Foolproof Garlic Bread Recipe by Ina Garten That Delivers Every Time

Crispy, golden garlic bread can turn even the most mundane dinner into a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

This culinary marvel delivers a sensory symphony with its crackling crust and luscious, herb-infused core.

Imagine bread so perfectly toasted it shatters like delicate glass, releasing waves of garlic’s intoxicating fragrance.

Restaurants and home kitchens alike worship this simple yet magnificent side dish that transforms humble ingredients into pure magic.

Professional and amateur cooks share a secret: great garlic bread isn’t complicated, it’s about selecting premium ingredients and treating them with respect.

Melted butter, fresh herbs, and high-quality bread merge into a mouthwatering experience that dances between crunchy and tender.

You can become the hero of your next meal with this ridiculously delectable recipe that promises to steal the spotlight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Craft Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread

• French Baguette: Choose a crusty, day-old loaf with a sturdy exterior for maximum butter absorption.
• Kosher Salt: Select coarse-grained salt for a clean, pure seasoning touch.

• Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-quality, European-style butter with rich, creamy texture.
• Garlic Cloves: Pick fresh, firm garlic with no green sprouts for maximum flavor intensity.
• Parmesan Cheese: Select aged, freshly grated cheese for a sharp, nutty complexity.
• Fresh Parsley: Look for bright green, crisp leaves without wilting for vibrant color and taste.
• Lemon: Choose firm, bright yellow citrus with smooth skin for zesty freshness.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Select dried flakes with consistent color for balanced heat.
• Black Pepper: Use freshly ground for robust, aromatic flavor profile.
• Fleur de Sel: Pick delicate, hand-harvested sea salt for elegant finishing touch.

Essential Tools for Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread

• Oven: Preheated to 450°F for perfect baking.
• Small saucepan: For melting butter and infusing garlic.
• Cutting board: To slice baguette and chop herbs.
• Sharp knife: For precise bread cutting and ingredient preparation.
• Parchment paper: To line baking sheet and prevent sticking.
• Baking sheet: For holding and baking the bread.
• Grater: To freshly grate Parmesan cheese.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: To blend butter and mix ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate seasoning measurements.
• Kitchen towel: To wipe down oven and clean surfaces.

How to Prepare Ina’s Flavor-Packed Garlic Bread

• Fire Up the Oven

Blast the oven to a sizzling 450°F. Give the oven a quick wipe to avoid any smoky drama during baking.

• Craft Flavor-Packed Butter Infusion

Melt butter in a small pan over gentle heat. Drop in garlic cloves and let them swim slowly for 20 minutes. Once cool, crush the garlic into the butter until silky smooth.

• Build Bold Flavor Layers

Mix in zesty ingredients: Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture becomes a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

• Transform the Bread Base

Slice a French baguette lengthwise, then create diagonal cuts without slicing completely through. These strategic cuts will allow the butter to dive deep into the bread’s soul.

• Drench with Deliciousness

Spread the garlic butter generously across the baguette. Press the mixture into every crevice, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

• Bake to Crispy Perfection

Transfer the butter-coated bread to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide into the hot oven and bake 5-7 minutes until the bread turns golden and crisp.

• Plate and Celebrate

Remove from the oven and let cool briefly. Slice into crowd-pleasing portions. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and serve alongside your favorite meal. Watch as everyone dives in with pure joy.

Garlic Bread Tips from Ina’s Playbook

• Boost Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to create unique taste profiles that complement your main dish.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle additional cheeses like mozzarella, gruyère, or fontina on top before baking for an extra melty, indulgent experience.
• Spice It Up: Add a kick by incorporating different heat levels – from mild smoked paprika to fiery habanero powder – to match your spice tolerance and mood.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the garlic butter mixture up to three days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spreading on bread to ensure maximum flavor absorption and easy spreading.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Ina-Style

• Pair with Hearty Pasta: Slice the garlic bread into perfect companions for rich, saucy pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese or creamy fettuccine alfredo.
• Create an Appetizer Platter: Arrange the warm garlic bread alongside various dips like marinara, herb-infused olive oil, or tangy aioli for a crowd-pleasing starter.
• Complement Soups and Salads: Break apart the crispy bread to dunk into creamy tomato soup or serve alongside a fresh Caesar salad for added crunch and flavor.
• Transform into Gourmet Sandwich Base: Use the garlic bread as a delicious foundation for mini sandwiches filled with roasted vegetables, melted cheese, or sliced deli meats.

Smart Storage for Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover garlic bread wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread maintains its best texture when consumed within 24 hours of baking.
• Reheat with Care: Revive cold garlic bread by wrapping it in foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy exterior and warm, soft interior without drying out the bread.
• Freeze for Future Cravings: Prepare extra batches by wrapping unbaked garlic bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Prevent Soggy Disappointment: Keep garlic bread crisp by avoiding refrigeration in unsealed containers. Always use airtight packaging to maintain its delightful crunch and prevent moisture absorption.

Foolproof Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s garlic bread emerges as a classic side dish packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients. Crisp, herbed toast complements many meals, offering a delightful companion you’ll want to savor alongside pasta or salad.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 crusty French baguette (20 to 24-inch-long)
• 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• 1 cup freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese
• 12 tbsps (170 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps minced fresh parsley
• 2 tsps grated lemon zest
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fleur de sel or sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C), positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Infusion: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, adding peeled garlic cloves. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, then cool slightly. Mash garlic into the butter until smooth and fragrant.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper into the garlic butter. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform, aromatic spread.
4. Bread Preparation: Slice the French baguette lengthwise, then make diagonal cuts across each half without completely separating the sections, allowing for optimal butter absorption.
5. Butter Application: Generously spread the seasoned garlic butter into the bread’s cuts and surfaces, ensuring complete coverage and flavor penetration.
6. Baking: Place the prepared baguette halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crisp, creating a crunchy exterior.
7. Serving: Remove from the oven, slice into portions, and sprinkle with fleur de sel. Serve hot, showcasing the bread’s rich, garlicky profile and inviting texture.

Notes

• Infuse Garlic Carefully: Slow-cook garlic in butter for maximum flavor depth without burning, creating a mellow, rich base that transforms ordinary bread into a gourmet experience.
• Cut Strategically: Make diagonal cuts without separating bread sections, allowing garlic butter to penetrate deeply and ensuring every bite is packed with intense, savory goodness.
• Watch Baking Closely: Monitor bread for 5-7 minutes to achieve perfect golden-crisp exterior, preventing burning while guaranteeing a crunchy, delectable texture.
• Season Thoughtfully: Sprinkle fleur de sel or sea salt after baking to enhance final flavor profile, adding a subtle crunch and sophisticated finishing touch.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg