Ciabatta Garlic Bread: A Classic Side Dish Perfected
Author:Missy Scott
Ingredients
Fresh Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic for bold, authentic flavor. It’s the star ingredient and makes all the difference.
Butter: Go with unsalted butter. This lets you control how salty your garlic bread turns out while letting the garlic flavor shine through.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle on Parmesan for a nutty and salty touch. It gives your bread a rich and savory finish.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, oregano, or thyme add a pop of color and a delicious earthy aroma.
Olive Oil: This is optional, but adding a little olive oil boosts richness and helps the crust crisp up beautifully.
Instructions
Soften the Butter: Start by letting ½ cup of unsalted butter sit at room temperature until it’s soft and spreadable.
Mix in the Garlic: Mince 4–5 cloves of garlic and stir them into the butter. For a milder flavor, sauté the garlic in olive oil before mixing.
Add Seasoning: Sprinkle in a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of dried oregano, and a tablespoon of fresh parsley. For an extra kick, add a dash of chili flakes.
Incorporate Cheese: Grate ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese and fold it into the garlic butter mixture.
Prepare the Ciabatta: Slice the ciabatta loaf horizontally to create two even halves. Place the cut sides up on a baking sheet.
Spread the Mixture: Generously coat each half with the prepared garlic butter spread, ensuring even coverage.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 10–12 minutes, then switch to broil for 1–2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.
Slice and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the bread cool slightly before slicing into pieces.
