Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread fresh from the oven is one of those simple treats that fills your kitchen with the most amazing smell. This bread has a crispy crust, a soft, fluffy inside, and a delicious blend of garlic and parmesan that you can’t help but love. Every bite is packed with flavor, making it a perfect side for almost any meal or just a great snack on its own.
I love making this bread when I want something special but easy to whip up. The combination of garlic and parmesan always reminds me of cozy evenings at home, and the best part is how it turns out beautifully golden and crunchy on the outside. I like to brush it with a little melted butter right when it comes out of the oven—I think it makes it even more irresistible!
My favorite way to enjoy Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread is just warm, right out of the oven, maybe with a little bit of olive oil or alongside a bowl of soup. It’s also perfect to have around during family dinners or when friends stop by unexpectedly because it’s so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’ll soon find yourself baking it again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Artisan Bread: A crusty round loaf works best here. If you can’t find one, a thick baguette or ciabatta would do fine too. I prefer fresh bread but day-old bread can work if you want a firmer texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better. You can swap it for olive oil if you want a lighter or dairy-free version. Just melt it gently before mixing.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor and aroma. Garlic powder can be used, but it won’t be as vibrant. Roasted garlic is a nice twist if you want a milder, sweeter taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a sharp and nutty flavor that melts beautifully. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even Asiago are good alternatives.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the flavor and adds color. You can use dried parsley but use less, about half the amount, since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Score the Bread Without Cutting Through It?
Scoring the bread helps the garlic butter soak into the bread without turning it into little pieces. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a sharp, serrated knife or bread knife. A dull knife will tear the bread.
- Cut about 1 inch apart in a crisscross pattern, slicing about 3/4 of the way down but not all the way through.
- Hold the bread steady and use a gentle sawing motion to avoid squashing it.
- If you accidentally cut through, it’s okay—you’ll just have extra buttery bread pieces to enjoy!
Taking your time with this step makes the difference between a perfectly flavored, soft inside and a messy bread loaf.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp serrated knife – perfect for scoring the bread without crushing it.
- Baking sheet – provides a flat surface for even baking and catching any drips.
- Small mixing bowl – great for mixing the garlic butter and cheese together.
- Basting brush or spoon – helps spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread.
- Parchment paper or foil – keeps your baking sheet clean and makes cleanup easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter for a fragrant herbal note.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese with the Parmesan for a melty, gooey twist.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes or olives finely chopped in the butter for a Mediterranean flair.
- Try swapping garlic for roasted shallots for a sweeter, milder garlic variation.
Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread – Fresh from the Oven!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Bread and Topping:
- 1 large round artisan bread loaf (about 10-12 oz)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for extra garlic flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and roughly 12-15 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’re looking at about 20 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for a quick, flavorful side or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep the Bread:
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully score the bread in a crosshatch pattern about 1 inch apart. Be gentle—cut deep enough to make pockets for the garlic butter but don’t slice all the way through.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, sea salt, and the optional garlic powder. Stir everything until well combined and fragrant.
3. Add Flavor to the Bread:
Brush the garlic butter mixture generously all over the surface of your scored bread. Don’t forget to get some butter inside the cuts — that’s where all the delicious flavor hides!
4. Bake and Serve:
Place your bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, and bake for 12-15 minutes. The bread should be golden brown on top with melted and crispy Parmesan. When you take it out, sprinkle a little extra sea salt and parsley if you like. Let it cool just a bit, then cut along your scored lines into perfect squares or triangles. Serve it warm and enjoy every crispy, cheesy, garlicky bite!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen artisan bread—just make sure to thaw it fully at room temperature before preparing. This helps the garlic butter soak in better and ensures even baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Parmesan Garlic Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I Make This Bread Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with your favorite dairy-free spread or olive oil. Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Can I Add More Garlic Flavor?
Try adding a little extra garlic powder or finely minced roasted garlic to the butter mixture. You can also brush some garlic butter on the bread again halfway through baking for an extra punch!
