Ina Garten’s garlic bread is a blend of simplicity and indulgence with its rich, buttery flavors infused with garlic, fresh parsley, and Italian Parmesan cheese.
And it’s so easy to prepare, takes about 35 minutes, and goes beautifully with almost any meal.
My favorite part of this recipe is the added zest from the lemon, providing a fresh burst of flavor.
Whether you’re new to making garlic bread or a long-time fan, this recipe will surely become a favorite as it did for me!
How to Make Ina Garten Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Butter (unsalted)
- 2 tsp Garlic (minced)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tbsp Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
- ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 French Baguette (crusty)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This will ensure your garlic bread bakes evenly.
Step 2:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and stir, cooking until soft for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, combine the butter and garlic mixture with Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4:
Cut the baguette in half horizontally and spread the butter mixture evenly on each half.
Make sure every inch gets covered with this fantastic mixture for maximum taste.
Step 5:
Wrap the baguette halves in aluminum foil.
Place them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until the baguettes are warm and crusty.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose High-Quality Parmesan
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will boost the overall taste of your garlic bread and make the texture just right.
Buying a block of cheese and grating it yourself ensures the freshest flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs
Opt for fresh parsley instead of dried to capture the full aroma.
Chop the parsley finely for more even distribution throughout your bread.
Check Oven Temperature
Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your bread.
If it seems like it’s cooking too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to allow for more even baking.
Experiment with Spices
Feel free to add your own twist to this exceptional garlic bread by including a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of cayenne for a touch of heat.
Serve Immediately
For optimal flavor and texture, serve the garlic bread hot from the oven.
This way, you and your guests can enjoy the gooey cheese and soft center with a crispy crust.
What to Serve with Ina Garten Garlic Bread
Tomato Basil Soup
One of the best ways to pair garlic bread is with a comforting bowl of tomato basil soup.
The tangy and rich flavors of the soup enhance the garlicky goodness of the bread, making it a perfect match.
You’ll love dipping slices of bread into a warm bowl of this classic soup.
Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar salad works wonderfully with garlic bread.
The crisp romaine lettuce and zesty dressing complement the buttery bread beautifully.
You can even grate a bit of extra parmesan over the top to tie the flavors together.
Spaghetti Bolognese
For a hearty meal, serve your garlic bread with a robust spaghetti Bolognese.
The savory meat sauce pairs exceptionally well, soaking into the bread for an irresistible combo.
This pairing is a surefire way to satisfy a big appetite.
Thai Green Curry
For something different, try your garlic bread alongside a flavorful Thai green curry.
The spicy and fragrant coconut-based curry works surprisingly well with the warm, garlic-infused bread.
It’s a pairing that brings a wonderful twist to your dinner table.
Lentil Stew
A comforting lentil stew can be a great partner for your garlic bread as well.
Its earthy flavors meld nicely with the rich taste of the bread, offering a satisfying meal option.
It’s perfect for those looking for a vegetarian dish that complements the garlic bread.
Grilled Peaches and Burrata
For a fresher take, serve garlic bread with grilled peaches and burrata.
The sweet juiciness of peaches and creamy burrata cheese provide a nice balance with the savory bread.
It’s an unexpected pairing that impresses every time.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Options
You don’t have to stick to just Parmesan for this garlic bread.
Feel free to swap it with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a smoky gouda for a different twist on flavors.
Mozzarella offers a melty texture, while cheddar can add a sharp taste.
Herb Alternatives
If parsley isn’t your thing, consider using basil or cilantro to experiment with different herb combinations.
Basil provides a sweet aroma, while cilantro brings a unique, fresh note.
You could even add a pinch of rosemary or thyme for an earthy touch.
Bread Choices
Using a traditional French baguette gives a classic feel, but other breads work too.
Ciabatta or sourdough can offer a different texture and flavor profile.
Don’t hesitate to add your favorite seasonings to boost the flavor even further.
Garlic Intensity
Adjusting the number of garlic cloves is an easy way to control the intensity of the garlic flavor.
If you’re a garlic lover, add a few extra cloves or roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor.
Experiment with garlic powder for a milder, more evenly distributed garlic taste.
How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Garlic Bread
Storing leftover Ina Garten’s garlic bread isn’t complicated, but doing it right makes a big difference in keeping it fresh and delicious.
Follow these simple tips to make the most of your tasty creation!
Room Temperature Storage
For short-term storage, you can keep your garlic bread at room temperature.
Wrap the bread in aluminum foil or a clean kitchen towel to prevent it from getting dry.
Avoid using plastic wrap, as it can make the bread soggy.
Refrigeration Method
If you plan to keep the garlic bread for a few more days, refrigeration is an option.
Place the bread in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing for Extended Storage
For longer storage periods, freezing is the way to go.
Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
This method helps preserve the bread’s taste and texture for several months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Much Garlic
If you love garlic, it might tempt you to load up, but too much can overwhelm the dish.
Have a light hand with garlic to maintain balance and let other flavors shine through.
Not Using Fresh Ingredients
Garlic bread shines with fresh ingredients, so avoid using old garlic or stale bread.
Opt for fresh garlic and a crusty baguette for the best results.
Skipping the Crosshatch Method
Cutting the bread incorrectly can prevent the spread of flavors through each bite.
Crosshatch the loaf so the buttery mixture seeps into every piece.
Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Butter unsalted
- 2 tsp Garlic minced
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1 tbsp Parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
- ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 French Baguette crusty
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- This will ensure your garlic bread bakes evenly.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and stir, cooking until soft for about 3-4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter and garlic mixture with Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Cut the baguette in half horizontally and spread the butter mixture evenly on each half.
- Make sure every inch gets covered with this fantastic mixture for maximum taste.
- Wrap the baguette halves in aluminum foil.
- Place them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until the baguettes are warm and crusty.