Ina Garten’s Irresistible Outrageous Garlic Bread Recipe

Ina Garten’s outrageous garlic bread transforms an ordinary loaf into a culinary masterpiece that sparks immediate excitement at any gathering.

Aromatic and inviting, this recipe elevates a simple side dish into something truly memorable.

Robust flavors merge seamlessly, creating a tantalizing experience that awakens hungry senses.

Crisp edges promise delectable crunch while soft interiors melt with rich, savory notes.

Butter creates a luxurious foundation that perfectly complements zesty herbs and warm spices.

Each slice delivers a symphony of textures and intense flavor profiles that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this bread transcends typical accompaniments with its exceptional character and irresistible appeal: prepare to be amazed.

Fun Twists for Garlic Bread Fans

• Herbal Fusion Garlic Bread: Replace parsley with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version that adds complex herbal notes to the classic recipe.
• Smoky Chorizo Kick: Mix finely chopped Spanish chorizo into the garlic butter mixture, creating a spicy, smoky variation that introduces rich meaty undertones to the traditional garlic bread.
• Cheese Lover's Edition: Incorporate additional cheeses like sharp cheddar, creamy gruyère, or tangy goat cheese alongside the Parmesan to elevate the bread's richness and create a more complex flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Crunch: Dice fresh jalapeños and fold them into the garlic butter mixture, adding a vibrant heat and textural element that transforms the bread into a zesty, bold appetizer.

Closing Out This Bold Bread

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s garlic bread masterpiece, blending aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and rich Parmesan.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each crusty baguette slice, promising sensory delight for passionate home cooks.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe transforms ordinary bread into an extraordinary experience.

Garlic’s mellow sweetness mingles with sharp Parmesan, creating complex taste profiles that tantalize discerning palates.

Kitchen adventurers can craft this remarkable side dish with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Care to elevate your next meal?

You’ll want to share this game-changing recipe, tag fellow culinary enthusiasts, and spread deliciousness across social platforms – because some recipes are simply too good to keep secret.

Why Outrageous Garlic Bread Deserves the Hype

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: This garlic bread packs an intense, mouthwatering punch with its perfectly cooked garlic, zesty Parmesan, and spicy red pepper flakes that dance on your taste buds.
• Master Simple Gourmet Technique: Slowly cooking garlic in butter transforms ordinary ingredients into a luxurious spread, proving that restaurant-quality results can happen right in your home kitchen with minimal effort.
• Quick Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Ready in just about 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a crispy, golden bread that's perfect for dinner parties, game nights, or spontaneous weekend gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Culinary dish: The flexible recipe allows for personal tweaks like adjusting spice levels, experimenting with different herbs, or adding extra cheese, making it a versatile side dish that adapts to your mood and preferences.

What Makes Garlic Bread Outrageous

• Baguette: Fresh, crusty bread that provides the perfect foundation for garlic flavor, ideally with a crisp exterior and soft interior.

• Unsalted Butter: Rich, creamy base that helps mellow and distribute garlic flavor, best when at room temperature.
• Garlic: Fresh, aromatic cloves that create intense, deep flavor profile, choose firm and plump bulbs.

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that adds depth and complexity to the garlic butter.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous element that provides fresh green notes and visual appeal.
• Lemon Zest: Citrusy, tangy ingredient that cuts through richness and adds brightness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy component that introduces subtle heat and complexity.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and traditional seasoning.

• Fleur de Sel or Sea Salt: Delicate, crunchy salt that provides final seasoning and textural contrast.

Bake Garlic Bread That’s Crunchy & Buttery

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 450°F / 230°C. Ensure your oven is sparkling clean to dodge any smoky surprises.

Step 2: Melt And Soften Garlic

• Stir to coat with butter
• Cover the pan
• Cook for 20 minutes
• Stir occasionally
• Wait until garlic turns super tender

Let the mixture cool down slightly.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Spread

• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon zest
• Red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Blend until everything dances together perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare The Bread Canvas

Slice the baguette lengthwise, revealing its soft interior. Place halves cut-side up on a cutting board. Create diagonal scores across each half without slicing completely through.

Step 5: Lavish With Garlic Goodness

Generously spoon the garlic mixture over bread, making sure it seeps into those lovely diagonal cuts.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slice each baguette half crosswise along score lines. You’ll have 4 delectable pieces. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 5-7 minutes until topping turns bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven, cut along scores into serving pieces. Sprinkle with fleur de sel or sea salt. Serve warm and watch everyone swoon.

Garlic Tips for a Flavor Explosion

• Choose Fresh Garlic: Grab whole garlic cloves for maximum flavor explosion. Pre-chopped or jarred garlic loses its vibrant punch and complexity.
• Control Garlic Cooking Temperature: Slow and steady wins with garlic. Keep heat low to prevent burning and avoid bitter, acrid taste that ruins the bread's deliciousness.
• Grate Parmesan Moments Before Use: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and delivers a more intense cheese experience compared to pre-shredded options.
• Select Crispy Baguette Wisely: Hunt for a crusty, firm baguette that'll transform into a perfectly crunchy garlic bread. Soft breads won't deliver the necessary textural crunch.
• Finish with Fancy Salt Flourish: Sprinkle fleur de sel or premium sea salt right before serving to elevate the bread's flavor profile and add a delightful salty crackle.

Best Way to Keep Garlic Bread Fresh

• Preserve Flavor Perfectly: Wrap the bread in double layers of aluminum foil after cooling completely, preventing moisture loss and maintaining its crispy exterior. Keep away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator to protect the garlic's delicate flavor profile.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Slice the bread into individual portions before freezing, making it easier to thaw and reheat exactly what you need. Label the package with the date to track freshness, ensuring maximum taste when you're ready to enjoy.
• Revive Crispy Texture: Avoid microwaving, which turns the bread soggy. Restore the bread's original crunch by heating in a preheated oven at 350°F, unwrapping the foil during the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the edges. Check frequently to prevent burning and ensure a golden, appetizing finish.

Ina Garten Outrageous Garlic Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s outrageous garlic bread elevates the classic side dish with rich, herbed butter and perfectly crisp edges. Warm, crusty slices promise a mouthwatering journey through classic Italian-American comfort flavors that you’ll savor down to the last golden crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (20 to 24-inch-long) crusty French baguette
• 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• 1 cup freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fleur de sel or sea salt

Fats and Dairy:

• 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks or 170 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the roasting environment by heating the oven to 450°F (230°C), ensuring optimal temperature for crusty bread transformation.
2. Create a flavor base by gently melting butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then introduce minced garlic and allow it to slowly soften and infuse for approximately 20 minutes, stirring intermittently until the garlic becomes exceptionally tender.
3. Transform the cooked garlic into a luxurious spread by thoroughly mashing it into the melted butter, then incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh parsley, bright lemon zest, vibrant red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture achieves a harmonious blend.
4. Carefully split the baguette lengthwise, positioning the halves cut-side up on a preparation surface, then create diagonal scoring patterns across the bread’s surface without fully separating the sections.
5. Lavishly distribute the aromatic garlic mixture across the bread’s interior, ensuring the flavorful blend penetrates deeply into the scored crevices.
6. Segment the baguette halves into four distinct pieces, arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to the preheated oven and roast for 5 to 7 minutes until the topping becomes effervescent and develops a golden-brown hue.
7. Upon removal from the oven, slice along the previous score marks, garnish with a delicate sprinkle of fleur de sel or sea salt, and serve immediately while still radiating warmth.

Notes

• Sprinkle high-quality fleur de sel just before serving to elevate the final taste and add a delightful crunch.
• Select a rustic, crusty baguette that’s firm enough to crisp beautifully when toasted.
• Grate Parmesan cheese directly from a fresh block for richer, more intense melting qualities.
• Monitor garlic cooking carefully, using low heat and gentle stirring to prevent bitter flavors.
• Opt for freshly peeled garlic cloves to maximize authentic, vibrant taste in your dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
• Calories: 412
• Sugar: 170.1 g
• Sodium: 34189.7 mg
• Fat: 102.8 g
• Saturated Fat: 32.75 g
• Carbohydrates: 2552.3 g
• Fiber: 135.4 g
• Protein: 626.9 g
• Cholesterol: 80.8 mg