Golden, crunchy baguette rounds brushed with fragrant garlic-herb butter and toasted to perfection. These easy-to-make bites are ideal as a side for pasta, a base for bruschetta, or served warm with soups and salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crispy baguette slices are a simple yet irresistible addition to any meal. They combine crunchy texture with rich garlic and herb flavors, making them a perfect complement to pasta dishes, soups, salads, or as a base for toppings like tomato bruschetta or cheese. Quick to prepare and universally loved, these slices help elevate an everyday baguette into something special.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 fresh French baguette
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for topping
directions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Slice the baguette into ½‑inch (about 1 cm) thick rounds and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt until well combined.
- Generously spread or brush the garlic-herb butter mixture onto each baguette slice.
- If desired, lightly sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top of each slice.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and crisp.
- For extra crunch, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with a little extra parsley.
Servings and timing
- Servings: About 12–16 slices (depending on baguette length)
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10–12 minutes (plus optional 1–2 minutes broil)
- Total time: Approximately 15 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy version: Top with grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella before baking.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for heat.
- Herb variations: Substitute oregano with basil, thyme, or rosemary, or use a blend of fresh herbs.
- Vegan option: Replace butter with plant-based margarine or oil-based spread.
- Deluxe toppings: After baking, top slices with bruschetta mix, melted cheese, or smoked salmon for an elevated appetizer.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Re-crisp in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled slices in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350 °F oven for 7–10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I slice the baguette thinner or thicker?
Absolutely—thinner slices toast faster and become crispier, while thicker slices are chewier. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
How do I keep the garlic flavor from burning?
Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature (375 °F). If you broil, do so briefly at the end and watch closely, as garlic can burn quickly under high heat.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, but use 1 tablespoon dried parsley in place of fresh. The flavor won’t be as vibrant, but it works well.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can spread the garlic-herb mixture on the slices, then store them in the fridge and bake just before serving.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free baguette or bread sliced similarly, and follow the same recipe.
My bread turned soggy—why?
Ensure the slices are not overcrowded on the tray, and bake until edges are crisp. Let them cool briefly before storing.
What other cheeses work well?
Sharp cheeses like Gruyère or aged cheddar add depth; fresh cheeses like fontina melt beautifully too.
Can I make these without butter?
Yes—replace butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version, though flavor will be slightly different.
Will they keep crunch if served with soups?
Yes, if served immediately. To maintain crispness, reheat just before serving, or serve bread on the side rather than dunked directly.
Is broiling necessary?
No, broiling is optional. It adds extra crispness and color, but ovens vary, so it’s fine to skip it if you’re uncertain.
Conclusion
These Crispy Garlic Herb Baguette Slices are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they serve beautifully as a starter, side, or snack. Customizable with cheese, herbs, or spice, they’re perfect for casual dinners or entertaining. Let me know if you’d like pairing ideas or suggestions for toppings!
Print
Crispy Garlic Herb Baguette Slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, crunchy baguette rounds brushed with a fragrant garlic-herb butter and toasted to perfection. These easy-to-make bites are ideal as a side for pasta, a base for bruschetta, or served warm with soups and salads.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh French baguette
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt until well combined.
- Generously spread or brush the garlic herb butter over each baguette slice.
- (Optional) Sprinkle lightly with grated cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crisp.
- For extra crunch, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve warm, garnished with a little extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Best served fresh out of the oven for maximum crispness.
- Use day-old bread for a firmer texture that holds up well to the butter.
- Try adding a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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