If you’re craving a ridiculously flavorful, crispy, and buttery treat, this Garlic Parmesan Baguette with Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine perfectly toasted baguette slices slathered with rich garlic butter, sprinkled with nutty Parmesan, fresh parsley, and just the right kick of red pepper flakes — pure bliss on a plate!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Incredibly simple to make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, this recipe comes together in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Perfect balance of flavors: The creamy garlic butter meets savory Parmesan and fresh parsley, finished with a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes — a flavor party in every bite.
Versatile accompaniment: Whether as a side for pasta, soup, or a stand-alone snack, this garlic baguette never disappoints.
Customizable spice level: Easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to make it mild or fiery according to your taste.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Baguette with Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each contributing its unique flavor and texture to make this dish irresistible. From fragrant garlic butter to the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese and the freshness of parsley, every element shines.
- Baguette: Opt for a fresh, crusty baguette for the best texture, but any sturdy long bread will do.
- Garlic butter: Homemade or store-bought works — just make sure it’s flavorful and creamy for that perfect spread.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for maximum flavor and melt, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
- Sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor, adding just the right touch of seasoning.
- Chopped parsley: Adds vibrant color and a refreshing herbaceous note.
- Red pepper flakes: Brings the perfect amount of heat, customizable to your preference.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baguette with Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe
Step 1: Preparation and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This simple prep step ensures your kitchen workflow stays smooth and mess-free while your baguette gets ready for its golden transformation.
Step 2: Slice and Butter the Baguette
Using a sharp knife, slice the baguette in half lengthwise, aiming for even and clean cuts. Then spread a generous layer of garlic butter over the cut sides — this is where the luscious, garlicky flavor really begins its journey into every crusty nook.
Step 3: Bake and Broil for Perfection
Place the baguette halves cut-side-up on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Then, switch your oven to broil and broil the bread for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep a close eye during broiling; this step adds the perfect crispiness without burning the bread.
Step 4: Add Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the baguette with grated Parmesan, a pinch of sea salt, chopped parsley, and a dash of red pepper flakes to add both zing and vibrant color. Slice it up and serve immediately while it’s warm and inviting.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baguette with Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley or a light dusting of Parmesan for a fresh, pretty finish. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also elevate the flavors subtly and add shine. For those who love heat, a few more red pepper flakes on top can spice things up nicely.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Baguette pairs beautifully with tomato-based pastas, creamy soups like tomato bisque or clam chowder, and vibrant salads. It’s also a tasty companion to grilled veggies or roasted chicken, adding a crunchy, flavorful contrast to any main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, transform your garlic baguette into mini crostini by topping each slice with fresh mozzarella, a cherry tomato half, or even a dollop of pesto. Serving it on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of dipping oil or marinara sauce adds a lovely, inviting touch for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover garlic baguette to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 5 days — perfect for quick snacks or impromptu side servings.
Freezing
Wrap your extra baguette tightly in plastic wrap and then seal it inside a Ziploc bag to avoid freezer burn. Frozen garlic bread can be kept for 4 to 6 months without losing its wonderful flavor, ready to thaw anytime you need a tasty fix.
Reheating
While the microwave is a speedy option, for best texture, reheat your garlic baguette in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again. An air fryer also works wonders, keeping the bread perfectly crunchy without turning soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a baguette is ideal for its crusty texture and shape, you can use ciabatta, French bread, or even a sturdy Italian loaf. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
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How spicy is this Garlic Parmesan Baguette with Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe?
The heat level is very mild and customizable. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that you can easily increase or decrease to suit your palate, making the recipe perfect for anyone who loves a bit of spice.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can butter the bread and sprinkle the seasonings ahead of time, then keep it wrapped in the fridge until ready to bake. Just bake it fresh when you want that crispy, warm garlic bread experience.
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What’s the best way to prevent the garlic bread from burning under the broiler?
Watch it closely during those last 2 to 3 minutes of broiling and keep the rack at a safe distance from the heating element. It’s better to broil in short bursts and assess frequently to get the perfect golden crust without charring.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Baguette with Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe truly captures the essence of comfort food done right—simple ingredients coming together to create something seriously addictive. Whether for a cozy family dinner or your next gathering with friends, this garlicky, cheesy bread will keep them coming back for more. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bring this little slice of heaven into your kitchen today!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Baguette with Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic garlic bread recipe features a crispy, golden-brown baguette slathered with flavorful garlic butter and topped with Parmesan cheese, sea salt, fresh parsley, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Perfect as a side for pasta dishes, soups, or salads, this easy-to-make garlic bread can be served hot and is ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 foot 7-ounce baguette
Toppings
- Garlic butter (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Sea salt, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the baguette in half lengthwise using a sharp knife to ensure even halves. Place the halves cut-side-up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply garlic butter: Spread an even layer of garlic butter over the cut sides of the bread halves to infuse them with rich garlicky flavor.
- Bake the bread: Bake the baguette halves in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes to allow the bread to warm and absorb the garlic butter.
- Broil for crispiness: Switch oven to broil and broil the bread for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a golden-brown edge without burning.
- Add toppings: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, sea salt, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes evenly over the top.
- Serve: Slice the garlic bread and serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to slice the baguette for even, clean halves.
- Lining the baking sheet with foil is optional but helps with easier cleanup.
- For softer garlic bread, butter the halves and bake them sandwich-style, adjusting baking time as needed.
- Monitor carefully when broiling to prevent the garlic bread from burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- Freeze extra bread by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and sealing in a Ziploc bag; freeze for 4-6 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer preheated to 350°F to avoid sogginess. Microwaving is possible but may soften texture.
