If you’re a garlic lover like me, then this Garlic Baguette Bread Recipe is going to become your new go-to side dish in no time. It’s quick, simple, and packs an irresistible punch of buttery garlicky goodness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need something comforting and delicious without any fuss. Stick around and I’ll walk you through my favorite way to make it, plus a few tips I picked up along the way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: You’ll have this on your table in under 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The garlic butter and parmesan combo creates a savory, rich taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile Side Dish: Goes great with pastas, soups, salads, or as a snack all on its own.
- No Fancy Techniques Needed: Even if you’re new to baking bread at home, you’ll find this recipe super approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Baguette Bread Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, each one playing a crucial role in building that unforgettable flavor. When shopping, go for a fresh baguette and fresh garlic if you can – it really makes a difference.
- French Baguette: Fresh is best here for that crispy crust and soft inside; if it’s a day old, it still works beautifully after baking.
- Unsalted Butter: Using room temperature butter helps it mix evenly with the garlic and herbs.
- Grated Garlic: I prefer freshly grated garlic—about 5 cloves—to get that punch of flavor without chunks.
- Fresh Parsley: Minced parsley adds a lovely fresh note and color contrast.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan gives the bread a subtle nuttiness and an extra layer of yum.
- Salt & Pepper: Just a pinch to balance all those flavors without overpowering the garlic.
Variations
I love customizing this Garlic Baguette Bread Recipe depending on what I have in the kitchen or the mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to play around—it’s all about making this recipe your own.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Once, I added mozzarella slices on top before broiling—my family went crazy for that extra gooeyness.
- Herbs Galore: Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme, or even a mix, to change up the flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the butter mix if you like a little heat.
- Vegan Friendly: Use a plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan twist.
How to Make Garlic Baguette Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Garlic Butter
Start by combining your softened unsalted butter with grated garlic, minced parsley, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly mixed. When I first tried this, I was tempted to overdo the garlic, but trust me—about 5 cloves hits the perfect balance between bold and mellow.
Step 2: Preparing the Baguette
Use a sharp bread knife to cut the baguette lengthwise. I like to take my time here to avoid squishing the bread. Place both baguette halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or nonstick foil. This keeps clean-up easy and prevents sticking—another little trick I learned after some sticky experiments!
Step 3: Spread the Butter Mixture
Spread your garlic butter evenly on both cut sides of the baguette. Be generous—this is where all that luscious flavor goes. If your butter is a bit firm, let it soften a bit more, or gently warm it so it spreads smoothly without tearing the bread.
Step 4: Bake and Broil for Perfect Crispness
Pop the bread into a preheated oven at 375℉ and bake for about 5 minutes—just enough to melt that glorious butter into the bread. Then switch your oven to broil and let it crisp up for another 5 minutes, keeping a close eye so it turns golden brown and doesn’t burn. This two-step cooking method was a game-changer for me; it gives you the perfect balance of soft, buttery interior and a crunch on top.
Once it’s ready, slice into smaller pieces and serve immediately. Trust me, the aroma alone will make everyone rush to the table.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Baguette Bread Recipe
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly grated garlic will always give you more punch than pre-minced or powdered—it transforms the flavor.
- Don’t Skip Broiling: Baking alone softens the bread, but the broil step is what gives it that gorgeous crispy golden crust.
- Start with Room Temp Butter: This helps you spread the mixture smoothly without tearing the bread surface.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: I’ve learned not to wander off here—broiling can go from perfect to burnt in a blink.
How to Serve Garlic Baguette Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley on top right after baking for a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I’ll add a dusting of extra parmesan if I’m feeling cheesy. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top can add a surprising brightness that really complements the richness.
Side Dishes
This garlic baguette bread pairs amazingly with tomato-based pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese or creamy soups like butternut squash. It also makes a perfect companion for a fresh garden salad or hearty grilled meats. When I want something quick and satisfying, it’s my go-to side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve arranged slices in a circular pattern on a serving tray, topped with little bowls of dipping sauces like marinara or garlic aioli. It not only looks amazing but invites a fun, interactive way to enjoy the bread. Another fun twist I tried was cutting the baguette into cubes and serving it alongside fondue—such a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to a day. The bread is best enjoyed fresh, but good wrapping keeps it from drying out quickly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the garlic butter spread separately and thawed it when ready to use, and it still tastes fantastic. If you want to freeze the whole baguette after spreading the butter, wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftovers back into a 350℉ oven for about 5-7 minutes wrapped loosely in foil, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the top again. It brings back that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe almost perfectly.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of bread for this garlic bread recipe?
Absolutely! While a French baguette gives you that classic crispy crust and fluffy interior, you can use other breads like Italian bread, ciabatta, or even sourdough. Just keep in mind that thinner or softer breads may require shorter baking times.
-
How do I make this Garlic Baguette Bread Recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the unsalted butter for your favorite plant-based butter and omit or replace the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
-
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time?
Yes! Making the garlic butter in advance saves time on the day you want to serve. Just store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and bring it back to room temperature before spreading.
-
What’s the secret to crispy yet soft garlic baguette bread?
The trick is the two-step bake and broil method: first melting the butter into the bread at a moderate temperature then broiling to crisp up the top without drying out the inside.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Baguette Bread Recipe has become one of those kitchen staples for me—it’s forgiving, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it up for family dinners or casual gatherings, it fills the room with that irresistible garlic aroma and delivers buttery, cheesy comfort in every bite. I really hope you try it out and make it your own; once you do, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to it again and again!
Print
Garlic Baguette Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Deliciously crispy and buttery Baguette Garlic Bread made by spreading a flavorful garlic-parsley-parmesan butter mixture on a sliced French baguette and baking it to golden perfection. This easy-to-make side is perfect for garlic lovers and pairs beautifully with pasta, soups, and salads.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick – room temperature)
- 1 tbsp grated garlic (about 5 cloves)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (minced)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the garlic bread.
- Prepare the garlic butter mixture. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the unsalted butter, grated garlic, minced fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Slice the baguette. Using a sharp bread knife, cut the French baguette lengthwise down the middle, creating two equal halves with the cut sides facing up.
- Apply the butter mixture. Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of both halves of the baguette, ensuring every part is covered for maximum flavor.
- Arrange the bread on a baking sheet. Place the baguette halves cut side up on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil to catch any drips.
- Bake the bread. Put the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the bread for 5 minutes until the butter is melted and the bread begins to toast.
- Broil to finish. Switch your oven to broil and broil the baguette for an additional 5 minutes, watching carefully until the bread is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Serve. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, cut into smaller pieces, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- This garlic bread is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle more shredded Parmesan on top before broiling.
- You can swap parsley for other fresh herbs such as basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Keep an eye during broiling to avoid burning; broil times may vary by oven.
- Serve alongside pasta dishes, hearty soups, or salads for a delicious accompaniment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 198 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 395 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg
