Making mouthwatering Garlic Bread at home is a breeze with this easy Garlic Ciabatta Bread recipe hack. It's a shortcut that ensures you can savor this savory delight effortlessly while preserving its classic, irresistible flavors.
Easy Garlic Bread recipe
The secret to making a quick and easy crispy homemade garlic bread is by starting out with a loaf of store-bought French bread.
Starting with store-bought bread for your cheesy garlic bread recipe is a clever time-saver. It's an excellent strategy for planning ahead, a real time-saver when you need to whip up a quick starter for guests or a party on the horizon.
And the best part? You can count on guaranteed, hassle-free results every single time.
But if you are feeling adventurous or have plenty of time to make your own bread at home, then our Ciabatta bread recipe won't disappoint you.
Why Ciabatta Bread?
Ciabatta's rustic, chewy texture enhances the contrast between its crispy crust and soft interior.
Its airy crumb structure allows it to absorb and hold the garlic and butter mixture beautifully, ensuring each bite is infused with rich, garlicky goodness.
The satisfying crunch of Ciabatta's crust adds a textural element, and its appealing presentation elevates any meal.
Widely available in most grocery stores, Ciabatta simplifies the preparation process making it an efficient way to enjoy homemade garlic bread with professional results.
Ingredients
Ingredients Notes/Substitutions:
- Ciabatta loaf - Both homemade and store bought bread works perfectly well. If using homemade you can choose to make the classic loaf or small ciabatta rolls depending upon the requirement.
- Butter - I am using Unsalted Butter but if you are using salted butter then cut down on the salt. You can also substitute extra-virgin olive oil for butter in your garlic ciabatta bread recipe, imparting a fruity and earthy flavor to the dish.
- Garlic cloves - Make sure you are using fresh garlic cloves for best results. Grate it or crush it to get the maximum juice and flavor from it.
- Parsley leaves - Use fresh herbs for making your garlic mixture. You can use dried parsley if fresh parsley is unavailable. However, fresh parsley offers a more vibrant flavor and color. In place of parsley, you can also use roughly chopped coriander.
- Finely grated parmesan cheese - I find that adding a little cheese helps to balance out and bring out the best flavors from your garlic butter mixture. So do not skip this.
Please scroll to the bottom of the page to print out the recipe card with a detailed ingredient list and instructions.
Step by Step Instructions
In a generously sized, wide mouth, small bowl, meticulously mash the softened butter utilizing the back of a fork.
Incorporate all remaining ingredients, (excluding the bread) – crushed garlic, coarsely chopped fresh parsley, finely grated Parmesan cheese, and a judicious pinch of salt.
Thoroughly amalgamate these elements to fashion an exquisite garlic butter mixture. Set this culinary creation aside.
Using a serrated knife artfully slice the whole loaf horizontally, thereby yielding two impeccably symmetrical halves. Arrange these halves gracefully on a prepared sheet pan, its surface sheathed in parchment paper.
With a lavish hand, apply the garlic paste, ensuring it generously envelopes the entirety of the loaf's expanse, including the sides and edges, promising a symphony of flavors with every bite.
Place the prepared baking sheet in a preheated oven, of 205°C or 400°F and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese reaches a state of enticing liquefaction and the bread exudes a golden-brown hue, resplendent with crispy edges.
This recipe with a roasted garlic flavor along with the perfect crunch makes the perfect side dish.
Utilizing the precision of a good quality bread knife, elegantly carve the homemade ciabatta garlic bread into 1-inch slices.
These delectable portions may be savored on their own or serve as the perfect complement to your favored pasta dish or a comforting bowl of soup.
It always makes me wonder how such simple ingredients put together create a harmony of flavors to make an old fashioned garlic bread that makes you want more of it with each bite.
Storage instructions
Yes, you can store either the leftover garlic bread or even the entire loaf for later use. Here is how.
1. Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the garlic ciabatta bread within the next day, it's best stored at room temperature in a bread box, bread bin, or a tightly sealed plastic bag. Make sure it's in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid using airtight containers as they can trap moisture and make the bread go stale faster.
2. Refrigeration: If you don't anticipate finishing the bread within a couple of days, it's better to refrigerate it. Wrap the garlic ciabatta bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Keep it in the fridge for up to one week. Before serving, you can reheat the bread in the oven at a low temperature to refresh it.
3. Freezing: Yes you can freeze this garlic ciabatta bread for an extended period. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place it in an airtight container or a resealable freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, garlic ciabatta bread can be frozen for up to three months.
How to Reheat Garlic Bread?
To enjoy the stored garlic ciabatta bread, preheat your oven to around 325°F (160°C).
Remove the bread from the freezer or refrigerator, unwrap it, and place it directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet.
Heat it for 10-15 minutes or until it's heated through and has a crispy crust.
Remember that once garlic ciabatta bread has been sliced and exposed to air, it will begin to lose its freshness more quickly.
To extend its shelf life, consider storing the whole loaf and slicing it as needed. This way, you can enjoy freshly toasted garlic ciabatta bread whenever you desire.
Best Option
If you're planning to prepare this recipe in advance, a smart approach is to freeze the traditional ciabatta bread, generously coated with garlic paste, and securely wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to safeguard against freezer burn.
Place the prepared bread in an airtight container or a freezer-safe resealable bag.
When stored correctly, garlic ciabatta bread can remain in the freezer for up to three months.
When you're ready to serve, follow the baking instructions provided in the step-by-step tutorial for freshly baked goodness.
Best Tips
Here are some great tips to absolutely nail the recipe.
1. Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Choose a good-quality ciabatta bread, fresh garlic, and real butter for the best results. You can also choose to make your own ciabatta bread at home.
2. Softened Butter: Ensure that the butter is at room temperature before mashing and mixing it with the garlic. Softened butter is easier to work with and results in a smoother garlic butter spread. You can achieve this by simply taking the butter out and placing it at room temperature an hour before ready to start with the recipe.
3. Proper Mixing: When combining the ingredients for the garlic paste, make sure to thoroughly mash/mince the garlic to release its flavors. Mix it well with the butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley to create a uniform paste.
4. Even Application: When spreading the garlic paste onto the ciabatta bread, be generous and ensure even coverage. Pay attention to the sides and edges of the bread to maximize flavor.
5. Serrated Knife: Opt for a serrated knife when slicing the ciabatta bread horizontally. When cutting, firmly hold the top of the loaf with one hand to stabilize it, then employ a gentle sawing motion to slice lengthwise.
6. Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
7. Preheated Oven: Ensure that your oven is properly preheated to the specified temperature (205°C or 400°F) before placing the bread inside. A hot oven ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
8. Monitoring: Keep a close eye on the bread while it's in the oven. Baking times may vary, so look for the garlic ciabatta bread to turn golden brown with crispy edges.
9. Rest Before Slicing: Allow the garlic ciabatta bread to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to slice without crushing the loaf.
10. Enjoy Fresh: Garlic ciabatta bread is at its best when served fresh from the oven. It's a delightful accompaniment to pasta, and soups, or enjoyed on its own.
11. Cheesy Garlic Bread: For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella over the freshly baked garlic bread. Return it to the oven for a brief moment, just until the cheese melts and transforms your garlic bread into a gooey, cheesy delight.
12. Garlic Bruschetta: Elevate your garlic ciabatta bread by topping warm slices with finely chopped ripe tomatoes. This addition creates a delightful bruschetta, adding a burst of fresh, flavorful goodness to your already delicious creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use pre-minced garlic for convenience. However, fresh garlic cloves typically offer a more robust flavor.
To prevent sogginess, avoid overloading the bread with garlic butter. Use a generous but not excessive amount of the garlic mixture to maintain a crispy texture.
While ciabatta is the classic choice, you can use other bread varieties, such as French baguette or Italian bread, for a similar garlic bread experience.
To add a spicy kick, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the garlic butter mixture before baking.
Garlic ciabatta bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or as a standalone appetizer. It's a versatile side that complements a variety of meals.
Related Recipes
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Easy Cheesy Garlic Ciabatta Bread Recipe in 15 mins
Ingredients
- 1 stick (113 gms) Butter softened
- 2 Fresh Garlic Cloves crushed or minced
- 1/3 cup Fresh Flat Leaves Parsley roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup (50 gms) Finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- 1 loaf Ciabatta Bread
Instructions
Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture
- In a wide-mouthed bowl, thoroughly mash the softened butter with a fork.
- Add crushed garlic, chopped fresh parsley, finely grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix everything well until it forms a delectable garlic butter mixture. Set it aside.
Slice the Ciabatta Bread
- Use a serrated knife to slice the whole loaf of ciabatta bread horizontally, creating two symmetrical halves.
- Place the halves on a prepared sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
Apply the Garlic Paste:
- Generously spread the garlic paste you prepared earlier over the entire surface of both ciabatta bread halves. Ensure that the paste covers the sides and edges, promising a burst of flavors with each bite.
Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 205°C or 400°F.
- Place the prepared baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Keep a watchful eye until the cheese reaches a tantalizing liquefied state and the bread achieves a golden-brown hue, complete with irresistibly crispy edges.
Slice and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, wait for a couple of minutes and then use a good quality bread knife to elegantly carve the homemade ciabatta garlic bread into 1-inch slices.
- These delectable portions can be savored on their own or serve as the perfect accompaniment to your favorite pasta dish or a comforting bowl of soup.
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality ciabatta bread, garlic, and real butter for the best results. Homemade ciabatta bread is also an option.
- Softened Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and a smoother garlic butter spread. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about an hour before starting to achieve this.
- Salted Butter: Skip Salt if you are using salted butter.
- Even Application: Generously spread the garlic paste over the ciabatta, ensuring even coverage, including the sides and edges.
- Serrated Knife: Slice horizontally with a serrated knife for clean, uniform cuts. Hold the loaf with one hand to stabilize while sawing gently.
- Parchment Paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Preheated Oven: Ensure the oven is preheated to 205°C (400°F) for even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Monitoring: Keep a close eye on the bread, looking for a golden-brown hue with crispy edges during the 10-12 minute bake.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the bread to rest briefly after baking to meld flavors and facilitate easy slicing.
- Enjoy Fresh: Garlic ciabatta bread is best when served fresh. Ideal with pasta, soups, or as a standalone treat.
- Cheesy Option: Sprinkle grated mozzarella for gooey, cheesy garlic bread. Return briefly to the oven until the cheese melts.
- Bruschetta Twist: Elevate it with chopped ripe tomatoes for flavorful garlic bruschetta.
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