This crispy, buttery Toasted Italian Bread is made with fresh garlic, grated Parmesan, and ready in just 15 minutes. The edges turn deeply golden in the oven while the garlic butter melts down into the soft center. I make this almost every time we have pasta for dinner.
Why This Classic Works
I used to just throw sliced bread in the oven with cold butter on top. The result was always uneven, with some dry spots and other parts completely soaked in grease.
Taking two minutes to mix softened butter with the garlic and cheese ensures a perfectly even spread. The high oven temperature creates a satisfying crunch without drying out the crumb.
Toasted Italian Bread Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread (about 16 ounces)
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How To Make Toasted Italian Bread
- 1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Slice the loaf: Cut the Italian bread into 1-inch thick slices using a serrated knife to avoid crushing the crumb.
- 3. Mix the spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- 4. Coat the bread: Spread about one tablespoon of the butter mixture evenly across one side of each bread slice.
- 5. Bake until golden: Place the slices on the baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature butter: Softened butter mixes easily and prevents tearing the bread when you spread it.
- Watch the oven closely: Bread goes from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly, so check it at the 8-minute mark.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-packaged Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that stop it from melting smoothly into the butter.
What To Serve With Toasted Italian Bread
Toasted Italian Bread pairs beautifully with rich tomato-based dishes like spaghetti bolognese or baked ziti. It also works as a sturdy base to dunk into creamy potato soup or traditional minestrone.
How To Store
Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 3 to 4 minutes to restore the crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can brush the bread with olive oil for a lighter texture. The flavor will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Can I freeze toasted bread?
It is best to freeze the bread slices with the raw butter mixture spread on them before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding two extra minutes to the cook time.
Why is my bread too hard?
Baking at a low temperature for too long dries out the bread. A high temperature gives a quick toast while keeping the inside soft.
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
- Protein: 4 g
Toasted Italian Bread
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minutesToasted Italian Bread features a crispy, buttery crust with soft centers, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese, ready in exactly 15 minutes. This incredibly simple side dish provides the absolute best crunch for your busy weeknight pasta dinners and hearty soups.
Ingredients
1 loaf Italian bread (about 16 ounces)
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- 1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Slice the loaf: Cut the Italian bread into 1-inch thick slices using a serrated knife to avoid crushing the crumb.
- 3. Mix the spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- 4. Coat the bread: Spread about one tablespoon of the butter mixture evenly across one side of each bread slice.
- 5. Bake until golden: Place the slices on the baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
