Ciabatta Garlic Bread
Golden, crispy ciabatta slathered in rich, garlicky butter and baked to perfection—this ciabatta garlic bread is the ultimate side dish for pasta night, soup dipping, or just straight-up snacking. The combination of butter, mayo (yes, mayo!), parmesan cheese, and fresh garlic creates an insanely flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth experience that takes classic garlic bread to the next level.
Erica’s Thoughts
Confession: I can’t take credit for coming up with this garlic bread. All the praise goes to my mother-in-law, Debbie. She’s been making this bread for years and from the first time I tried it, I’ve been a convert. Previously, I had always made garlic bread on a big, fat, soft French bread loaf. But Debbie turned me onto using a ciabatta baguette. The ciabatta crust is crisp, which gives the garlic bread a satisfying crunch, while the inside has a light, soft, and slightly chewy texture that complements the richness of the garlic butter. The butter melts into the irregular holes of ciabatta, giving each bite the best burst of flavor.
The secret weapon here is mayo (stay with me). I thought it was SO weird when I saw her adding mayo to the garlic butter (I am historically an avid mayo hater). But mayo adds an extra level of richness, helps the butter mixture spread beautifully over the ciabatta and gets in every nook and cranny and creates this almost ‘bubbly-ness’? that is just too good.
And then lots of fresh garlic, parmesan cheese (grated from the block, of course), a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Voila! Crispy homemade garlic bread perfection.
I’ve made a lot of garlic bread in my life, but this ciabatta garlic bread? This is the one. The ‘Baty house signature garlic bread recipe’, if you will. It is the perfect side dish with just about anything, and I have served it at manyyyyy dinner parties. I hope I convert you and you make this bread your house favorite as well!
Simple Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Ciabatta Garlic Bread
Ciabatta baguette: ciabatta bread has that signature airy crumb and crispy edges that holds up beautifully to the buttery topping. I stock UP on ciabatta baguettes when I go to Trader Joe’s. They have both mini (6oz) ciabatta baguettes and full size (12.2oz) and I get several of each and keep them in my freezer. You can likely find ciabatta baguettes from a normal grocery store in the bakery section.
Butter: butter is key for that rich, classic garlic bread flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly. I use salted butter and add an extra tiny pinch of salt. If you use unsalted butter, add a bit more salt.
Mayonnaise: this might sound unexpected, but trust me—it makes the bread extra luscious while helping everything meld together beautifully. I like a high-quality mayo like avocado or olive oil mayo.
Garlic: the star of the show people! DEFINITIELY use fresh garlic cloves here, not garlic powder or jarlic! If you do want a shortcut, I’ll allow garlic paste as an equitable sub.
Parmesan cheese: parmesan brings a salty, umami-packed depth. Freshly grated is best—it melts and crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Red pepper flakes: just a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat that balances the richness of the butter and cheese. You don’t really taste anything spicy it just gives the bread a little *somethin*.
Salt: as Ina Garten would say as she adds a tremendous pinch of salt, ‘we want it to have really good flavor’. Just a small pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
Fresh parsley: I always go for Italian parsley and this is optional, but it adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make this Garlic Ciabatta Bread Recipe
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a small bowl, use a fork to smash together the softened butter, mayo, grated garlic, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and parsley. Mix until everything is well combined.
Using a serrated knife, slice the ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise. You may also need to slice the halves in half crosswise so they fit on the baking sheet.
Place the bread cut-side up on the prepared baking tray. Divide the garlic mixture evenly between the pieces and use a knife or offset spatula to spread it over the entire surface.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, until the butter is bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown. Baking time may vary slightly, just keep an eye out.
Slice and serve hot with soups, pasta dishes, grilled or roasted proteins or straight up!
Expert Tips
- If your butter isn’t room temperature, put it in the microwave and microwave in five-second increments, turning the butter every five seconds for about 20-25 seconds total.
- Stock up on ciabatta baguettes during your next Trader Joe’s grocery haul! Their mini ciabatta baguettes are perfect for our family of four for a weeknight dinner and then the larger baguette is great for entertaining. I have like… four of each in my freezer at all times.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic. Fresh garlic is key for that bold, punchy flavor—pre-minced garlic from a jar won’t give the same results.
- I like to use the small holes on a box grater to grate the garlic so it infuses the entire spread. You could also use a garlic press or microplane zester.
- Please buy a block of good parmesan and grate it yourself. It’s infinitely better than the pre-grated ‘sticks’ you get in the container.
Variation Ideas
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend over the top before baking for an extra cheesy topping.
- Herb-Infused Garlic Bread: Add dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning to the butter mixture for extra flavor. You could also use other fresh herbs.
- Roasted Garlic Bread: Swap raw garlic for roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor.
- Cheesy Pesto Bread: Add a dollop of pesto to the butter/mayo mixture for basil-infused flavor.
- Ciabatta Rolls: Use rolls instead of baguette!
FAQs
Yes! While ciabatta is fantastic, you can also use a French baguette, sourdough or focaccia bread.
Wrap leftover garlic bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warm.
Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, spread the butter mixture on the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What can I serve with ciabatta garlic bread?
Oh, I have MANY ideas!
Chicken and broccoli pasta bake
Caramelized onion brie chicken
Perfect texture, incredible flavor and so many different ways to serve it, what are ya waiting for!? Time to start making your own garlic bread.
If you try and like this recipe please don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating down below! If you love more lifestyle, behind the scenes and ‘eating in real life’ type of content come find me over on Instagram, @itsaflavorfullife, I love connecting with you all there!
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Ciabatta Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This ciabatta garlic bread is dangerously good—crispy, buttery, garlicky perfection. Whether you’re serving it up with a big bowl of pasta or just munching on it solo, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 12oz ciabatta baguette
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 5 cloves garlic, grated or minced
- 2oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about 1/2 cup)
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- pinch of kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a bowl, use a fork to smash together the butter, mayo, garlic, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, salt, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Using a bread knife, slice the ciabatta baguette in half lengthwise. You may also need to slice the halves in half crosswise so they fit on the baking sheet.
- Place the baguette on the prepared baking sheet and divide the garlic butter mixture between the pieces. Use a knife or offset spatula to spread butter over the entire surface.
- Bake for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown around the edges. Slice and serve hot! YUMMMM. Today is a good day.
Notes
Refer to above blog post for process photos, ingredient information, expert tips and answers to frequently asked questions! 🙂
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe, about 2 pieces garlic bread
- Calories: 297
- Sugar: 1.6 g
- Sodium: 560.6 mg
- Fat: 17.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 27.4 g
- Fiber: 1.4 g
- Protein: 7.7 g
- Cholesterol: 37.3 mg
I may have had four pieces of this bread! It is AMAZING! Soooooo good!
This bread is so good! Loved by the whole family!
I made this and it was life changing in the world of garlic bread. I am going to make it for a party and want to prep the butter/mayo paste the day before. Curious what you think about making it in advance and letting it sit in the fridge 24 hours before using?
That will work! I’d get it out about an hour before the party so it can come to room temp and get a little more spreadable. Enjoyyyy! 😍🧄
Spaghetti is a favorite meal in our family and this garlic bread was a hit tonight! We did use French bread though as it’s more readily available near us. Thanks for sharing your recipes!
I’ve made a lot of garlic bread but this is by far the BEST. The flavor and texture were so good.
Woot woot! Love to hear it Lynn!
Next level delicious! Will be making again and again!
This is so yummy!! I had a family garlic bread recipe I’ve used my whole life and after trying this a few weeks ago, THIS is now my family garlic bread recipe. We’ve already made it multiple times and it is a hit every time. Sorry, mom!
Sorry mom! 🤣😅 Glad you love it!