Can I make the garlic spread ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the roasted garlic butter mixture up to 2 days ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
How do I know when the garlic is fully roasted?
Roast at 400°F for 35–40 minutes until the bulbs are soft, the exterior is golden-brown, and cloves squeeze out easily.
Can I use garlic powder instead of roasted garlic?
Not recommended—garlic powder lacks the sweet, caramelized depth of roasted garlic. Fresh roasted garlic is essential to this recipe's flavor.
What temperature should the oven be for baking the bread?
Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are lightly browned. Don't exceed 400°F or the edges may char.
Can I freeze assembled garlic bread?
Yes. Assemble, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–8 extra minutes.