Description
Crispy Garlic Bread is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring a crusty French baguette slathered with a buttery, garlicky mixture, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for accompanying pasta, soups, or salads, this easy-to-make bread delivers a satisfying crunch and rich taste with simple, fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Bread
- 1 large French baguette or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot enough to crisp the bread nicely.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Blend well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined to create a flavorful butter spread.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French baguette or Italian bread in half lengthwise. For smaller serving portions, you may also slice the bread into individual pieces. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread. Optionally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top for added flavor.
- Bake the Garlic Bread: Arrange the bread halves on a baking sheet cut side up. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and develop a crispy texture.
- Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Slice if not already done, serve warm as a delicious accompaniment to your meal, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use softened butter for easy spreading and better incorporation of flavors.
- Monitor the bread while baking to prevent burning; the ideal result is golden and crispy, not darkened.
- Adjust garlic quantity to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- For an alternative spicy twist, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the butter mixture.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Can freeze prepared garlic bread (before baking); wrap tightly and bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: garlic bread, crispy garlic bread, buttery garlic bread, Italian side dish, easy garlic bread recipe, baked garlic bread, crispy bread, garlic butter bread
