Keeping garlic bread warm for a large gathering can be a challenge. Garlic bread is best served right out of the oven when it’s hot and crispy. But if you need to keep it warm for an extended period, there are some tricks you can use.
Use Warming Trays or Chafing Dishes
The best way to keep garlic bread warm for a crowd is to use a warming tray or chafing dish. These are designed to keep food warm for buffet service. Warming trays have a heated surface that gently warms the food from below. Chafing dishes have a water reservoir below to keep food warm from above.
To use a warming tray or chafing dish:
- Preheat the warming tray or chafing dish according to manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 30 minutes ahead of time.
- Place sliced garlic bread directly on the warming tray surface or in a heat-safe pan or dish on the chafing dish.
- Cover with a lid to retain heat. Check bread occasionally and stir pieces around for even heating.
- Keep an oven mitt handy to safely remove and replace the lid as needed.
- Replenish heating fuel for chafing dishes per manufacturer’s instructions.
Warming trays and chafing dishes are ideal for keeping garlic bread warm for 1-2 hours without drying out or getting soggy.
Use the Oven
If you don’t have a warming tray or chafing dish, the oven can work in a pinch. Just be sure to use a low temperature and watch closely to prevent burning.
To warm garlic bread in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 175°F-200°F.
- Place sliced garlic bread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Warm bread for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Wrap bread loosely in aluminum foil and place back in the oven, checking every 15 minutes.
- Stir pieces around periodically for even heating. Reheat for 5-10 minutes at a time as needed.
The foil helps retain moisture and prevent drying out. But don’t wrap too tightly or the bread may get soggy. Keep oven time brief to avoid over-crisping.
Use a Slow Cooker
For smaller quantities, a slow cooker can keep garlic bread warm for up to 2 hours.
To use a slow cooker:
- Spray the slow cooker crock with non-stick spray.
- Add sliced garlic bread in a single layer.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for about 1 hour until heated through.
- Reduce to LOW to hold bread for up to 2 hours.
- Stir bread around occasionally and add moisture with a sprinkle of water if it appears dry.
The moist, enclosed environment of the slow cooker allows you to keep the bread warm for a bit longer without drying out.
Other Tips
Here are some other tips for keeping garlic bread warm for a crowd:
- Allow bread to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking before transferring to a warming source.
- Cut bread into smaller pieces which hold heat better than large slices.
- Place a piece of foil or parchment paper between layers of bread to prevent sticking.
- Keep bread covered as much as possible to retain moisture.
- Don’t overload warming trays or slow cookers which can cause rapid cooling.
- Avoid keeping bread warm for longer than 2 hours to prevent drying.
- Server bread within 20-30 minutes of removing from warming source for optimum quality.
How to Bake Garlic Bread for a Crowd
When baking garlic bread for a large gathering, you’ll need to prepare multiple sheets at a time. Here are some tips:
- Figure around 3-4 slices per person.
- Use long bakery style bread loaves. Cut the entire loaf in half lengthwise, then widthwise into slices.
- Bake as many loaves as needed to serve your crowd.
- Use large rimmed baking sheets. Allow at least 1 inch between slices for even crisping.
- Stagger trays on oven racks to promote air circulation.
- Bake bread halfway, then switch tray positions and rotate for even baking.
- Check that the center of each slice is baked through before removing.
- Allow bread to cool slightly before transferring to a warming source.
Baking garlic bread in batches is key for serving fresh bread to large gatherings. Just be sure to keep a close eye on each batch while baking.
Garlic Bread Recipes for a Crowd
Here are some tasty garlic bread recipes that are easy to make for a crowd:
Classic Garlic Bread
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 4 long bread loaves, halved lengthwise
Combine butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, garlic powder and salt. Spread on cut sides of bread. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Makes 16-20 servings.
Pesto Garlic Bread
- 1⁄2 cup prepared pesto
- 6 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 long bread loaves, halved lengthwise
- 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan
Combine pesto, butter and garlic. Spread on cut sides of bread. Top with Parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy. Makes 16-20 servings.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
- 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 21⁄2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 4 long bread loaves, halved lengthwise
Combine butter and garlic. Spread on cut sides of bread. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle with basil. Bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts. Makes 16-20 servings.
Experiment with different herb combos like rosemary, oregano or thyme. Slice into smaller pieces for appetizer-size garlic bread.
Choosing the Best Bread
The type of bread you use can impact the quality and flavor of your garlic bread. Here are some good options:
- French baguette: The classic choice with a crispy crust.
- Ciabatta: Has a soft, porous texture that soaks up garlic flavor.
- Focaccia: Fluffy, olive oil-based bread is perfect for garlic bread.
- Sourdough: Tangy flavor complements the garlic and butter.
- Italian: Hearty texture stands up well to abundant toppings.
- Brioche: Very rich, buttery sweet bread makes decadent garlic bread.
Avoid flimsy white breads that can get soggy. Choose a quality artisan loaf with a crispy crust and sturdy interior to hold the garlic topping.
Conclusion
Keeping garlic bread hot and tasty for a large gathering takes some forethought. Warming trays, chafing dishes and slow cookers are ideal for holding the bread. Staggered baking is key for fresh bread all night long. With high-quality ingredients and smart warming techniques, you can serve crowd-pleasing garlic bread for any occasion.