Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread straight from the oven is one of those simple joys that fills your kitchen with amazing smells and your mouth with delicious flavors. It’s crusty on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with a perfect blend of garlic and Parmesan cheese that makes every bite special. The golden brown crust gives it that homemade feel that’s impossible to beat.
I love making this bread when I want something comforting but a little fancy at the same time. The garlic and Parmesan combo feels so rich, yet it’s really easy to make at home, which is the best part. I usually wrap it in a towel right after baking to keep it warm and soft inside, and it’s always a big hit whether it’s just for a snack or alongside dinner.
My favorite way to enjoy this bread is fresh out of the oven with a little bit of extra butter spread on top. It’s great for dipping into soups, making sandwiches, or just eating as is while it’s still warm. Whenever I bring this bread to a get-together, it disappears fast, and I always get asked for the recipe. It really is a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Artisan Bread: Use a good quality round loaf with a sturdy crust for the best texture. If you can’t find artisan bread, a sourdough boule or even a crusty French bread works well.
Butter: Unsalted melted butter is key for controlling salt levels. You can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version; it adds a lovely richness and is great with garlic and herbs.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best punch of flavor. If you want a mild garlic taste, roasted garlic or garlic powder can be used, but fresh is always my favorite.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor. If unavailable, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the flavor. When fresh isn’t on hand, dried parsley is fine – just use less as its flavor is concentrated.
How Do You Score and Season the Bread for Maximum Flavor?
Scoring the bread lets the garlic butter soak deep into the loaf, so each bite is flavorful. Here’s how I do it:
- Use a sharp serrated knife and make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart, cutting deep but not through the bottom crust.
- Rotate and cut diagonally the other way to create a diamond pattern. This gives you bite-sized pieces to pull apart easily.
- Brush the garlic butter inside and over the top, ensuring the sauce seeps into every cut for even flavor.
- Wrap with foil to keep the bread soft while baking, then unwrap at the end to crisp the top and melt the cheese perfectly.
Taking your time with these steps means the bread stays moist inside while the crust crisps up beautifully and the garlic Parmesan flavor shines throughout. It’s worth the little extra care!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding the bread while it bakes and catching any drips.
- Parchment paper – keeps the bread from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Sharp serrated bread knife – essential for making clean, deep cuts without squashing the bread.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread the garlic butter mixture evenly into all the cuts.
- Mixing bowl – a small bowl to mix your garlic butter and seasonings without mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter for an herb twist that pairs beautifully with Parmesan.
- Mix in red pepper flakes for a little spicy kick, great when you want some heat.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella before baking for extra gooey, melty cheese goodness.
- Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier cheese flavor that changes the bread’s character.
Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread – Fresh from the Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 round artisan loaf (about 8 inches diameter)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to bake, including the time covered and uncovered. So, plan for around 40 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and to keep the bread from sticking.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
Mix the melted butter with minced garlic, grated Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder (if you like), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until everything is combined well.
3. Score the Bread:
Put the artisan bread on your cutting board. Carefully use a sharp serrated knife to cut diagonal slices about 1 inch apart, making sure to slice deep but not all the way through. Then, turn the bread and make diagonal cuts the other way, forming a diamond or crosshatch pattern.
4. Brush with Garlic Butter:
Use a pastry brush to spread the garlic butter mixture generously into all the cuts and over the top of the bread. Make sure the mixture seeps into the crevices for the best flavor in every bite.
5. Wrap and Bake:
Place the bread on the baking sheet and wrap it loosely with aluminum foil. This keeps it moist while baking. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Unwrap and Finish Baking:
After 15 minutes, take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melty.
7. Serve Warm:
Take the bread out and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it while warm, and pull apart the pieces along the cuts to enjoy cheesy, garlicky bites. It goes wonderfully with soups, salads, or just by itself!
Can I use frozen bread for this recipe?
You can, but make sure the bread is completely thawed before preparing. Let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge to avoid soggy texture.
Can I prepare this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can score and brush the bread with the garlic butter mixture, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How should I store leftover bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm the bread in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Fresh rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes make great additions. Just mix them into the garlic butter before brushing onto the bread for extra flavor.
