📝 About This Recipe
This isn't just a side dish; it’s a masterclass in texture and aroma. By combining the mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic with the sharp punch of fresh cloves and savory Parmigiano-Reggiano, we create a spread that is velvety and deeply flavorful. Encased in a crusty artisan loaf, this garlic bread achieves that elusive balance of a shatteringly crisp exterior and a soft, buttery heart.
🥗 Ingredients
The Bread
- 1 large loaf French Baguette or Italian Loaf (about 18-24 inches long)
The Signature Garlic Butter
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (high-quality European style, softened at room temperature)
- 6 cloves Fresh Garlic (finely minced or grated into a paste)
- 1 head Roasted Garlic (cloves squeezed out and mashed)
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for richness and shine)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Herbs & Cheese
- 1/4 cup Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley (very finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Oregano (minced)
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (finely grated)
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a subtle heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
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2
If you haven't roasted your garlic yet, cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for 40 minutes beforehand. Squeeze the softened cloves into a small bowl.
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3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, the mashed roasted garlic cloves, and the 6 cloves of freshly minced raw garlic. The combination of both cooked and raw garlic provides layers of flavor.
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4
Add the extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
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5
Fold in the finely chopped parsley and oregano. Use a spatula to whip the mixture until it is light, airy, and the herbs are evenly distributed.
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6
Stir in half of the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/4 cup), saving the rest for the topping.
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7
Slice the baguette in half lengthwise (horizontally). If the loaf is too long for your baking sheet, cut it into two shorter sections.
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8
Generously spread the garlic butter over the cut sides of both halves of the bread. Ensure you go all the way to the very edges to prevent the crust from burning.
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9
Place the bread halves butter-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
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10
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano evenly over the top of the buttered surfaces.
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11
Bake in the center of the oven for 12-15 minutes. The butter should be completely melted and the edges of the bread should begin to turn a light golden brown.
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12
Switch the oven to 'Broil' for the final 1-2 minutes. Watch very closely; you want the cheese to bubble and turn a deep golden brown, but it can burn in seconds.
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13
Remove from the oven and let the bread rest for 2 minutes. This allows the butter to settle into the crumb of the bread rather than running off when sliced.
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14
Slice into 2-inch thick pieces using a serrated bread knife to maintain the integrity of the crust.
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15
Garnish with a final sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and fragrant.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use high-fat European-style butter for a richer mouthfeel and better browning. Always grate your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheeses are coated in potato starch which prevents a smooth melt. If your bread is very fresh and soft, leave it out uncovered for 2 hours before preparation to slightly firm up the crust. To avoid a soggy middle, don't wrap the bread in foil while baking; the open-faced method ensures maximum crispness. For a 'Cheesy Garlic Bread' variation, add a layer of shredded low-moisture mozzarella 5 minutes before the end of baking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a classic Spaghetti Carbonara or a hearty Beef Bolognese. Pair with a crisp Caesar Salad to balance the richness of the butter. Use as a vessel for dipping into a warm bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. Accompany with a glass of Chianti or a cold Italian Pilsner. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for a fun, shareable appetizer.