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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the roasting environment by heating the oven to 450°F (230°C), ensuring optimal temperature for crusty bread transformation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lavishly distribute the aromatic garlic mixture across the bread’s interior, ensuring the flavorful blend penetrates deeply into the scored crevices.
- 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.
- 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