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Ciabatta Garlic Bread Recipe

4.8 from 64 reviews

This Ciabatta Garlic Bread recipe offers a deliciously crispy and buttery garlic bread that’s perfect as a side or appetizer. Featuring a soft ciabatta baguette smothered with a flavorful mix of butter, mayo, freshly grated Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, it’s baked to golden perfection with a subtle spicy kick from red pepper flakes. Easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty, it elevates any meal or snack time.

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic Butter Spread

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 5 cloves garlic, grated or minced
  • 2 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about ½ cup)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, minced (optional)

Bread

  • 1 12oz ciabatta baguette

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the garlic butter mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, mayonnaise, grated garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and minced parsley. Use a fork to thoroughly smash and mix all the ingredients until well blended and creamy.
  3. Slice the ciabatta: Using a bread knife, carefully slice the 12oz ciabatta baguette in half lengthwise. If the halves are too large for your baking sheet, slice them in half crosswise as well to fit.
  4. Spread the garlic butter: Arrange the bread pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly divide the garlic butter mixture between the bread halves, and use a knife or an offset spatula to spread it over the entire surface for a generous coating.
  5. Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the garlic bread for about 10 minutes, or until the butter mixture is bubbly and the edges of the bread turn a lovely golden brown.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven, slice the ciabatta bread as desired, and serve hot for a deliciously warm and flavorful garlic bread experience. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the number of garlic cloves to 3 or 4.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and texture, but grated pre-packaged Parmesan can be used in a pinch.
  • The mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps keep the bread moist; you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • Adding parsley is optional but gives a fresh, vibrant color and flavor to the bread.

Keywords: Ciabatta garlic bread, garlic bread recipe, Parmesan garlic bread, oven-baked garlic bread, Italian bread side dish