Garlic bread is a classic side, and Ina Garten’s version delivers a perfectly buttery, garlicky loaf with bright herb and cheese notes.
This recipe is simple, reliable, and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. A few fresh ingredients—parsley, lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan—take it up a notch.
For the smoothest experience, assemble and measure ingredients before you begin. Chop the garlic and parsley ahead of time so everything is ready when you are.
Contents:
How to Make Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French baguette
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 450°F so it’s hot enough to crisp the bread quickly.
Step 2:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is very tender—about 20 minutes. Keep the heat low so the garlic softens without browning.
Step 3:
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the garlic-butter cool slightly. Stir in chopped parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper until evenly combined.
Step 4:
Slice the baguette in half horizontally. Spread the garlic-butter mixture generously over both halves, then top with the grated Parmesan.
Step 5:
Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden and crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use fresh ingredients
Fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan make a big difference. Pre-chopped or pre-grated options are convenient but don’t deliver the same bright flavor.
Customize spiciness
Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your tolerance. Start with a small amount and add more if you want extra heat.
Avoid overcooking
Because the oven is hot, the bread can go from golden to burnt quickly. Check it during the last minutes to ensure a crisp exterior without excessive browning.
Try different add-ons
Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different aromatic profile. A light sprinkle of smoked cheese can add depth.
Grate cheese finely
Finely grated Parmesan melts evenly and coats the bread uniformly. Large chunks may not melt properly and can overwhelm the texture.
What to Serve with Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe
Tomato Basil Soup
Pair the garlic bread with a tangy tomato basil soup for a comforting, classic combination. The bread is perfect for dipping and adds a buttery contrast.
Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad balances the richness of the bread. The salty, zesty dressing complements the garlic and Parmesan.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Serve the garlic bread with a hearty spaghetti Bolognese to soak up the sauce and round out a satisfying meal.
Grilled Artichokes
Grilled artichokes bring a smoky element that pairs well with the garlic and Parmesan for a slightly more adventurous side pairing.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Spread roasted red pepper hummus on the warm garlic bread for a creamy, colorful twist that adds sweetness and depth.
Greek Yogurt Tzatziki
A cool tzatziki with cucumber and dill contrasts the warm, savory bread and adds a bright, refreshing element to the plate.
Variations and Substitutions
Experiment with Cheese
Try different cheeses: mozzarella for a melty pull, sharp cheddar for bite, or smoked Gouda for a subtle smokiness. Mixing cheeses can be delicious.
Adding Extra Herbs
Beyond parsley, add basil, thyme, or rosemary for new flavor notes. Fresh herbs add aroma and complexity.
Bread Choices
If you prefer a tangy crumb, use sourdough. Ciabatta soaks up butter well thanks to its open crumb. In a pinch, thick-sliced sandwich bread works too.
Garlic Options
Roasted garlic yields a milder, sweeter flavor. Minced or crushed raw garlic produces more bite — choose based on how pronounced you want the garlic note.
How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe
Room Temperature Storage
For short-term storage (a day or two), wrap the cooled bread in foil or a clean kitchen towel and keep it on the counter. Avoid plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and make the crust soggy.
Freezing for Longer Storage
To freeze, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven until warmed through and crisp.
Storing Garlic Bread Crumbs
If the bread becomes stale, pulse it in a food processor to make breadcrumbs. Store in an airtight container and use them to add flavor to other dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Much Garlic
Too much garlic can overwhelm the butter and cheese. Start with the recipe amount and adjust gradually to taste.
Not Crosshatching the Bread
Not cutting or slicing appropriately can prevent the garlic butter from soaking into the interior. Crosshatching or slicing into portions helps distribute flavor evenly.
Overcooking the Garlic
Overheated garlic turns bitter. Cook on low until tender and pale, not browned, to retain a sweet, mellow flavor.
Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe
- 1 loaf French baguette
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Preheat your oven to 450°F so it’s ready to crisp the bread.
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Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
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Add garlic and cook gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and tender.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then stir in parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
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Slice the baguette in half horizontally and spread the garlic-butter mixture on each half. Top with Parmesan.
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Bake on a sheet for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden and crisp.