Name: Quick Baguette Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 baguette (preferably La Brea Bakery for its crust); 4.4 oz unsalted butter (softened, Kerrygold recommended); 3 tsp fresh garlic, minced; 3/4 tsp salt; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Introduction

Garlic bread made with a real baguette is one of life’s simple pleasures. This classic side dish combines a crusty French loaf with a rich garlic butter that melts into every slice. It’s quick to prepare and pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, or salads.

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a single slice of garlic bread with a golden-brown crust and soft, light yellow crumb. The slice is topped with finely chopped green parsley and small pieces of minced garlic, spread evenly across its surface. Behind it, several similar slices are stacked on a wooden board, with whole garlic bulbs nearby. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface, adding a clean, bright background to the warm tones of the bread and garnishes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 baguette (preferably with a crispy crust and soft interior)
4.4 oz unsalted butter, softened
3 tsp fresh garlic, minced
3/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, chopped parsley, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until evenly blended. Let the mixture sit for a minute to meld the flavors.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. Then make diagonal cuts about 2cm apart through each half, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom crust so the bread holds together.
Step 3: Using a butter knife or spreader, generously spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice and on top and sides of the bread. Spread extra butter to ensure all crevices are coated without tearing the bread.
Step 4: Wrap the buttered baguette tightly in aluminum foil to trap steam. Place it on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until heated through and butter is sizzling. For a crispy top, unwrap foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Remove from oven, carefully unwrap the foil, and transfer to a platter. The bread should pull apart easily at the cuts while staying warm and aromatic. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old baguette for better butter absorption without sogginess.
Substitute Italian bread, ciabatta, or sourdough if baguette is unavailable, adjusting baking time as needed.
Salted butter can replace unsalted; just reduce added salt accordingly.
For different flavors, swap parsley with basil or oregano, or try garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
Do not cut the bread all the way through to keep it together and easy to serve.

Storage

Wrap leftover garlic bread tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, unwrapping for the last few minutes to crisp the top. Garlic bread also freezes well—wrap portions in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months; bake from frozen adding extra heating time.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a single slice of garlic bread held by a woman's hand, showing a golden crust with a lightly toasted texture. The surface of the bread is covered with small pieces of finely chopped garlic and bright green parsley, with some melted butter soaked into the soft, slightly glossy center. Behind the slice, several more pieces of garlic bread are stacked on a wooden board, all with a similar golden color and herb topping. The background has a white marbled texture with scattered parsley flakes and two bulbs of garlic nearby, enhancing the fresh, homemade look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced bread for this recipe?

It’s best to use a whole baguette and make your own diagonal cuts without slicing all the way through. Pre-sliced bread may become too soft and won’t hold together well while baking.

How can I get the garlic butter to spread easily without tearing the bread?

Make sure your butter is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to spread into the bread’s crevices without damaging the crust.