32 minutes
A delicious baguette topped with a rich garlic-Parmesan butter, baked to golden perfection.
Unsalted Butter, melted
0.25 sticks
Garlic, cloves separated and peeled
head
Italian Parmesan Cheese
cups
Flat Leaf Parsley, minced
tablespoons
Lemon Zest, grated
teaspoons
teaspoons
teaspoons
teaspoons
French Baguette, 20 to 24-inch-long crusty
each
Fleur De Sel
pinches
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Melt Butter and Cook Garlic
Place 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter into a small saucepan and let it melt over low heat. Add the peeled garlic cloves and cook gently for about 20 minutes until the garlic is tender.
3. Mash Garlic and Mix Ingredients
Use a fork to mash the garlic cloves into the butter. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a rich, fragrant paste.
4. Prepare Baguette
Cut the French baguette lengthwise and place the halves cut side up on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Score the bread diagonally.
5. Spread Garlic Mixture
Spoon the garlic mixture generously over the cut sides of the baguette. Cut each half of the baguette crosswise into pieces.
6. Bake Baguette
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and starting to brown.
7. Finish and Serve
Transfer the baked baguette to a cutting board. Cut along the scored lines and sprinkle with a pinch of fleur de sel. Serve warm.
Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the garlic and Parmesan mixture. This will provide an aromatic quality to your crust, giving each bite a garden-fresh sensation.
Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a mature white cheddar to play with the depth and sharpness of the cheese profile.
Mix in a small amount of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or a smear of anchovy paste to the garlic butter for an umami-rich dimension that adds complexity to the flavor profile.
Instead of using raw minced garlic, roast a whole head of garlic and then squeeze out the soft, caramelized cloves. Blend this into your butter mixture for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to the mix for a subtle heat that will linger after each mouthful, appealing to those who favor a bit of spice.
Look for a fresh baguette with a crisp crust and tender interior from a reputable bakery.
Use fresh garlic and fresh parsley for a brighter, more vibrant taste.
Spread the butter mixture meticulously to the edges for flavorful bites.
Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and even spreading.
Keep a close eye when broiling to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden color.
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