This Easy Baguette Garlic Bread recipe is a simple and delicious way to elevate any meal. Made with a loaf of French bread, it’s topped with a rich garlic butter mixture made from unsalted butter, fresh garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, then baked until perfectly golden brown. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta dishes or a comforting lasagna dinner, this homemade garlic bread is the perfect side dish for garlic lovers everywhere. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible!
Garlic bread has always been a staple in my family, and this easy baguette garlic bread recipe brings back so many memories of comforting dinners at home. Growing up, a loaf of French bread slathered with buttery garlic goodness was always on the table when we had spaghetti or lasagna nights. My mom would experiment with fresh garlic cloves and different cheeses, and I’d always sneak an extra slice when she wasn’t looking! Now, I’ve perfected this version to share with my own family—and with you. It’s a little slice of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, too!
Looking for more? Try my Sourdough Bread, Cornbread, Corn Cake. Pair this recipe with my Italian Gravy, Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing and Carrot and Lentil Soup as a side! Try serving my Baked Calamari with this delicious bread! For a full meal, pair this with my Mussels in Butter Garlic Sauce.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Buttery, Golden Brown Goodness: This garlic bread bakes to a perfect golden brown, delivering a crispy crust with a soft, buttery center. The combination of fresh garlic cloves, unsalted butter, and Parmesan cheese ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Made with pantry staples like a loaf of French bread, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious side dish. It’s easy to prepare and always a hit.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta dishes for a comforting lasagna dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this homemade garlic bread recipe is versatile, quick, and sure to please garlic lovers.
🥘 Ingredients
- French Baguette – A classic loaf of French bread is the perfect base for this recipe. Its crusty exterior and soft interior are ideal for absorbing the garlic butter mixture while staying crisp and golden brown.
- Unsalted Butter – Softened and at room temperature, this allows you to create a smooth and creamy garlic butter mixture that spreads evenly over the bread. Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the seasoning.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves – Grated garlic provides a bold, aromatic flavor that infuses every bite with delicious garlicky goodness. Perfect for garlic lovers!
- Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty, and nutty flavor that elevates this garlic bread to restaurant-quality. It melts beautifully, creating a slightly crispy topping.
- Fresh Parsley – Minced fresh parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also brings a fresh, herby note to balance the richness of the butter and Parmesan.
- Salt and Pepper – A touch of salt and pepper enhances the flavors of the garlic butter mixture without overpowering the bread’s natural taste.
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil – Lining your baking sheet ensures the bread toasts evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of room temperature unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon grated fresh garlic, 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper until smooth and well combined.
Slice the Baguette: Using a sharp bread knife, carefully slice a French baguette lengthwise down the center to create two even halves.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ensure even toasting.
Spread the Garlic Butter: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the baguette, making sure to cover every corner for maximum flavor.
Bake the Bread: Place the baguette halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Broil to Perfection: Switch the oven to broil and broil the baguette for another 5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a serrated knife to cut the baguette into smaller pieces for serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm as the perfect side dish for pasta dishes, soups, or a lasagna dinner. Enjoy the buttery, garlicky flavor in every bite!
👩🏼🍳 Tips & Notes
- Use Room Temperature Butter – Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, spreadable garlic butter mixture that covers the bread evenly.
- Watch the Broil Closely – When broiling, stay close to the oven. The bread can go from perfectly golden brown to burnt in seconds, so keep a watchful eye.
- Experiment with Herbs – Fresh parsley is classic, but feel free to mix in fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for extra layers of flavor. It’s a great way to customize the garlic bread.
- For Softer Garlic Bread – If you prefer softer garlic bread, skip the broil step and bake the bread for an additional 3-5 minutes instead.
- Make It Ahead – Prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also pre-slice the baguette to save time.
- Reheat Leftovers – To reheat leftover garlic bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps maintain the buttery garlic flavor without drying it out.
- Use a Serrated Knife – A serrated bread knife is the best tool for slicing the baguette cleanly without squishing the loaf. It’s also perfect for cutting smaller pieces after baking.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
Different Types of Bread – Swap the French baguette for a loaf of Italian bread, sourdough, or even a ciabatta for a slightly different texture and flavor. For a softer option, use a loaf of sandwich bread.
Cheese Variations – Replace Parmesan with Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a blend of mozzarella for a cheesy garlic bread twist. Each adds its own unique flavor to the bread.
Herb Additions – Mix in fresh basil, thyme, or oregano with the parsley for a more complex herb flavor. Dried herbs can also be used in a pinch—just reduce the amount slightly.
Make It Cheesy – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses on top before broiling for a rich, cheesy garlic bread that’s irresistible.
Add a Kick – Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the garlic butter mixture for a spicy twist that’s perfect for garlic lovers who enjoy a little heat.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Pair with Pasta Dishes – This garlic bread is the perfect side for hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, creamy Alfredo, or a baked ziti. Its buttery, garlicky flavor complements the rich sauces beautifully.
Serve with Soups and Stews – Dip slices into a bowl of minestrone, tomato bisque, or a comforting beef stew. The bread soaks up the flavors while adding a satisfying crunch to the meal.
Top with Extra Parmesan and Herbs – For an elegant touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and a bit of minced parsley over the bread before serving. The extra cheese adds richness, and the parsley gives a fresh burst of flavor.
Wine Pairing – A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with garlic bread, enhancing its savory notes without overpowering the dish.
Make it a Snack Board – Pair smaller garlic bread slices with a charcuterie-style spread of cured meats, cheeses, and olives for a quick, shareable appetizer.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! While a French baguette is the traditional choice for this easy baguette garlic bread recipe, you can easily swap it for other types of bread. A loaf of Italian bread works wonderfully for softer garlic bread, and sourdough adds a tangy twist with its hearty crust. For garlic lovers looking for a quick option, even bake-at-home baguettes from the grocery store are a great way to recreate this recipe with convenience. The key is to use a bread that can hold the buttery garlic flavor while achieving that golden brown finish.
To store leftover garlic bread, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 1-2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. To reheat, avoid the microwave as it can make the bread soggy. Instead, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. For crispier results, unwrap the bread for the last couple of minutes. If you have an air fryer, it’s a great way to revive that crispy garlic bread texture in just a few minutes!
🥣 Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Garlic bread can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, spread the garlic butter mixture on the baguette, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing after baking, let the bread cool completely, then wrap and freeze as described.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat leftover garlic bread in a preheated oven at 350°F. Wrap it in aluminum foil to keep it soft or leave it uncovered for a crispier texture. An air fryer is another great way to reheat, bringing back the golden brown crunch in just a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
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🥗 Pairing Recommendations
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📋 Recipe
Baguette Garlic Bread
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Equipment
- Bread knife
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush (optional for spreading butter mixture evenly)
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon garlic grate, about 5 cloves
- 2 tablespoons parsley fresh, minced
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup room temperature unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon grated garlic, 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Prepare the baguette: Using a bread knife, slice the baguette open lengthwise. Place both halves, cut side up, on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil.
- Spread the garlic butter: Use a spoon or pastry brush to evenly spread the garlic butter mixture across the cut sides of the baguette. Make sure to cover the entire surface for full flavor.
- Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
- Broil to finish: Switch the oven to broil. Broil the bread for an additional 5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Cool and slice: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute or two. Slice the baguette into smaller pieces and serve immediately.
🌡️ Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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