Ina Garten Garlic Bread Recipe

Looking for the ultimate side to pair with pasta, grilled meats, or hearty soups? Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread is a simple, no-fuss recipe that turns a basic baguette into a buttery, crisp, and flavorful treat. With garlic-infused butter, fresh parsley, and just the right amount of crunch, it’s a comforting classic that never fails to satisfy. This Barefoot Contessa version keeps things elegant, balanced, and easy to prepare.

What is Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread?

Ina Garten’s garlic bread is made by splitting a fresh French baguette or Italian loaf and generously spreading it with a garlic-parsley butter mixture. It’s then baked until the butter melts into the bread and the edges turn perfectly golden. Ina keeps it classic—no cheese or extra toppings—just pure, flavorful garlic bread with a crispy edge and a soft, buttery center.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten’s French Potato Salad
• Ina Garten Farro Salad
• Ina Garten Confetti Corn
• Ina Garten Hard-Boiled Eggs

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread

• Quick and easy to prepare – Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Perfect texture – Crispy edges with a soft interior.
• Full of garlic flavor – Infused with fresh garlic and real butter.
• Pairs well with almost anything – Pasta, soups, salads, and grilled mains.
• Uses basic ingredients – No special tools or hard-to-find items.
• Great for entertaining or casual meals – Always a crowd favorite.
• Customizable – Adjust garlic or herbs to your taste.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread

• 1 large French baguette or Italian bread loaf
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread

Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Make the garlic butter

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until well combined and smooth.

Prepare the bread

Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. If it’s very long, you can cut it into two shorter sections for easier handling.

Spread the butter

Using a spatula or butter knife, spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across the cut sides of the bread. Be generous for full flavor.

Bake the garlic bread

Place the bread halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the butter is melted and the edges start to crisp.

Broil for extra crunch (optional)

For a golden, slightly toasted top, switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Slice and serve

Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice into individual pieces and serve warm.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread

• Pair with pasta dishes – Especially tomato-based or creamy sauces like fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti marinara.
• Serve alongside soups – Complements tomato soup, minestrone, or creamy chowders.
• Add to salad-based meals – Caesar salad with garlic bread is a classic combo.
• Use for sandwiches – Makes a flavorful base for Italian subs or meatball hoagies.
• Enjoy grilled meats – Balance steak, chicken, or lamb dishes.
• Serve with dips – Try it with hummus, spinach artichoke dip, or baked brie.
• Add to charcuterie boards – Toasted garlic bread slices work well with spreads and cheeses.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread

• Use room temperature butter – It spreads more evenly and mixes better with garlic.
• Don’t over-bake – You want crisp edges but a soft center.
• Use fresh garlic – For the best flavor and natural punch.
• Choose quality bread – A good baguette or Italian loaf makes all the difference.
• Watch closely while broiling – It can burn quickly under high heat.
• Add herbs just before baking – Keeps them fresh and bright.
• Make extra butter mix – Store any leftovers in the fridge for future use.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread

• Add grated parmesan before baking – For a cheesy, savory finish.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella and broil – Turns it into cheesy garlic bread.
• Use roasted garlic instead of raw – Gives a mellow, sweet flavor.
• Mix in chopped chives or basil – Adds a different herbal note.
• Add a dash of lemon zest – Brightens the flavor profile.
• Spread pesto under the garlic butter – A fragrant, flavorful base layer.
• Use compound butter – Mix in other seasonings like smoked paprika or Italian herbs.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread

• Store leftovers in foil or an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature.
• Refrigerate for longer storage – Up to 4 days, though texture may soften.
• Freeze before baking – Assemble the bread and freeze it wrapped tightly. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.
• Avoid storing fully baked bread uncovered – It dries out quickly.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F – Wrap in foil and bake for 10–12 minutes.
• Crisp uncovered for the last 2 minutes – For a fresh-from-the-oven crunch.
• Avoid microwaving – It softens the crust and makes the bread chewy.
• Toast in a skillet – Place cut-side down over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.
• Reheat from frozen – Add 5–7 minutes to baking time; no need to thaw first.

Nutrition Value (per serving – approx. 1 slice)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Cholesterol: 20mg

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s garlic bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture and spread it on the bread several hours in advance. Store it wrapped in foil at room temperature or refrigerate it if making a day ahead. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze garlic bread before baking?

Absolutely. After spreading the garlic butter on the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to use, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes, or until hot and crispy.

What kind of bread works best for Ina Garten garlic bread?

A fresh, crusty French baguette or Italian loaf works best. Choose a bread with a soft interior and firm crust that can hold the butter without becoming soggy.

How do I prevent garlic bread from becoming too greasy?

Use softened, not melted, butter and apply an even layer across the bread. Avoid overloading with butter, and don’t bake too long at high heat, which can cause butter to pool and soak the bread.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Garlic Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side—crisp, buttery, garlicky, and perfectly balanced.

Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, or your favorite grilled dish, it brings comfort and flavor to every bite. Easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough for guests, it’s a must-have recipe in any home cook’s rotation.

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