How to Make Last-Minute, Lightning-Fast Garlic Bread

Raid the spice rack to create yummy garlic bread in a hurry.

There are many reasons why you might need garlic bread in a big hurry. Maybe you discovered that the salad lettuce you thought was okay had decomposed into a green mass in the back of the vegetable bin. Maybe there wasn't any to begin with although you could have sworn you bought some. Maybe your wonderful entree took an hour longer to whip up than you thought it would, leaving you no time for side dishes. Whatever the reason, you need something to go with dinner. Something impressive and delicious -- and fast.

Things You'll Need

• Bread (sourdough or other specialty white breads work best)
• Brush
• Butter or margarine
• Garlic powder
• Cookie sheet

Instructions

1. Preheat the broiler in your oven.

2. If you are using a loaf, slice into medium slices. Place bread slices in rows on a cookie sheet.

3. If you're using margarine, spread it on the bread with a knife. For butter, put 2 to 3 tablespoons in the microwave and melt, then brush it on the bread. You can also soften and spread, if you don't have a brush.

4. Shake garlic powder over the bread. You don't want too little, or too much. Hold the jar of garlic powder horizontally, slightly tipped down, then give it two to three firm shakes as you move over the bread.

5. Put the prepared bread under the broiler for 1 minute. When done, the bread should be brown around the edges. If it is, take it out. If not, cook for 1 more minute.

Tips & Warnings

• Add grated cheese before placing under the broiler, if desired. Watch for the cheese to melt or crisp.

• You can also add dried herbs, such as basil or rosemary.

• The bread will burn VERY easily. Make sure you set a timer for one minute, and don't bury yourself in something that you can't walk away from immediately. I would not exceed three minutes unless you have a very inefficient broiler.