Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe

Name: Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 foot 7-ounce baguette; Garlic butter (quantity as needed to spread evenly on bread); 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese; Sea salt (to taste); Chopped parsley (for garnish); Red pepper flakes (to taste)

BySusan Miller November 16, 2025November 16, 2025

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 137 reviews

Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe

If you’re anything like me, nothing beats the aroma and flavor of freshly baked garlic bread. This Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe is a knockout side that’s bursting with bold, savory goodness. It’s perfectly crispy on the outside, buttery and garlicky in the middle, with just the right kick from the red pepper flakes — truly a crowd-pleaser every time!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this garlic bread comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Unforgettable Flavors: The sharp Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a touch of red pepper flakes perfectly complement the buttery garlic base to create a flavor symphony.
Perfect Texture Balance: Crisp edges with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center make every bite simply irresistible.
Versatile Side Dish: This recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, soups, salads, and more — making it a go-to for many meals.

The image shows several square pieces of toasted bread on a white speckled plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each bread piece has a golden brown crust with a soft, light yellow inside. On the top, there is a mix of finely chopped green herbs, small red chili flakes, and white grated cheese, giving the toast a textured look. The pieces are slightly stacked and arranged closely together, highlighting the crispy edges and soft center of the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes, garlic bread recipe, cheesy garlic bread, easy garlic bread, buttery garlic bread with spices

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe lies in its simple but powerful ingredients. Each element plays a vital role—from the crusty baguette that provides crunch, to the garlic butter that infuses richness, culminating with the freshness of parsley and complexity of Parmesan.

Flat lay of a fresh, golden baguette sliced in half lengthwise, creamy garlic butter spread thickly, a small mound of finely grated Parmesan cheese, vibrant green chopped parsley leaves, bright red pepper flakes scattered delicately, and crystals of sea salt glistening, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes, garlic bread recipe, cheesy garlic bread, easy garlic bread, buttery garlic bread with spices

Baguette: Choose a fresh, crusty baguette that will crisp beautifully in the oven while staying soft inside.
Garlic Butter: Homemade or store-bought, garlic butter is where the flavor foundation starts—feel free to add extra fresh garlic for an intense punch.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth; Pecorino Romano can be a zesty alternative.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors; you can swap for kosher salt if needed.
Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and brightness.
Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a little heat; adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baguette

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil—it not only saves cleanup time but helps the bread toast evenly. Using a sharp knife, slice your 7-ounce, one-foot baguette in half lengthwise. Taking care here ensures both halves are even, making for an elegant presentation and balanced toasting.

Step 2: Spread the Garlic Butter

Generously slather garlic butter on the cut sides of the baguette halves. This step is where the buttery garlic flavor truly gets locked in, so don’t hold back — make sure every inch is covered. This creates that rich, aromatic base that makes garlic bread an eternal favorite.

Step 3: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Place the baguette halves cut-side up on your baking sheet, then bake for 6 to 8 minutes to let the butter melt into the bread. After that, switch your oven to broil and let the bread brown for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. This technique delivers perfectly golden, crispy edges with a tender inside every time.

Step 4: Add Your Toppings and Serve

When the bread is toasted and hot out of the oven, sprinkle on grated Parmesan, a pinch of sea salt, freshly chopped parsley, and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Slice the bread into pieces and serve immediately so everyone can enjoy that medley of crispy, cheesy, herby, and spicy flavors together.

How to Serve Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe

The image shows a white, round plate filled with several square pieces of garlic bread. Each piece has a golden-brown crust and a soft inside, topped with white shredded cheese and green herbs evenly spread across the surface. Tiny red flakes and small bits of garlic appear sprinkled on top, adding texture and color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, two tall, golden-colored pepper grinders are slightly out of focus. The bright lighting highlights the crispy texture of the bread and the freshness of the toppings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes, garlic bread recipe, cheesy garlic bread, easy garlic bread, buttery garlic bread with spices

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the star garnish here, bringing color and a refreshing brightness to this buttery dish. For a touch of elegance, you can add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving—both complement the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This garlic bread is a dream sidekick to Italian classics like spaghetti carbonara or lasagna. It also shines alongside hearty soups like tomato basil or minestrone, and pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads for a lighter meal option.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the garlic bread “open-faced” on a rustic wooden board with dipping sauces such as marinara or a creamy pesto. You could also cut the bread into small cubes and make mini garlic bread croutons to sprinkle over soups and salads—so versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be kept fresh by cooling the garlic bread completely before storing it in an airtight container or plastic wrap. It will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days, making it easy to reheat and enjoy later.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, tightly wrap the bread in plastic wrap and seal it inside a freezer bag. It freezes well for 4 to 6 months, so you can pull it out anytime you crave that comforting garlic bread flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer heated to 350°F. This method keeps the crust crisp and the inside soft and gooey, unlike microwaving which can make the bread soggy. Simply warm until heated through and enjoy as if it’s fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While a baguette is ideal for its crusty texture and size, you can use Italian bread, ciabatta, or even a hearty sourdough loaf. Just adjust baking times accordingly to ensure it crisps up nicely without burning.
How spicy is this garlic bread with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate kick that balances the richness of the garlic butter and Parmesan. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder version.
Can I make the garlic butter from scratch?

Yes! Homemade garlic butter is simple to make by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and optional herbs. It adds an extra layer of freshness and lets you control the intensity of the garlic flavor.
Is it better to bake or broil the garlic bread?

Baking at 350°F allows the bread to warm through evenly and the butter to melt nicely. Broiling afterwards crisps the edges and adds that beautiful golden color. Both steps combined create the ideal balance of soft and crispy textures.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful side that elevates any meal, this Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Parsley, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe is your go-to. It’s warm, indulgent, and easy to whip up anytime, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. Trust me — once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!