Ciabatta Garlic Bread Recipe

5 from 52 votes

This is the perfect combination of crunchy crust with a soft and tender inside together with the unbeatable flavor of garlic butter.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Servings: slices

1 ciabatta loaf
½ cup (115 g) salted butter
4 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for sprinkling over hot garlic bread)
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat leaf parsley
⅛ teaspoon fine salt

Preheat oven to 425ºF/220ºC and have a large baking sheet ready.
Slice the ciabatta in half lengthwise and place cut side up on the baking sheet.
Peel and chop garlic cloves finely. Sprinkle with salt then use the flat blade of the knife to crush the chopped garlic. Work your way across the pile of garlic then scrape it all together and repeat. Do this several times until the garlic is a fine paste.
In a small mixing bowl, combine butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Using a palette knife or similar, spread the butter mixture in a thin and even layer across the cut side of both halves of bread.
Place the bread, cut side up, on a baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the butter has melted and the bread is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Cut into 2 inch (5 cm) slices and serve hot.

Tips for Success

Be sure to use a serrated knife to cut through the ciabatta. Put one hand on top and cut lengthwise with a sawing motion.
Use softened butter but not melted.
Mince the garlic so that there are no large pieces.
Wash the parsley well then pat dry before chopping finely.
Ovens vary so check the garlic bread during to cooking so as to not overcook. However if it still hasn’t toasted to your liking after 15 minutes, use the broiler/grill element to achieve this.
For more tips and information check the "Tips for Success and FAQ's" above.