Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe

Garlic bread is timeless, and when it comes to crafting the perfect loaf, Ina Garten’s recipe is my absolute go-to!

You’ll love how buttery and flavorful it is, with just the right amount of garlic to create an irresistible aroma in your kitchen.

What I particularly appreciate about this recipe is its simplicity and how the addition of fresh herbs like parsley and oregano can elevate the taste to new heights.

Don’t forget, assembling all your ingredients before starting will make the process much smoother, so chopping the garlic and measuring the spices ahead of time is a must!

How to Make Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 450°F, ensuring it’s hot enough for a perfect crisp.

Step 2:

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.

Add the garlic, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 20 minutes until very tender.

Step 3:

Once the garlic mixture is tender, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix in the parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4:

Cut the baguette in half horizontally.

Generously spread the garlic mixture on each half and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Step 5:

Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients like parsley and Parmesan enhances the bread’s flavor wonderfully.

Pre-chopped ingredients might save time, but they can lack the vibrant flavor fresh ingredients provide.

Customize Spiciness

You can adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference!

If you are unsure, start small and taste as you go—better safe than too spicy.

Avoid Overcooking

Keep an eye on the bread while it’s in the oven since it can quickly go from golden to burnt.

You want it crisp, not crunchy, so check frequently during those last few minutes.

Experiment with Add-ons

Consider adding ingredients like rosemary or thyme for a unique herbal twist to the garlic bread.

This small change might surprise you with a nice, new flavor combination.

Cheese Consistency Matters

Grate your Parmesan finely for a smooth melt and balanced coverage over the bread.

Chunky pieces might overpower the dish or not melt evenly.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe

Tomato Basil Soup

You really can’t go wrong pairing Ina Garten’s garlic bread with a classic tomato basil soup.

The tangy, rich flavors of the soup create a wonderful contrast to the garlicky, buttery bread.

Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar salad is a great option as well.

The zesty anchovy dressing enhances the savory garlic flavors while adding a refreshing crunch.

Spaghetti Bolognese

For a more filling meal, serve the garlic bread alongside spaghetti Bolognese.

The hearty, robust sauce complements the bread perfectly, making each bite satisfying.

Grilled Artichokes

For something different, try serving grilled artichokes.

Their smoky and slightly nutty flavor pairs elegantly with the garlic and Parmesan notes in the bread.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Roasted red pepper hummus is a unique and tasty side.

Spread it on this garlic bread for a creamy, vibrant twist that will excite your taste buds.

Greek Yogurt Tzatziki

Finally, consider trying Greek yogurt tzatziki.

This cool, creamy dip with cucumbers and dill offers a refreshing contrast to the warm and flavorful bread, creating a new dining experience.

Variations and Substitutions

Experiment with Cheese

Try using different cheeses! Some people love the sharpness of cheddar, while others may prefer mozzarella.

A sprinkling of gouda adds a smoky touch to the garlic bread.

Feel free to mix them up and find what works best for your taste.

Adding Extra Herbs

Fresh herbs can make a difference. Experiment with basil or thyme in addition to parsley.

These herbs can add a unique aroma and flavor to your bread.

If you like a bit of heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes.

Bread Choices

Beyond a classic French baguette, consider a sourdough for a tangy twist.

Ciabatta can hold a lot of buttery goodness with its airy structure.

If you’re in a pinch, even sliced sandwich bread can work for this recipe!

Garlic Options

For a milder taste, try roasting the garlic first.

Roasting can take away some of the strong bite and bring out a sweetness.

Mince it finely or crush it for different textures and flavors.

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe

Room Temperature Storage

If you plan to eat the garlic bread in the next day or two, the best place to store it is on the counter.

Wrap the garlic bread securely in aluminum foil or a clean kitchen towel.

Avoid using plastic wrap for storage to prevent sogginess.

Freezing for Longer Storage

When you know you won’t consume the garlic bread soon, freezing is your best option.

First, wrap each piece of garlic bread tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag, and remember to squeeze out any excess air.

Storing Garlic Bread Crumbs

If your garlic bread becomes stale, you can easily repurpose it into breadcrumbs.

This transforms it into a useful ingredient for future recipes, adding great flavor to dishes.

Just pulse the stale bread in a food processor and store it in an airtight container.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Garlic

It’s easy to get carried away with garlic, but too much can overpower the other flavors in the bread.

You want the garlic to complement the butter and cheese, not dominate them.

Start with the recommended amount, then tweak it to suit your taste over time.

Not Crosshatching the Bread

Skipping the crosshatching step is a common error that can lead to uneven flavor distribution.

By not slicing the bread, you risk missing pockets where the garlic butter should seep in.

This technique helps each piece absorb all the delicious ingredients.

Overcooking the Garlic

Garlic can quickly shift from deliciously caramelized to bitter if overheated.

Keep a close eye when cooking it in the butter; it should be tender without turning brown.

Cooking slowly on low heat works wonders for maintaining its sweetness.