This ciabatta garlic bread recipe is more than just a side; it’s a showstopper. With its crusty golden edges, melty garlic butter, and a hint of spice, it turns even the simplest meal into something memorable. If you're on the hunt for a truly crispy homemade garlic bread with bold flavor and a soft center, you're in for a treat.
I first made this on a chilly evening when soup just wasn’t enough, and now it’s a go-to comfort food in our home.
👩🏽🍳 Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Crispy, Cheesy, Irresistible: The texture of ciabatta makes it ideal for soaking up buttery garlic without becoming soggy.
- Quick and Easy: With a few pantry staples, you can whip up this garlic ciabatta bread in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect Side or Snack: Whether served with pasta, soup, or enjoyed solo, this homemade garlic bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: Add parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or even sun-dried tomatoes to suit your taste.
🧂Ingredient Notes
- Ciabatta Bread
Use a fresh ciabatta loaf baked at home or buy from your local bakery or grocery store. If unavailable, substitute with French baguette or Italian bread, though texture will differ.
- Butter
Use unsalted butter at room temperature for easy mixing. If using salted butter, adjust added salt accordingly.
- Parsley
Fresh parsley adds color and brightness. You can substitute with dried parsley but reduce the quantity slightly.
- Garlic Bulb
Roasting fresh garlic cloves enhances their sweetness and aroma. You can also use garlic paste in a pinch, though roasting is recommended.
- Italian Seasoning
This blend adds herby depth. DIY it with dried oregano, basil, and thyme if needed.
- Chili Flakes
Optional, but adds a gentle heat. You may skip it or use cayenne pepper.
- Crushed Black Pepper
Balances the richness. Freshly cracked is best for flavor.
- Grated Cheese (optional)
Adds a salty, nutty depth—use grated mozzarella, parmesan, or any hard Italian cheese for a cheesy garlic bread twist.
🔪 Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Slice the ciabatta bread horizontally into two equal halves. Chop the parsley finely and grate the cheese of your choice, if using. Take a bulb of garlic, trim the top off to expose the cloves, wrap it in aluminum foil, and roast in the oven for 10 minutes at 450 oF until soft and golden. This roasted garlic is the key to our deeply flavorful garlic butter.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the cloves into a bowl. Mix in the soft butter, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until it forms a cohesive, fragrant garlic butter spread. The butter mixture should be creamy and easy to apply.
Step 3: Assemble the Garlic Bread
Place your ciabatta halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Generously spread the garlic butter on each half using a spoon or spatula. If using, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread for a cheesy finish. You can also add other ciabatta toppings like parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or red onion.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake at 450°F for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice fresh into thick strips or smaller snack-size bites. Serve warm with soups, pasta, or as a party starter.
💭 Recipe Notes or Tips
- For the ciabatta garlic bread air fryer version, cook at 375°F for 4-5 minutes.
- To make ciabatta garlic bread with cheese, use shredded mozzarella, or gouda in addition to parmesan.
- If you’re using frozen ciabatta garlic bread, thaw it before adding butter and baking.
- Avoid oversaturating the bread with butter—it should soak in, not become soggy.
- Not a fan of chili? Skip it and add a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth without heat.
🔗 More recipes
- Sourdough French Toast
- Turkish bagels
- Scali Bread
- Ciabatta bread
- Focaccia
- Babka
- Garlic bread in air fryer
- Cheesy garlic pull apart bread
This homemade ciabatta garlic bread recipe is everything you want in a crispy homemade garlic side—buttery, garlicky, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Try it out, and don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment! Your feedback helps more readers discover and enjoy this tasty treat.
Ciabatta garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 Ciabatta bread (loaf )
- ½ cup Salted butter (1 Stick)* (113g, softened)
- 1 bulb Garlic
- ⅓ cup Chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Chili flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon Crushed black pepper
- ⅓ cup Grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Slice ciabatta bread in half horizontally.
- Chop parsley and grate parmesan cheese.
- Cut off the top of the garlic bulb, wrap it in foil, and roast in the oven for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Make Garlic Butter
- Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves into a bowl.
- Add softened butter, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix into a creamy spread.
Step 3: Assemble
- Place ciabatta halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Spread garlic butter evenly.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, if using.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 7–8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve
- Cool slightly, then slice fresh and serve warm.
Notes
- Air fryer method: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes.
- For a more cheesy version, add mozzarella along with parmesan.
- Avoid over-buttering to prevent fogginess.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
- * Add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the garlic butter spread if you are using unsalted butter.
Nutrition
🫙🔥 Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover garlic ciabatta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving—it makes the bread rubbery.
You can also freeze baked garlic bread. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make garlic ciabatta bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Spread it on your ciabatta just before baking. You can also assemble the entire bread, wrap it in foil, and refrigerate for a few hours. When ready, just bake as instructed. This is a great make-ahead trick for parties or busy weeknights.
Q2: What’s the best way to make cheesy garlic bread with ciabatta?
To make cheesy garlic bread, spread the garlic butter mixture on the ciabatta as usual, then sprinkle generously with a blend of grated parmesan cheese and mozzarella. Bake until golden and bubbly. You can also top it with cheddar or gouda for variation. Add herbs like oregano or chopped chives before baking for a flavor upgrade. This version is loved by kids and adults alike and makes a great side for Italian mains.
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