The BEST Garlic Parmesan Bread

Garlic Parmesan Bread is one of those recipes I keep coming back to week after week. It’s crispy, golden, and loaded with buttery garlic flavor that makes everyone at the table reach for a second piece. If you’ve been searching for a foolproof side dish that comes together with almost no effort, this is the one.

I still remember throwing this together on a busy Tuesday night. I had spaghetti boiling on the stove, my kids were circling the kitchen, and I needed a side – fast. I grabbed a baguette, melted some butter, stirred in minced garlic and parsley, and slid it into the oven. About 20 minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a restaurant and the bread was gone before I even plated the pasta. This garlic Parmesan bread has been a regular at my dinner table ever since. It’s the kind of easy garlic bread that works on a weeknight or a dinner party, and it never disappoints.

What You’ll Need to Make This Garlic Parmesan Bread

I always keep these ingredients stocked because they come together so quickly from simple pantry staples. Use freshly minced garlic here, not the pre-minced jarred kind – it makes a real difference in flavor. Here’s everything you need:

• 1 French baguette
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3-4 cloves garlic, freshly minced (I use 4 cloves for bold flavor, but 3 works if you prefer milder)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (don’t skip this – it adds brightness and color)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (pre-measure into a small bowl so it’s easy to sprinkle evenly)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Pro tip: No baguette? Ciabatta or a rustic sourdough loaf are great swaps. Just make sure the bread is a day old for the crispiest result.

How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Bread Step by Step

I recommend preheating your oven first so it’s fully ready by the time you’ve prepped everything. This garlic Parmesan bread comes together quickly, so having everything measured before you start helps.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Start this before anything else so you’re not waiting on the oven.

Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, freshly minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully combined. The butter needs to be fully melted so it mixes smoothly and spreads without tearing the bread.

Step 3: Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. You can cut each half into individual portions if you prefer. Place the bread cut-side up (exposed bread face up) on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Using a pastry brush, spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides of the bread. Cover every inch, including the corners and edges – those crisp up the best.

Step 5: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the buttered bread. A pre-measured bowl helps you distribute it evenly without clumping.

Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and cheese that is fully melted with lightly golden spots across the top. The bread should look toasted but not dark brown yet.

Step 7 (optional but worth it): Switch to the broiler on high for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness. Move the rack to the second-highest position, not the top rack – this gives you more control. Watch it every 30 seconds. It can go from golden to burnt very fast.

Step 8: Pull the bread from the oven and let it rest for one minute before slicing and serving. This lets the cheese set slightly so it stays on the bread when you pick it up.

Perfect Pairings – Best Sides for Garlic Parmesan Bread

This bread loves bold, saucy dishes because the buttery richness complements tomato, cream, and broth-based flavors beautifully. Here are the best ways to serve it:

Classic Spaghetti or Lasagna: The buttery garlic cuts through rich tomato sauce and ties the whole plate together. This is the most classic pairing for easy garlic bread.

Tomato Soup or Minestrone: Dunk a crispy slice into a warm bowl of tomato soup for one of the simplest, most satisfying comfort food combinations out there. The crust holds up for a good dip without going soggy immediately.

Marinara Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a starter with a bowl of warm marinara on the side. It disappears fast at parties.

Garden Salad: A lightly dressed salad balances the richness of the garlic Parmesan bread and rounds out the meal without much extra work.

More Delicious Recipes to Serve Alongside This Garlic Parmesan Bread

This garlic Parmesan bread is the perfect companion to bold, saucy pasta and soup recipes. Pair it with the rich, comforting flavors of Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or the cozy, crowd-pleasing Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup for a complete dinner that feels restaurant-worthy at home.

For more meal ideas that go beautifully with a side of crispy garlic bread, try dipping into the hearty One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta or ladling up a bowl of the deeply flavorful Philly Cheesesteak Soup. Any of these recipes turn a simple slice of garlic Parmesan bread into the star of the table.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Garlic Parmesan Bread

Store cooled leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The first day is best – by day two the crust softens a bit, though reheating helps bring it back.

Skip the microwave for reheating. I recommend a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5-7 minutes. This restores the crunch without drying the inside out.

Pro tip: Freezing is not recommended for this garlic Parmesan bread. The texture turns soft and a little soggy after thawing, and you lose the crispy crust that makes this recipe worth making.

Garlic Parmesan Bread FAQs

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