Wrapping garlic bread in tin foil can help keep it warm and prevent it from drying out. However, there are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not to use foil.
The Benefits of Wrapping Garlic Bread in Foil
Here are some of the main benefits of wrapping garlic bread in tin foil:
- Keeps bread warm – The foil helps trap heat and steam to keep the bread warmer for longer after baking. This can be handy if you have baked a large batch of garlic bread ahead of time for a party or gathering.
- Prevents drying out – Foil prevents the bread from drying out and becoming tough and chewy by locking in moisture.
- Easy transport – Foiling your bread makes it easy to transport to potlucks or parties without making a mess. The bread stays neatly wrapped.
- Even heating – Foil helps the bread cook evenly, especially if you have a large loaf.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Foil
On the other hand, there are a few possible cons with wrapping garlic bread in foil:
- Condensation – Foil can trap steam which leads to condensation building up on the bread, making it soggy.
- Loss of crispiness – The foil can make the bread less crisp on the bottom and edges.
- Difficult to reheat – It can be tricky reheating foiled bread without it steaming too much.
- Reduced flavor – Some people feel covering the bread dilutes the garlic flavor during baking.
Tips for Using Foil
If you do want to use foil, here are some tips to get the best results:
- Use heavy duty or double foil to prevent tears.
- Make sure the foil is tucked tightly against the bread.
- Allow a little ventilation by turning up the edges slightly.
- Bake the bread first until almost done then wrap in foil.
- Reheat uncovered in the oven at 300°F to recrisp the crust.
Alternatives to Foil
If you choose not to use foil, here are some other options:
- Parchment paper – Keeps bottom crust crisp.
- Bread basket/towel – Keeps bread warm while allowing moisture to escape.
- Casserole dish – For larger loaves to prevent drying out.
- Reheating in oven – Crisps up crust and restores texture.
When Should You Avoid Foil?
Here are some instances when foil may not be the best choice:
- Delicate breads like foccacia – Foil may make the bread soggy.
- Garlic bread with lots of toppings – Foil could dislodge cheese, herbs etc.
- Thin baguette slices – These crisp up better uncovered.
- Breads baked directly on oven racks – Hard to wrap without disturbing.
- Cooking in a convection oven – The fan circulation prevents drying out.
Storing and Freezing Garlic Bread
Here are some tips for storing garlic bread to maintain quality and flavor:
- Room temperature – Keep wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration – Store in foil or plastic wrap for 5-7 days.
- Freezer – Allow to cool completely then wrap well in layers of foil and plastic. Freeze for 2-3 months.
- Reheating – Thaw frozen bread in fridge overnight. Reheat uncovered in 300°F oven 5-10 minutes.
Conclusion
Using foil to wrap garlic bread can be beneficial for keeping it warm and moist. However, take care not to let condensation build up and impact crisping. Heavy duty foil wrapped loosely works best. For delicate breads or quick serving, you may opt to skip the foil. Proper storage in foil or plastic wrap will help extend leftover garlic bread’s shelf life. Following these tips will lead to the perfect garlic bread whether you choose to use foil or not.