Go Back Email Link

Ciabatta Garlic Bread

Karina Kari
Soft on the inside, golden and crispy on top, this ciabatta garlic bread is layered with butter, fresh herbs, and parmesan.
Perfect as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer, it’s quick, simple, and always satisfying.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 10 slices

Equipment

  • 1 small mixing bowl
  • 1 spoon or spatula
  • 1 sharp knife
  • 1-Baking tray
  • Aluminium foil

Ingredients
  

  • 350 g ciabatta bread loaf
  • 60 g softened butter
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese
  • Fine salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven Properly: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
    Ensuring the oven reaches the correct temperature before baking allows the ciabatta to cook evenly and helps the butter and herbs infuse perfectly into each slice.
    Place the oven rack in the center to promote balanced heat circulation.
  • Prepare Herb-Butter Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine 60 g of softened butter with 2 crushed garlic cloves.
    Add ½ cup of roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, and 1½ tablespoons of finely grated parmesan cheese.
    Season lightly with fine salt.
    Mix thoroughly using a spoon or spatula until the ingredients form a smooth, evenly blended herb-butter paste.
    This mixture is the flavor base, so take your time to fully combine.
  • Slice the Ciabatta Loaf Carefully: Place your 350 g ciabatta bread loaf on a cutting board.
    Using a sharp knife, slice the loaf into 2 cm (¾-inch) thick sections, cutting almost through the base but not all the way.
    Keeping the bottom intact ensures the loaf remains in one piece for easy serving and prevents the slices from falling apart during baking.
  • Insert Herb-Butter Between Slices: Gently spread or spoon the prepared herb-butter mixture between each cut in the loaf.
    Make sure every slice gets an even amount, working the mixture down slightly into the cuts.
    This allows each piece to absorb the rich flavors of garlic, herbs, and parmesan while baking, creating an aromatic and flavorful bite in every slice.
  • Wrap Loaf in Aluminium Foil: Carefully wrap the prepared loaf in a sheet of aluminium foil.
    To secure it, crimp the sides over the top and fold in the ends.
    This wrapping method keeps the butter from spilling out while allowing the bread to steam slightly during baking, ensuring it stays soft and tender on the inside.
  • Bake Loaf for Initial Softening: Place the foil-wrapped loaf on a baking tray and put it in the preheated oven.
    Bake for 20 minutes.
    During this time, the heat gently melts the butter, infuses the garlic and herbs, and warms the bread thoroughly.
    This step creates a soft, flavorful interior while keeping the crust protected from direct heat.
  • Unwrap Loaf for Crisping: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the loaf from the oven.
    Open the foil on top to expose the slices.
    This step allows the exposed edges and top to crisp up, giving the bread a golden, slightly crunchy texture.
    Return the loaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
    Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
  • Cool and Serve: Once the bread is golden and fragrant, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
    This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to separate the slices if desired.
    Serve warm for the best experience, whether as a side for pasta, soup, or as a standalone snack.

Notes

  • Not slicing through the base of the ciabatta loaf ensures the bread stays intact during baking, making it easier to serve.
  • Wrapping the loaf in foil helps retain moisture while the herb-butter melts, creating a soft interior.
  • For a crispier top, always open the foil for the final 10 minutes of baking. If skipped, the bread will remain soft but still flavorful.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan and fresh herbs whenever possible for the best aroma and taste.
  • The amount of salt can be adjusted to preference; remember parmesan adds a slight salty flavor.
  • This recipe is perfect for meal prep, easy weeknight dinners, or as a quick side for pasta, soups, or salads.
QR Code linking back to recipe