Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread fresh from the oven is one of those simple joys that fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma you just can’t resist. This bread has a crunchy crust with a soft, chewy inside, all flavored with plenty of garlic and topped with golden, melty parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect mix of crispy and cheesy that makes every bite satisfying.
I love making this bread when I want something special but easy to pull together. The garlic and parmesan give it such a rich flavor, but it still feels natural and homemade. One of my favorite things is how quick it is to bake, so I can have fresh bread ready just in time for dinner or as a snack whenever the craving hits. I always make sure to brush on enough garlic butter before baking because that’s the secret to getting it super tasty and fragrant.
This bread goes perfectly with just about anything—soups, salads, or even just by itself as a little treat. I often slice it and use it for dipping or making little sandwiches topped with melted cheese and fresh tomatoes. It’s a simple recipe, but every time I pull it from the oven, it feels like a warm hug from the kitchen that everyone in the family loves.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Artisan Bread: A crusty round loaf works best here. If you can’t find one, try a large sourdough or a rustic country bread. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness better. If you prefer, olive oil can be used instead for a different but still tasty garlic flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong aroma and taste. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder could be used, but fresh minced garlic is the key to that bright, punchy flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a nutty, salty kick. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness. Dried parsley works too, but add it sparingly as it’s less potent.
How Do You Make Sure the Garlic Butter Soaks In Well?
The trick to getting your bread fully flavored is to cut deep enough without slicing through the bottom crust. This allows the garlic butter to seep into all the nooks and crannies.
- Use a sharp serrated knife and make slow, careful cuts about 1 to 1 ½ inches apart.
- Brush or spoon the melted garlic butter into each cut, not just on the surface. This helps the inside get seasoned as well.
- Wrapping the bread in foil while baking keeps the moisture in so the bread softens inside but gets a crispy crust once uncovered.
Following these steps means each piece is packed with garlicky, buttery flavor—perfect for pulling apart and enjoying warm!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Serrated bread knife – makes cutting the bread deep without squashing it super easy.
- Small mixing bowl – for combining the melted butter, garlic, and herbs smoothly.
- Pastry brush or spoon – helps you spread the garlic butter evenly between the bread cuts.
- Aluminum foil – keeps the bread moist during baking but lets the top crisp up when uncovered.
- Baking sheet – holds the bread securely in the oven and catches any drips.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped rosemary or thyme with the parsley for a fresh herb twist that pairs well with garlic.
- Use shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese in place of Parmesan for a gooey, melty topping.
- Mix in red pepper flakes with the garlic butter to give the bread a little spicy kick.
- Stir in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flavor boost.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread – Fresh from the Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 round artisan bread loaf (about 10-12 oz)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- Optional: pinch of Italian seasoning or dried oregano
For the Topping:
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and roughly 25 minutes for baking, including a rest period after baking. In total, plan for about 35-40 minutes to enjoy fresh, warm Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the artisan bread loaf on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut the bread into a grid pattern, spacing the cuts about 1 to 1½ inches apart. Make sure not to cut all the way through the bottom crust so the loaf stays together.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, chopped parsley, and optional Italian seasoning until well combined. This mixture will add flavor throughout the bread.
3. Season the Bread:
Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously drizzle or brush the garlic butter mixture between the bread slices and over the top, letting it seep into the grooves you created. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, pushing some gently into the cuts so it melts inside while baking.
4. Bake and Serve:
Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for about 10 more minutes or until the Parmesan cheese turns golden and the crust becomes crispy. Take the bread out of the oven, let it rest for 2-3 minutes, then pull apart the slices and enjoy your delicious, freshly baked Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread warm as a side or appetizer.
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh artisan bread for the crispiest texture and best flavor. If you only have frozen bread, thaw it completely at room temperature before preparing the recipe.
Can I Make This Garlic Butter Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can mix the garlic butter up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just warm it slightly before brushing onto the bread for easier spreading.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm it briefly in the oven to regain its crispiness.
Can I Use Other Cheeses Besides Parmesan?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano all work well. Just keep in mind the melting properties and saltiness may vary slightly.
