Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread is one of those simple treats that fills your home with the most amazing smell and tastes even better fresh from the oven. This bread has a crispy crust, a soft, chewy inside, and is loaded with rich garlic butter and melty Parmesan cheese that everyone loves. It’s easy to slice and share, making it perfect for family dinners or a cozy snack.
I love making this bread when I want something comforting but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. The garlic and Parmesan mix together to make every bite flavorful and satisfying, and it’s one of those recipes that makes your house smell absolutely wonderful while baking. I usually brush on a little extra garlic butter right out of the oven because, honestly, it never hurts to have more garlic!
My favorite way to serve this bread is warm alongside a big bowl of pasta or a fresh salad—it really adds something special to any meal. Sometimes I even toast the leftovers the next day to bring back that fresh-baked crunch. If you’re looking for a simple homemade bread recipe that’s full of flavor and guaranteed to please, this Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread is a winner every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Artisan Bread: The round loaf with a crusty exterior and soft inside is essential here. If you can’t find one, a sourdough or French boule works well. Avoid sandwich-style bread, which may be too soft.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. You can substitute with olive oil for a different but tasty twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor and aroma. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be used but add less to avoid overpowering the bread.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts nicely and adds great salty richness. Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives if you want a sharper taste.
Parsley: Adds freshness and color. If you don’t have fresh, dried parsley works but add less as the flavor is stronger.
How Do You Score the Bread Properly for Maximum Flavor?
Scoring means making shallow cuts in the bread to allow the garlic butter and cheese to sink in. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a sharp knife to cut about an inch deep, not slicing all the way through.
- Make evenly spaced horizontal cuts first, then vertical, creating square sections.
- Don’t rush—careful cuts help the bread hold its shape and let flavors seep through.
- Once scored, brush your garlic butter mixture deep into the grooves for the tastiest bites.
This step transforms a simple loaf into a flavor-packed treat with garlic and cheese inside every bite!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp serrated bread knife – perfect for scoring the bread without squishing it.
- Basting brush – helps you spread the garlic butter evenly inside the cuts and on top.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs easily.
- Aluminum foil – to wrap the bread while baking, keeping it soft before crisping the crust.
- Baking sheet or oven-safe tray – holds the bread securely in the oven without spilling butter.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap parsley for rosemary or thyme for a more earthy, aromatic twist that pairs well with garlic.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes inside the cuts for a sweet, tangy contrast.
- Mix shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan for extra gooey, melty cheese pulls.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the butter mix to add a gentle kick of heat.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread – Fresh from the Oven!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 round artisan bread loaf (about 12 ounces)
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 25 to 30 minutes to bake. In total, plan on around 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick homemade treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Bread:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your artisan bread on a cutting board and carefully score it by making deep cuts about 1 inch apart horizontally and vertically, creating a grid pattern. Remember not to cut all the way through to the bottom — just deep enough so the flavors can soak in.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to create a tasty garlic-Parmesan butter mixture.
3. Add the Butter Mixture and Bake:
Brush plenty of the garlic-Parmesan butter into every cut you made in the bread, and don’t forget to spread some on the top crust, too. Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil to keep it soft while baking.
Bake the wrapped bread in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, unwrap the foil on top and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will crisp up the crust and give you those golden, cheesy edges that look oh-so-yummy.
4. Finish and Serve:
Take the bread out of the oven and let it cool just a little bit before serving. Sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top if you like, slice it up, and enjoy warm! This bread is great with pasta, salad, soup, or just by itself as a tasty snack.
Can I Use Frozen Artisan Bread for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the bread at room temperature before scoring and adding the garlic butter. This helps it absorb the flavors better and ensures even baking.
Can I Substitute Butter with Olive Oil?
Absolutely! Olive oil works well, especially if you want a slightly lighter or dairy-free version. Use the same amount and mix it with the garlic, Parmesan, and herbs as usual.
How Should I Store Leftover Parmesan Garlic Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze it and reheat in the oven to refresh the crispiness.
Can I Add Other Herbs or Cheese?
Definitely! Fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil are great herbs to try. You can also mix in mozzarella or Asiago cheese with the Parmesan for extra ooey-gooey goodness.
