Is garlic bread Italian or French?

The origin of garlic bread is actually a bit of a mystery! While it's commonly associated with Italian cuisine, there's no definitive proof that it originated in Italy.

Here's what we know:

* Italy: Garlic bread, often referred to as "bruschetta," is popular in Italy. It's typically made with toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil, sometimes with tomatoes or other ingredients. However, bruschetta is more of a topping than a bread itself.

* France: Some argue that the French version, "pain à l'ail," was developed in the 19th century. This version typically involves butter, garlic, and herbs. It's often served as a starter or side dish.

* Roman Empire: Some historians believe that garlic bread has origins in the Roman Empire. It's possible that the Romans used bread with garlic as a common food item, but there's no strong evidence to support this theory.

In conclusion, while both Italy and France have their own variations of garlic bread, its origins are unclear. It's likely that the dish evolved independently in various cultures.