The Barefoot Contessa Garlic Toasts Recipe is easy, tasty and perfect for snacks or meals. These toasts are golden, crispy and full of flavor.
They are quick to make and smell amazing while baking. You only need simple ingredients like bread, garlic, butter and herbs. Kids and adults both love them.
The Barefoot Contessa Garlic Toasts Recipe is a perfect addition to pasta, soups or salads. Learn How to make Barefoot Contessa Garlic Toasts and enjoy crunchy, buttery goodness at home.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made these garlic toasts for a family dinner. The kitchen smelled like a cozy Italian restaurant. I used fresh garlic and melted butter.
The bread turned golden brown and crunchy. My family couldn’t wait to taste them. They added the toasts to their pasta and soup.
Everyone loved the flavor. Now I make this recipe often. It’s simple, fast and delicious every time.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Barefoot Contessa Garlic Toasts
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Course: Snack / Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking sheet
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Knife
- Oven
- Pastry brush (optional)
Ingredients You Need for Barefoot Contessa Garlic Toasts
- French bread – 1 loaf, sliced
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup, softened
- Fresh garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Black pepper – a pinch
- Grated Parmesan cheese – optional, 2 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Garlic Butter
Mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
3. Spread Butter on Bread
Use a knife or brush to spread garlic butter evenly over each slice of bread.
4. Add Cheese (Optional)
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place bread slices on prepared baking sheet. Keep slices evenly spaced for proper baking.
6. Bake the Toasts
Bake in preheated oven for 8–10 minutes. Toasts should be golden brown and crispy at the edges.
7. Serve Hot
Remove from oven carefully. Serve immediately for best flavor and crunch.
Tips to Make the Best Barefoot Contessa Garlic Toasts
- Use fresh garlic for stronger flavor.
- Softened butter spreads evenly on bread.
- Use a baguette or French bread for crisp texture.
- Preheat oven fully for even baking.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not use cold butter; it spreads poorly.
- Avoid overbaking; garlic can burn quickly.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
- Skip over-mincing garlic; large pieces burn faster.
- Avoid stale bread for best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these garlic toasts alongside pasta, soups or salads. They are perfect as appetizers at parties.
You can also enjoy them as a snack with dips or marinara sauce. They pair well with Italian meals and add extra flavor to any dish.
Variations You Can Try
- Add mozzarella slices for cheesy garlic toasts.
- Use whole wheat bread for healthier version.
- Mix in crushed red pepper for spicy flavor.
- Add lemon zest for a fresh twist.
- Use herb mix like oregano or thyme for different flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving; bread becomes soggy.
- Make garlic butter ahead of time for convenience.
- Freeze unbaked buttered slices for later use.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Health Benefits
Garlic contains antioxidants and vitamins that support heart health and immunity. Using fresh herbs adds flavor without extra sodium.
Moderation is key, but this snack can fit into a balanced diet. Homemade toasts are healthier than store-bought options with preservatives.
Barefoot Contessa Garlic Toasts Recipe
Ingredients
- French bread – 1 loaf sliced
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup softened
- Fresh garlic – 3 cloves minced
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons chopped
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Black pepper – a pinch
- Grated Parmesan cheese – optional 2 tablespoons
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare Garlic Butter
- Mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
Spread Butter on Bread
- Use a knife or brush to spread garlic butter evenly over each slice of bread.
Add Cheese (Optional)
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
- Place bread slices on prepared baking sheet. Keep slices evenly spaced for proper baking.
Bake the Toasts
- Bake in preheated oven for 8–10 minutes. Toasts should be golden brown and crispy at the edges.
Serve Hot
- Remove from oven carefully. Serve immediately for best flavor and crunch.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for stronger flavor.
- Softened butter spreads evenly on bread.
- Use a baguette or French bread for crisp texture.
- Preheat oven fully for even baking.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
FAQs about Barefoot Contessa Garlic Toasts
Can I use frozen bread for this recipe?
Yes, thaw it completely first. Cold bread will not toast evenly, affecting texture and taste.
Can I make these without parsley?
Yes, parsley adds freshness but is optional. You can use other herbs or skip entirely.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
No, Parmesan is optional. It adds extra flavor but garlic and butter are enough for taste.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare butter mixture and store in fridge. Spread on bread and bake later.
How long do garlic toasts stay fresh?
Best eaten immediately. Stored at room temperature, they remain good for two days.
Final Thoughts
The Barefoot Contessa Garlic Toasts Recipe is simple, flavorful and quick. It uses easy ingredients you probably already have.
The toasts are golden, crispy and full of garlic goodness. Perfect as a side, snack or appetizer, this recipe works for any occasion.
With easy steps, helpful tips and tasty results, anyone can make these at home. Enjoy buttery, garlicky toasts and impress family or friends with this simple homemade treat.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!