Description
This garlic bread recipe features a crispy, golden-brown baguette slathered with a flavorful mixture of butter, fresh garlic, and herbs, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes. Perfect as a savory side or appetizer, this easy-to-make bread comes together quickly in the oven for a warm, aromatic treat.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives (plus more for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves (grated)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Bread & Toppings
- 1 (15-ounce) loaf French bread (or Italian bread or baguette)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Flaky sea salt
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Position an oven rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even baking and broiling later.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives, grated garlic cloves, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated for a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Prepare the Bread: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the loaf of bread lengthwise in half, creating two long halves. Spread the prepared garlic butter generously over the cut sides of both bread halves, covering the entire surface.
- Bake the Bread: Place the buttered bread halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Slide the baking sheet onto the high oven rack and bake for 8 minutes to warm the bread and melt the butter into it.
- Broil for Crispiness: After baking, switch the oven to broil and broil the bread for 2 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to achieve golden brown edges without burning, creating a crispy crust.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, flaky sea salt, additional chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Slice the bread and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent burning; broil time can vary depending on your oven.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based spread and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh herbs add more vibrant flavor, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch.
- Garlic can be adjusted according to taste preference, adding more or less as desired.
- The bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for crispiness.
