Easy Baguette Garlic Bread Recipe: The Perfect Side Dish

I don’t know about you, but my kids would love some garlic bread with almost any meal.  And, although I’m hesitant to admit it, a cheesy garlic bread with fresh herbs and fresh garlic cloves, toasted to a golden brown is something I could eat at almost any hour of the day. I am definitely a bread lover. 

 

 

Garlic bread, that golden, fragrant, crispy delight, is a favorite for so many of us. Whether served alongside pasta dishes, as a snack, or at a cozy dinner gathering, it never fails to impress and satisfy. But instead of relying on grocery store options, why not try making it yourself? It’s easier than you think; with a fresh baguette as your base and a few simple ingredients, you can’t go wrong. Here’s how to make the perfect baguette easy garlic bread recipe at home!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the garlic bread bakes evenly and crisps up perfectly.

2. Prepare the Baguette: Take your fresh baguette and cut it lengthwise (using a serrated knife or bread knife) into halves. Place on a sheet pan. 

3. Make the Garlic Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the butter. The aroma of garlic and butter will start to fill your kitchen — it’s already smelling like a treat!

4. Spread the Garlic Butter: Use a butter knife or spatula to generously spread the garlic butter mixture onto the cut side of each piece of the baguette. Make sure to coat every nook and cranny for that perfect, flavorful bite.

5. Add Extra Toppings : If you want to elevate your garlic bread even more, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the buttered side. This adds an extra layer of richness and flavor. If you like a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

6. Bake the Garlic Bread: Place the buttered baguette halves or slices on a large baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper, cut side up. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are golden and crispy. If you like your garlic bread extra crispy, leave it in for a couple of extra minutes. For a softer version, you can cover the bread with foil for part of the baking time.

7. Broil for the Finish: For an added golden touch, switch your oven to broil in the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch closely, though, to avoid burning the bread. The broiler will give your garlic bread that irresistible crisp on top.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let the garlic bread cool for a minute before slicing it into smaller pieces. You can garnish with a bit more fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Bread:

Here are some tips and tricks to help make sure you nail this easy baguette garlic bread recipe.

• Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder works in a pinch, nothing beats the punch of fresh, finely minced garlic. It provides the best flavor and aroma.
• Butter Quality Matters: Use unsalted butter to control the seasoning. It helps keep the bread from becoming too salty while allowing the garlic flavor to shine. Room temperature butter makes it easy to mix in a small bowl. 
• Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add other herbs, like basil or oregano, to the butter for extra flavor. A touch of Italian seasoning can also give a wonderful depth to the garlic bread. I love fresh herbs, but dried parsley or oregano is a great way to load on the flavor when you don’t have fresh.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the garlic butter in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just spread it on your baguette when you’re ready to bake.
• Be sure to Broil: Don’t skip the broiling, it makes for a crispy top!
• Type of Bread: I love using a baguette, but a loaf of Italian bread or French bread would work well too. If you want to use a homemade bread, try our easy recipe for crusty bread HERE. Or our homemade loaf of French bread HERE.

Serving Suggestions:

Garlic bread pairs perfectly with many dishes! Here are a few ideas:

• Serve a side of garlic bread with your favorite pasta, like spaghetti, ravioli or creamy Alfredo.
• Pair it with a fresh salad for a light but satisfying meal.
• Enjoy it as a delicious side dish for soups and stews, such as tomato soup or a hearty minestrone.

What to do with leftover garlic bread:

• Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or so until warmed through. Reheating in the microwave is not recommended because it will become chewy. 
• To store extra compound butter, transfer it to an airtight container and it will stay good in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.