Crusty Garlic Bread
Crusty garlic bread features crisp, toasted French bread brushed with a flavorful mixture of garlic, parsley, paprika, and Parmesan, perfect as a side for pasta or soups.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Cut the French bread crosswise into pieces.
- Brush the cut sides of the bread with the mixture.
- Place the bread on a foil-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake until heated through and crust is crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding minced fresh garlic to the olive oil mixture. If you’re out of parsley, basil or oregano can work well as substitutes. You can also use butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste. For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes. To achieve a perfect crust, bake on a pizza stone if you have one.
Serving Suggestions
This crusty garlic bread is perfect as an appetizer or side dish with pasta dishes, soups, or salads. It pairs beautifully with Fire Crackers for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or a hearty tomato soup. You can also use it to make delicious garlic bread sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover garlic bread can be wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to a month. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crusty Garlic Bread contains roughly 51 calories, with 3g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can substitute French bread with Italian bread, ciabatta, or even sourdough for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this garlic bread vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The olive oil and seasonings will still provide great flavor without the dairy.
Can I prepare this garlic bread in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic oil mixture and cut the bread in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, brush the mixture on the bread and bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).