Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread fresh from the oven is like a warm hug on a plate. Crispy on the outside with that golden parmesan crust, and soft, garlicky, buttery goodness inside. It smells amazing while baking and is perfect for anyone who loves a good cheesy, garlicky bread.
I love making this bread on a cozy weekend because the smell fills the whole house and makes it feel like a little celebration. A helpful tip I’ve picked up is to grate the parmesan fresh for the best, richest flavor—it really makes a difference. Plus, rubbing the bread with garlic before baking gives it just the right kick without being too strong.
My favorite way to enjoy this artisan bread is right out of the oven, dipped in a little olive oil or alongside a bowl of soup. It’s also a big hit with friends and family because it’s simple but feels fancy. This bread has saved many dinners at my house when I want something easy but special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Artisan Bread: A crusty round loaf works best for this recipe. If you can’t find one, a rustic sourdough or French bread also makes a great substitute. Avoid very soft sandwich bread as it won’t hold up well when sliced deeply.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. You can swap this with olive oil for a dairy-free version, though butter gives the richest flavor and better browning.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that punchy, fresh flavor. Garlic powder adds depth but isn’t as vibrant alone, so I usually use both together for maximum garlicky goodness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a sharp, nutty taste. Pre-grated can work but often has less flavor and melt quality. Pecorino Romano is a nice strong cheese substitute too.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and brightness. If unavailable, dried parsley or fresh basil can be used but add herbs sparingly as they’re more concentrated.
How Do You Get the Garlic Butter to Soak Into the Bread Without Making It Soggy?
The secret is in cutting the bread deeply but not all the way through. This creates pockets for the garlic butter mixture to seep inside, infusing every bite with flavor.
- Use a sharp serrated knife and cut about 1-inch apart vertically and horizontally, stopping about 1/2 inch from the base to keep the loaf intact.
- Spread the garlic butter mix carefully with your hands or a small spoon into each cut. Be gentle but thorough so all layers get coated.
- Wrapping the bread in foil while baking traps steam and melts the butter slowly, preventing dryness while keeping the bread moist inside.
- Unwrap at the end and bake a few more minutes uncovered to crisp up the top and melt the cheese perfectly without sogging the crust.
This method creates a perfect balance: soft, buttery, garlicky inside with a crisp, cheesy outside crust that’s hard to resist!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp serrated bread knife – makes clean, deep cuts without squashing the loaf.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the butter, garlic, herbs, and cheese easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting the right amounts of butter, cheese, and spices.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep the bread moist while baking.
- Baking sheet or oven-safe pan – to place the wrapped bread on and catch any drips.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped rosemary or thyme instead of parsley for a woodsy, fragrant twist.
- Mix in some shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan for extra gooey, melty cheese.
- Stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the butter for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes or olives finely chopped to add a tangy, savory layer of flavor.
Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread – Fresh from the Oven!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bread and Topping:
- 1 round artisan bread loaf (about 12 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra garlic flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a few minutes slicing and stuffing the loaf with the flavorful garlic butter and cheese, then it’s all about the oven melting and crisping the bread to perfection. Quick and easy to pull together anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing The Bread:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the artisan bread on a cutting board and carefully make cuts about 1-inch apart, both vertically and horizontally, to create a grid pattern. Be sure not to cut all the way through – leave about half an inch at the bottom so the loaf stays together and can hold all the yummy fillings inside.
2. Mixing The Garlic Butter:
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, optional garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all those delicious flavors.
3. Stuffing and Baking:
Gently spread the butter mixture into each cut of the bread, making sure every crack is filled with buttery, cheesy goodness. Wrap the whole loaf tightly in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes to let the flavors soak in and the bread warm through.
4. Finishing Touch:
Remove the foil and bake the bread uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden, the Parmesan has melted, and the edges are crispy. Take it out of the oven and let it cool just a bit before serving.
Enjoy this Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread warm as a tasty side for soups, salads, or just on its own as a delicious treat. It’s crispy, cheesy, garlicky, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh artisan bread for this recipe to get that perfect crispy crust and soft interior. If you must use frozen bread, thaw it completely at room temperature before preparing to avoid sogginess.
How Should I Store Leftover Parmesan Garlic Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap the bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive the crispiness.
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the loaf with the garlic butter mixture ahead, then wrap and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What Can I Serve With Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread?
This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, pasta dishes, or as a delicious appetizer with dipping oils or spreads. It’s versatile and adds a flavorful touch to many meals!
