Ciabatta Garlic Bread 🍞🧄
This Ciabatta Garlic Bread is the ultimate side dish—crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, and bursting with garlicky, cheesy goodness. Made with simple ingredients like ciabatta bread, garlic, butter, and cheese, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for pairing with soups, salads, pasta, or as a standalone snack. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this garlic bread is sure to impress.
Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible Ciabatta Garlic Bread step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Cheesy : The crust stays crunchy while the inside is soft, buttery, and packed with flavor.
- Easy & Quick : Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Customizable : Add herbs, spices, or extra toppings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion : Great for casual dinners, holiday feasts, or entertaining guests.
- Uses Simple Ingredients : Made with pantry staples like bread, butter, garlic, and cheese.
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread (about 12–14 inches long ) 🍞
- ½ cup unsalted butter , softened 🧈
- 4 cloves garlic , minced 🧄
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley ) 🌿
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melting cheese ) 🧀
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- Salt and pepper , to taste 🧂⚫
- Optional : Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick 🌶️
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) .
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter , minced garlic , chopped parsley , salt , and pepper until well combined.
- Optional : Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Step 3: Slice the Ciabatta
- Using a serrated knife, slice the ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise, creating two long halves.
- Tip : If the loaf is very large, you can cut it into smaller portions for easier serving.
Step 4: Spread the Garlic Butter
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the ciabatta halves.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the buttered sides.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the ciabatta halves on the prepared baking sheet, cheese side up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes , or until the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional : For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Slice into individual pieces or serve as-is for a rustic presentation.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Garlic : Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor—avoid garlic powder for this recipe.
- Add Herbs : Mix in fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make Ahead : Prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days . Soften before using.
- Freeze for Later : Assemble the garlic bread (without baking), wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month . Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Switch Up the Cheese : Try provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for variety.
Perfect Pairings
This Ciabatta Garlic Bread pairs beautifully with:
- Pasta Dishes : Serve alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti for a complete Italian meal.
- Soups & Stews : Pair with creamy tomato soup, minestrone, or beef stew for a comforting combination.
- Salads : Serve with a Caesar salad or mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold soda for refreshment.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 6 servings)
- Calories : ~250 kcal
- Protein : ~8g
- Carbohydrates : ~25g
- Fat : ~14g
- Fiber : ~1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Ciabatta Garlic Bread is a crispy, cheesy, and indulgent side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty pasta dish, a comforting soup, or simply as a snack, this garlic bread delivers on flavor and texture. The combination of buttery garlic, gooey cheese, and crunchy ciabatta creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the flavors, or pair it with different dishes to make it your own. So grab your ciabatta loaf, melt that butter, and get ready to enjoy a side dish that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.
