• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Diet Type
  • Dinner
  • About
    • Contact

Sunglow Kitchen logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Diet Type
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Diet Type
    • Dinner
    • About
    • Contact
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Sides & Appetizers

    Published: Oct 13, 2022 · Modified: Feb 1, 2023 by Petranka · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Easy Garlic Ciabatta Bread Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A collage of photos of ciabatta garlic bread with text overlay "Cheesy Ciabatta Bread Recipe". A of photo of ciabatta garlic bread with text overlay "Cheesy Ciabatta Bread Recipe".

    This Garlic Ciabatta Bread Recipe is quick and easy to make, and ready in 20 minutes! It's a delicious side dish bursting with garlic flavor! Perfect to serve with pasta, soups, salads, and beyond!

    A few pieces of ciabatta garlic bread placed on a piece of parchment paper and topped with flaky salt and fresh parsley.

    This garlic ciabatta bread recipe is my new favorite way to prepare garlic bread. It goes well with any pasta dish and is made with simple ingredients that I always have on hand.

    Why use ciabatta, you ask? Unlike regular bread, ciabatta is light and airy on the inside, while still having a thick crust on the outside. It soaks so much flavor and comes out super crispy out of the oven.

    You'll love this garlic bread recipe for its balanced, yet bold flavors. It has the perfect ratio between bread, butter, and garlic so it's super rich and buttery, but not greasy and overpowering.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • How to Make Ciabatta Garlic Bread
    • Top Tips
    • FAQ
    • Serving
    • How to Store
    • Similar Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • FOOD SAFETY

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Quick and easy to make.
    • Ready in 20 minutes.
    • Made with just 6 ingredients.
    • Packed with flavor from the fresh parsley and parmesan, and infused with garlic.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

    • Ciabatta bread: Use freshly-baked classic ciabatta bread for the best results.
    • Garlic: You'll need 4 fresh garlic cloves. Garlic powder won't do the trick here.
    • Butter: I like to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of my garlic bread. You can also use vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
    • Parsley: A touch of fresh parsley brings brightness and flavor to the recipe. You can also use other fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or cilantro.
    • Parmesan cheese: I like to add a few tablespoons of Parmigiano Reggiano to my garlic bread to give it a more savory and umami flavor, but it's optional.
    • Salt: Instead of using just kosher salt, use flaky salt as well to add texture and dimension to the recipe. Save it for the end and sprinkle it as a finishing touch.
    Gathered ingredients for making our garlic ciabatta bread recipe, with text overlay on each ingredient.

    How to Make Ciabatta Garlic Bread

    1. To a small bowl, add softened butter, parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, a small pinch of salt, and optional black pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined.
    Butter, parmesan, and parsley mixed in a small white bowl with a silver fork in it.

    2. Using a bread knife, slice the whole loaf in half and add to a sheet pan. Then, spread the butter mixture evenly on both sides of the bread. Sprinkle with more parmesan if you like a cheesy topping.

    Two halves of ciabatta bread on a baking sheet. Each half is spread with the butter mixture.

    3. Bake in a preheated oven to 430ºF (220ºC) for 12-15 minutes, or until the butter has melted, and the edges of the bread are golden brown (baking time may vary). Finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky salt before serving.

    Two halves of garlic bread in a baking sheet.

    Top Tips

    • Make sure to use room-temperature butter. If your butter is not spreadable, you'll have a hard time mixing it with the rest of the ingredients. If you forgot to take your butter out of the fridge an hour or two prior, you can follow this method for softening butter fast.
    • Use good quality butter. The better the butter, the better the bread. That doesn't mean that your butter should be expensive, but pick one that you like the taste of and enjoy eating on toast.
    • Mince the garlic into small pieces. You don't want big chunks in the garlic mixture. I like to either grate my garlic finely using a spice grater or mince it using a garlic press.
    • Use a serrated knife to cut the ciabatta. This is the easiest way to cut your bread! To cut, place one hand on the top of the loaf, and with the other hand hold the knife. Begin to cut the loaf lengthwise in a sawing motion, making sure that you cut right through the middle so that both parts are even.
    • Adjust the cooking time as needed. Every oven is different, so make sure to keep an eye when making this garlic ciabatta bread recipe. If after 15 minutes the bread is still not golden brown, broil it for 1-2 minutes.
    • If you want to use less butter, you can substitute 2 tablespoon with olive oil.

    FAQ

    Can you freeze this garlic ciabatta bread recipe?

    Yes, it freezes perfectly! Prepare the recipe until the step where you have to bake it. Then, place a piece of parchment paper on one side of the bread, and top with the other side. This prevents it from sticking. Then, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then bake from frozen for 20-25 minutes.

    How do I reheat garlic bread?

    I suggest reheating it in the oven for the best results. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Unwrap the foil and let the top crisp up for 5 more minutes. You can also do that using an air fryer.
    Don't use the microwave or the bread will get soggy.

    What makes ciabatta bread different from french baguette?

    The main difference is the moisture a.k.a. the hydration level of the bread. Ciabatta has more moisture than regular bread which allows for more holes within the wet dough. This makes it more light and airy.

    A close-up photo of a piece of ciabatta garlic bread cut into two.

    Serving

    This garlic ciabatta bread recipe is the perfect side dish for vodka pasta without vodka, pesto pasta, mac and cheese, and even polenta.

    It can also be served with many different dishes including spicy bean stew, Mediterranean risoni salad, and stuffed zucchini boats.

    At some point in your life, you have to realize that there is hardly anything that doesn't go well with garlic bread.

    How to Store

    Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap, and keep on the counter for 1-2 days, or in the fridge for 4 days.

    Similar Recipes

    • Flour tortillas in a plate layered with a kitchen towel.
      Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe
    • A few pieces of naan bread without yogurt served in a white bowl layered with parchment paper, topped with chopped cilantro.
      Naan Recipe without Yogurt (Vegan)
    • Onion bagels on a baking sheet layed with parchment paper next to a white bowl filled with cream cheese.
      Homemade Onion Bagels Recipe
    • Cornbread without buttermilk in a cast-iron skillet with a slice take out, and topped with vegan butter.
      Cornbread without Buttermilk (Dairy-free)

    📖 Recipe

    Garlic Ciabatta Bread Recipe

    This Garlic Ciabatta Bread Recipe is quick and easy to make, and ready in 20 minutes! It's a delicious side dish packed with garlicky flavor!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Side
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: cheesy bread, ciabatta, garlic bread, parmesan, Summer, winter
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 10
    Author: Petranka
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl
    • Oven with a broiler

    Ingredients

    • ⅓ - ½ cup unsalted butter* softened to room temperature (use vegan if needed)
    • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated (use vegan if needed)
    • 2 tablespoon parsley chopped
    • 4 large garlic cloves minced
    • A pinch of salt
    • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
    • 1 loaf ciabatta bread

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 430ºF (220ºC). To a small bowl, add softened butter, parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, a small pinch of salt, and optional black pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined.
    • Using a bread knife, slice the whole loaf in half and add them to a sheet pan. Then, spread the butter mixture evenly on both sides of the bread. Sprinkle with more parmesan if you like a cheesy topping.
    • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the butter has melted, and the edges of the bread are golden brown (baking time may vary). Finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky salt before serving.
    Step-by-step imagesScroll back to find detailed recipe photos!

    Notes

    • Make sure to use room-temperature butter. If your butter is not spreadable, you'll have a hard time mixing it with the rest of the ingredients. If you forgot to take your butter out of the fridge an hour or two prior, you can follow this method for softening butter fast.
    • Use a serrated knife to cut the ciabatta. This is the easiest way to cut your bread! To cut, place one hand on the top of the loaf, and with the other hand hold the knife. Begin the cut the loaf lengthwise in a sawing motion, making sure that you cut right through the middle so that both parts are even.
    • Adjust the cooking time as needed. Every oven is different, so make sure to keep an eye when making this garlic ciabatta bread recipe. If after 15 minutes the bread is still not golden brown, broil it for 1-2 minutes.
    • If you want to use less butter, you can substitute 2 tablespoons with olive oil.
     
    Storage
    • Fridge: Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap, and keep on the counter for 1-2 days, or in the fridge for 4 days.
    • Freezer: Prepare the recipe until the step where you have to bake it. Then, place a piece of parchment paper on one side of the bread, and top with the other side. This prevents it from sticking. Then, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then bake from frozen for 20-25 minutes.
     
    *Use more butter if your bread loaf is bigger.
     
    Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with an online calculator without including the optional ingredients mentioned in the recipe. The information shown should not be considered a substitute for personal nutritional advice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 139kcal

    Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with third-party calculations without including the optional ingredients.

    Tried this recipe?Leave me a rating and a comment telling me how it went. Or tag me at @sunglowkichen and hashtag #sunglowkitchen on Instagram!

    FOOD SAFETY

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    More Sides & Appetizers

    • Tagliatelle Pesto Pasta (15 Minutes!)
    • Lemon dill hummus in a white bowl served with fresh vegetable and pita chips on the side.
      Easy Hummus without Garlic
    • Oyster mushroom soup served in a white bowl and topped with fresh cilantro.
      Creamy Oyster Mushroom Soup with Thyme
    • Fried silken tofu cubes served on a piece of parchment paper, and topped with sea salt and fresh cilantro.
      Super Crispy Fried Silken Tofu (Vegan)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Robert says

      October 13, 2022 at 2:00 pm

      5 stars
      These were sooo good and garlicky! An absolute MUST for any dip and/or soup.

      Reply
      • Petranka says

        October 13, 2022 at 2:04 pm

        Thanks for the review, happy you liked this recipe!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

       Hi, I'm Petranka!  

    A photo of Petranka in a white floral dress.

    Sunglow Kitchen is a food blog about delicious vegan and vegetarian recipes. We share easy-to-make and budget-friendly meal ideas that anyone can make at home! Cooking is a BIG passion of mine and I am excited to show you how simple it can be! More about me...

    Popular Recipes

    • Five carrot cake cupcakes on a marble platter, topped with carrot cake frosting without cream cheese.
      Carrot Cake Frosting Without Cream Cheese
    • Three tall glasses placed on a kitchen countertop, filled with smoothies to the top. Wooden straws sticking out of each glass.
      3 Easy Avocado Smoothie Recipes
    • Roasted pecans in a clear jar.
      Air Fryer Roasted Pecans
    • Orzo Mac and Cheese

    30-Minute Dinners

    • Four flour tortillas filled with tofu fajitas, and served on a white plate with parchment paper.
      Easy Tofu Fajitas Recipe
    • Vegan mac and cheese without cashews served on a plate, with a fork placed on the right side.
      BEST Vegan Mac and Cheese without Cashews
    • Beyond burger on a wooden cutting board layered with white parchment paper.
      Air Fryer Beyond Burger (10 minutes!)
    • Our garam masala curry recipe served in a white bowl with naan, topped with sour cream, chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime.
      Garam Masala Curry Recipe with Chickpeas

    Footer

    Top Budget-friendly recipes

    • A tofu buddha bowl topped with peanut sauce and sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds.
    • Onion bagels on a baking sheet layed with parchment paper next to a white bowl filled with cream cheese.
    • Lemon dill hummus in a white bowl served with fresh vegetable and pita chips on the side.
    • A spoon dipping in a glass jar filled with oat milk bechamel.
    • Overnight oats without yogurt served in a white bowl and topped with fresh berries, crushed pecans, and a drizzle of honey.

    Legal & Contact

    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a free eBook!

    Follow

    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2023 Sunglow Kitchen. All Rights Reserved.