Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe
There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe baking in your oven. It fills your home with a warm, buttery, and garlicky aroma that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread or a sourdough baguette
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 to 4 cloves of fresh garlic minced finely
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it heat up while you prepare the bread. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes cleanup very fast.
Prepare the Garlic Butter
- Place the softened butter in a small bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula to mash everything together. Mix until the butter is smooth and the herbs are spread evenly.
Slice the Bread
- Take your serrated knife and slice the loaf in half horizontally. You want two long open-faced pieces. Some people prefer to slice the bread into thick rounds instead. Either way works perfectly for this Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe.
Spread the Mixture
- Use a spoon or spatula to spread the garlic butter on the cut sides. Make sure to reach the very edges of the bread. If you are using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top now. This creates a golden, salty crust.
Bake Until Golden
- Place the bread halves on the prepared baking sheet. Put them in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should look golden brown. The butter should be bubbling and soaked deep into the bread.
Slice and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven carefully. Let it sit for one minute so the butter settles. Use your serrated knife to cut the loaf into thick, warm slices. Serve it immediately while it is still hot and crunchy.
Notes
- Use Fresh Garlic: Always use fresh cloves instead of the jarred kind. Fresh garlic has a much better bite and sweetness.
- Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is truly room temperature. Cold butter will not spread evenly and might tear the bread.
- Add Citrus: A tiny squeeze of lemon juice in the butter adds a bright, fresh note.
- Herb Swaps: If you don't like parsley, try fresh basil or oregano. Both go great with garlic and butter.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for a little heat.
- The Bread Choice: A soft French loaf gives a chewy result. A baguette provides a much crunchier, rustic experience.