Rich and savory shallot garlic bread with golden crust and buttery flavor—perfect for cozy family dinners, parties, or a flavorful side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gourmet twist on a classic: Caramelized shallots add depth and sweetness to traditional garlic bread.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and parties.
- Customizable: Make it cheesy, spicy, or use different herbs.
- Versatile side dish: Pairs wonderfully with pastas, soups, salads, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and add sliced shallots. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and caramelized, stirring frequently.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter with the shallot-garlic mixture, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise and spread the butter mixture evenly over both halves.
- If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top.
- Place bread halves on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp around the edges.
- For added crispness, broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Slice and serve warm.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Calories per serving: 210 kcal
Variations
- Cheesy version: Add shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan before baking.
- Spicy kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter.
- Garlic confit: Swap fresh garlic with slow-roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
- Different herbs: Use rosemary, basil, or oregano for a different aroma.
- Mini bites: Slice bread into smaller pieces before baking for a party-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftovers in foil and store at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or until heated through. For extra crispness, unwrap and broil briefly.
- Freezing: Freeze baked bread wrapped in foil and stored in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen.
FAQs
Can I Use Red Onion Instead Of Shallots?
Yes, though shallots are sweeter and milder, red onions can be a good substitute.
What’s The Best Bread For This Recipe?
French or Italian bread works best for a crunchy exterior and soft interior.
Can I Make This Vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based butter and omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese.
How Do I Prevent The Garlic From Burning?
Cook garlic just until fragrant and avoid high heat to prevent bitterness.
Can I Prepare This Ahead Of Time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate the bread, then bake just before serving.
What’s The Difference Between Shallots And Onions?
Shallots are milder, sweeter, and less pungent than regular onions.
Do I Need To Peel The Garlic?
Yes, peel and finely mince for even cooking and better flavor distribution.
How Can I Make This More Kid-Friendly?
Reduce the amount of garlic and skip the herbs for a milder flavor.
Should I Toast The Bread First?
No need—baking with the butter mixture toasts and flavors the bread perfectly.
Can I Add Lemon Zest Or Juice?
Yes, a small amount adds brightness and balances the richness.
Conclusion
Shallot Garlic Bread is a deliciously elevated version of the classic, bringing richness, sweetness, and herby depth to every bite. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and adaptable to your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it with dinner or making it the star of the table, this garlic bread won’t last long.
Keep the Flavor Going: More Garlic & Bread Inspirations
If this Shallot Garlic Bread hit the spot, your taste buds are in for more treats! For another bold bread idea, try the buttery and aromatic Rustic Roasted Garlic Bread, packed with rich, slow-roasted flavor. Fans of fun formats will enjoy the pull-apart magic of Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Muffin Cups. Craving something even crispier? The Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Breadsticks offer an irresistible crunch. Pair your bread with the creamy finish of Garlic Butter Prawns for a coastal twist. Or go snack-sized with the cheesy, bite-friendly Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps.
Print
Shallot Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and aromatic garlic bread is elevated with caramelized shallots, fresh herbs, and a golden, buttery crust. A perfect side for pasta nights, soups, or holiday feasts that adds a gourmet touch to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and add the sliced shallots. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and caramelized, stirring frequently.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, caramelized shallot-garlic mixture, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully blended.
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise and spread the butter mixture evenly over each half.
- If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top.
- Place bread halves on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and the top is golden.
- For extra crispness, broil on high for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife for cleaner slices.
- Great for pairing with soups, stews, or pasta dishes.
- Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American