.

2. Cheesy Focaccia

Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that’s similar to garlic bread but without garlic.

Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that's similar to garlic bread but without garlic.
Cheesy Focaccia

To make focaccia, start by mixing together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 package of instant dry yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl.

Then stir in 1/2 cup of warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil until well combined. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, then put it in a greased bowl and let it rise for about an hour.

Once the dough has doubled in size, press it into a greased baking pan. Then brush the top with more olive oil and sprinkle on some shredded cheese and chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Bake the focaccia at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

3. Parmesan Crackers – an ideal Garlic bread alternative

These crackers are cheesy, salty, and totally addictive—plus, they make a great substitute for garlic bread.

Parmesan Crackers is an ideal Garlic bread alternative
Parmesan Crackers

To make them, start by mixing together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a large bowl.

Stir in 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold unsalted butter that’s been cut into small pieces until well combined. Then slowly add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water to the mixture until it forms a dough.

Roll the dough out onto a floured surface and utilize a cookie cutter to cut out crackers in whatever shape you like.

Put the crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with dipping sauces like marinara or Alfredo sauce on the side.

4. Croutons Make a Great Substitute for Garlic Bread

Making your own croutons is really easy. All you require is some bread and a few seasonings.

Croutons Make a Great Substitute for Garlic Bread
Croutons

I like to use Italian bread because it has a nice flavor, but you can utilize whatever kind of bread you have on hand. Just make sure it’s not too stale, or else the croutons will be hard to eat.

Once you’ve got your bread, cut it into small cubes. You don’t want them to be too big, or else they won’t get crispy. Then, add your seasonings.

I like to use garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. But feel free to experiment and find the combination that you like best.

Once your seasonings are mixed in, put the cubes of bread on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Then, bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

5. Cauliflower bread

Cauliflower bread is a type of bread made with grated cauliflower instead of wheat flour.

Cauliflower bread Great Substitute for Garlic Bread
Cauliflower bread

The texture and taste of cauliflower bread can vary depending on the ingredients added to it, but generally, it has a light and slightly chewy texture.

It also has an earthy flavor from the cauliflower that pairs well with herbs, spices, or other flavors. It’s also lower in carbohydrates than traditional wheat-based bread and may offer some nutritional benefits.

Cauliflower bread can be used as a substitute for regular sandwich bread or in recipes such as pizza crusts, focaccia, and more.

Additionally, its neutral flavor makes it ideal for adding your own unique toppings, like dried fruits or nuts, for a twist on the traditional.

So, to substitute Cauliflower bread for traditional garlic bread, just follow a few simple steps.

First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Next, cut a head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, then pulse in a food processor until they become crumbly.

Mix the crumbled cauliflower with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

Spread the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Try Garlicky Tortillas to replace Garlic bread 

Garlicky tortilla is a type of flatbread made with garlic and tortilla. They have a rich, savory flavor with a hint of garlic that adds a unique taste to the bread.

They have a crunchy texture on the outside but are soft and chewy on the inside. The combination of garlic and tortilla makes Garlicky Tortillas an ideal accompaniment to any meal or snack.

Enjoy them plain or topped with melted cheese, salsa, refried beans, guacamole, or even some freshly cut vegetables for a delicious treat! Garlicky Tortillas are sure to become a favorite go-to bread in your kitchen!

Give them a try today!

To substitute Garlicky Tortillas for garlic bread-

-Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut four tortillas into quarters, and spread the pieces on a baking sheet.

-Drizzle olive oil over the tortilla pieces and sprinkle with garlic powder or minced garlic, as well as salt and pepper, if desired.

-Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until crisp and lightly golden brown.

-Serve warm with your favorite dip or spread, or use them to top off salads or soups!

7. Kale Chips with Garlic

Garlic kale chips are a crunchy, flavorful snack made with shredded kale, garlic, and olive oil. The kale is seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for added flavor.

To make garlic kale chips, the shredded kale is tossed in olive oil and then spread out on a baking sheet before being baked until crisp.

The result is a delicious, crunchy snack that bursts with flavor. Garlic kale chips have a mildly garlicky taste with hints of peppers and onions from the seasonings used.

They’re ideal for snacking or adding to salads or other dishes as a flavorful topping.

Garlic kale chips are a great substitute for garlic bread and can be made in just minutes. To make garlic kale chips, start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Wash and dry one bunch of kale, then remove and discard the tough stems. Cut the leaves into small pieces and spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Drizzle olive oil over the kale leaves then sprinkle with salt and garlic powder. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until crispy. Enjoy as a healthy alternative to garlic bread!

Enjoy!

8. I use Garlic-Infused Popcorn as a Garlic bread substitute

Garlic-Infused popcorn is a savory, crunchy treat that combines the flavors of garlic and popcorn for a unique snack experience.

Garlic-Infused popcorn has a buttery, garlicky flavor with just the right amount of saltiness to give it some zest. The texture is light and slightly crunchy, making it perfect for sharing or serving as an appetizer.

Combining garlic’s pungent flavor with popcorn’s naturally sweet taste creates an interesting flavor combination that can be appreciated as a side dish or even as a light meal.

Whether you’re looking for something extra special to serve at your next gathering or simply want to enjoy a delicious snack on its own, Garlic-Infused Popcorn is sure to hit the spot.

To make this flavorful snack, you will need popcorn kernels, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and any other desired spices (optional).

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot on medium flame. Once the oil is heated, add your popcorn kernels and stir until they are evenly coated in the oil. Place a lid on the pot slightly tilted to allow steam to escape.

Once all of your kernels have popped, turn off the flame and transfer them into a bowl.

Now it’s time for the garlic! Sprinkle your desired amount of garlic powder over the popcorn and mix together with either a spoon or spatula until every kernel is coated. Add salt and other spices, if desired.

Your delicious garlic-infused popcorn is ready to enjoy! Enjoy this healthy snack with your favorite movie or as an appetizer before a meal. You can even package it up to give away as gifts or party favors.

Enjoy it as an accompaniment to a meal or simply by itself for a tasty treat!

9. Roasted garlic spread

Roasted garlic spread is a great substitute for garlic bread. It has a similar flavor and texture but without the added carbs of traditional garlic bread.

It is made from roasted garlic cloves, butter or olive oil, herbs, vinegar, and salt. It can be used to top toast, crackers, bagels, or even as a dip for vegetables. 

This spread has a mild garlic flavor with hints of sweetness and tanginess from the herbs and vinegar. The texture of the roasted garlic spread is creamy but slightly chunky due to the pieces of roasted garlic in it.

You can use it as an accompaniment to any dish or as a flavorful topping on toast, crackers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or even vegetables.

To make roasted garlic spread, place cloves of garlic onto a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake in preheated oven at 400 degrees F (204 C) for 25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.

Once done baking, mash the roasted cloves into a paste using either a mortar and pestle or simply by pressing down with the flat side of a large knife on the cloves.

Add some extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. Mix everything together until it forms a spreadable paste.

You can store the roasted garlic spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Enjoy!

Read More- What can you substitute for real garlic?

Gluten-free substitute for garlic bread

1. The focaccia bread

A great gluten-free substitute for garlic bread is roasted vegetable focaccia.

This delicious dish is made from a combination of fresh vegetables, olive oil, and seasonings which are roasted in the oven until golden brown.

The focaccia bread itself is made with cornmeal, rice flour, xanthan gum, and other binders to create a light and fluffy texture that’s easy to slice and serve.

a great gluten free alternative for garlic bread is roasted vegetable focaccia

Once the focaccia has cooled slightly, you can top it off with butter or olive oil before sprinkling over some garlic powder or minced garlic to give it a savory flavor.

Serve it warm alongside your favorite pasta dishes or as an appetizer with some melted cheese on top! You won’t miss the garlic bread at all!

2. Polenta with herbs – ideal Gluten-free substitute for garlic bread

Another great gluten-free garlic bread substitute is polenta with herbs.

To make this dish, start by cooking some instant polenta according to the instructions on the package and stirring in your favorite fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley.

Once it’s cooked through, spread the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake until golden brown and crispy.

Sprinkle over some more of your favorite herbs before serving as an accompaniment to roasted vegetables or grilled meats for a delicious dinner option that’s sure to please even those who don’t eat gluten-free.

3. Cornbread muffins with sunflower seed flour

For a truly unique gluten-free garlic bread experience, try making cornbread muffins with sunflower seed flour.

Start by combining the dry ingredients, sifting together sunflower seed flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and milk before stirring in the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just mixed.

Don’t over-mix to keep the muffins light and fluffy! Bake the muffins at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes before serving warm with butter or olive oil – you won’t even miss garlic bread!

These are just a few delicious gluten-free garlic bread substitutes you can make at home. Try out these recipes today and enjoy all of your favorite dishes without worrying about gluten sensitivities! Enjoy!

Read More- Can you replace garlic with garlic powder?

Are there any tips for making garlic bread?

Yes, here are some tips to help you with the perfect garlic bread:

• Use high-quality ingredients like fresh garlic, butter, and herbs.

• Preheat your oven so that your bread will be perfectly crisp on the outside.

• Toast your bread lightly before adding the seasonings and butter – this creates a crunchier texture.

• Don’t overload it with too much butter or seasoning, as this can make it too greasy and salty. Leave some of the bread exposed to allow the flavors to seep in better.

• Sprinkle generously with grated cheese after spreading on the butter to add a cheesy flavor.

• Bake until golden brown and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

FAQs on garlic bread substitute

Q1. Can I use garlic powder instead of minced garlic for bread?

Yes, you can utilize garlic powder instead of minced garlic for bread. However, keep in mind that the flavor of garlic powder is much more concentrated than that of fresh minced garlic, so you will want to adjust the amount accordingly.

Start with about half of what the recipe calls for and add more as desired. Garlic powder can also help give a nice golden-brown color to your finished product. Enjoy your garlicky-tasting homemade bread!

Q2. Can I use garlic salt instead of garlic powder for garlic bread?

Yes, you can use garlic salt instead of garlic powder to make garlic bread. However, since garlic salt is a mix of garlic powder and table salt, it will be saltier than using just the garlic powder on its own.

To reduce the amount of sodium in your dish, you can reduce the amount of added salt or use half garlic powder and half garlic salt. You may even want to add some extra herbs or spices such as basil, parsley, oregano, paprika, or thyme for flavor variation.

Additionally, if using butter on your bread before sprinkling it with the seasoning blend, consider reducing the amount of butter used. This will help lower the fat and calories in your dish as well as keep it from becoming too salty.

Enjoy!

Q3. Can I use onion powder instead of garlic powder?

Yes. Onion powder is a great substitute for garlic powder, as it has the same flavor and aroma. It can be used in equal amounts when substituted for garlic powder in your cooking.

However, keep in mind that onion powder is stronger than garlic powder, so you may like to adjust the amount of onion used to achieve the desired flavor intensity.

Additionally, since onion powder has a more intense flavor than garlic powder, it will also impart a milder taste when cooked.

Therefore, if you are looking to add an intense garlicky flavor to your dish, then using garlic powder would be preferable.

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