What if I don't have fresh garlic cloves?

Fresh garlic makes this cheesy garlic bread extra special, but garlic powder will also work in the garlic butter mixture. Start with 2 teaspoons of garlic powder and then taste and adjust from there. I don't recommend using garlic salt in the same ratio, as the garlic flavors will be overwhelmed by the salt. If using garlic salt, start with 1/2 teaspoon in the garlic compound butter, then taste and adjust. Omit the additional salt in the recipe.

I don't have fresh chives, can I use different fresh herbs?

Fresh basil and even a tablespoon of fresh thyme would be delicious in this easy baguette garlic bread recipe. Create your own mix of herbs with the real garlic butter, just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning.

What kind of bread can I use to make this crispy garlic bread?

A baguette is the best bread for me, but you have plenty of options to pull off this perfect side dish. Of course a loaf of Italian bread will make a good garlic bread loaf, but you can also grab a large loaf of French bread, seeded bread or even a round country loaf. Almost any type of bread will work with this easy recipe.

What should I serve with this garlic bread?

Any Italian food main course is just begging for a delicious side order of this garlic bread. I love to serve it with Stuffed Calamari , Shrimp Cannelloni , Shrimp Rasta Pasta and Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine . Garlic bread is a classic side dish to serve with Italian favorites like your lasagna dinner, Flounder Piccata or chicken piccata and even a big Italian Tossed Salad .

Do I have to cook the garlic cloves first?

I love the slightly mellowed flavor of the cooked garlic, but if you're looking for a more pungent experience, skip the sauté step and add your grated raw garlic directly to the garlic butter mixture.

How to store leftover garlic bread baguette?

To store leftover garlic bread, move to airtight container or wrap tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, leave wrapped and warm in oven at 375℉ for 8-10 minutes until hot.

Garlic Bread Baguette Recipe

Name: Best Garlic Bread Baguette Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large French baguette; 8 tablespoons butter, softened and divided; 6 cloves garlic, grated; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, diced; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, diced; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredients

Scale

1 large French baguette

8 tablespoons butter, softened and divided

6 cloves garlic, grated

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, diced

2 tablespoons fresh chives, diced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

To begin, preheat your oven to 375℉.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Add grated garlic, salt and pepper. Cook over medium low heat for 3-4 minutes, until the garlic is tender and fragrant. Remove from heat to cool slightly while preparing the bread.
Using a bread knife, slice the baguette in 1-inch slices, but leave the loaf attached at the bottom, similar to a hasselback potato (cut a little more than 3/4 of the way through the loaf). Place the sliced loaf on a sheet pan that has been covered with aluminum foil and a sheet of parchment paper (the parchment should be directly under the bread, foil directly under the parchment and on top of the large baking sheet).
Combine the remaining 6 tablespoons of softened butter, 1/2 cup parmesan, 2 tablespoons of parsley and fresh chives, lemon zest and softened garlic (and melted butter) from the skillet in a small bowl. Use a fork to mix well. Using a knife or rubber spatula, spread the garlic herb butter between each slice of bread, ensuring you have an equal amount on each slice. Spread any remaining compound butter mixture over the top of the loaf.
Wrap in the parchment, then the foil. Bake for 10 minutes. Unwrap. Bake for additional 6-8 minutes, until exterior is a little crisp and the interior is still soft and pillowy. Remove and serve.

Notes

A baguette is the best bread for my money, but you have plenty of options to pull off this perfect garlic bread. A loaf of Italian bread will make an excellent garlic bread loaf, but you can also grab a large loaf of French bread, seeded bread or even a round country loaf.

Substitute a bit of basil, tarragon or thyme leaves in the garlic herb butter mix.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 20
Category: appetizer, side
Method: oven, stovetop
Cuisine: Italian, American