Vegan Garlic Bread
This vegan garlic bread recipe is bursting with savory, garlicky, and cheesy flavors. Each bite is crispy and crunchy, and it’s so delicious you’d never guess it’s completely dairy-free! It’s the perfect side dish for pasta, soup, and more.
With just 6 easily accessible ingredients and minimal steps, this vegan garlic bread makes the perfect companion to pasta with San Marzano tomato sauce, baked casseroles, and other Italian classics. It’s one of my favorite recipes on BBV!
Why I love this recipe
Vegan garlic bread is one of the simplest side dishes you can make. It’s ready in less time than it takes to bake a frozen option from the store (seriously, just 15 minutes), and it’s better for you, too!
Made with all the traditional flavors you love and none of the ingredients you don’t, this recipe requires just a baguette, some dairy-free butter, a few herbs and spices, and a healthy dose of vegan Parmesan cheese.
It turns out crisp and crunchy on the outside, while the inside remains fluffy and tender. It’s not only dairy-free but also egg-free and can easily be made gluten-free, meaning it caters to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
Make it ahead of time for those times when you need a comforting dinner in a pinch. Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for up to one month!
Ingredient notes
All of the ingredients for this vegan garlic bread are inexpensive and easy to find. Find a breakdown and suitable substitutes below!
Baguette
A French baguette works best to form the base of garlic bread, but any long, crusty loaf will do. Just be sure to check the ingredients to ensure it’s vegan-friendly.
Substitute: For a different texture and flavor profile, you can use ciabatta or sourdough bread. They will both be heartier but just as delicious.
Vegan butter
This coats the bread, creating a rich flavor and holding the other ingredients in place. Look for quality brands like Earth Balance, Milkadamia, Miyokos Creamery, or Melt.
Substitute: Olive oil or avocado oil can be used for a lighter version.
Garlic
You can’t have vegan garlic bread without garlic! Full of antibacterial and detoxification properties, fresh minced cloves add a zesty punch.
Substitute: Garlic powder will work in a pinch, but fresh garlic is best. Use ¼-teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Parsley
The bright, herbaceous flavor of freshly minced parsley balances out the heaviness of butter and cheese. Dried parsley can be used, but the flavor won’t be as bright. Use a teaspoon of dried for every tablespoon of fresh.
Substitute: If you don’t have parsley, use cilantro or omit it altogether.
Vegan Parmesan
Adds a nutty, cheesy flavor that makes the bread more decadent. Feel free to use homemade or store-bought. I love the taste and texture of cashew Parmesan, but the choice is yours!
For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to the recipe card.
How to make
Learn the best way to make vegan garlic bread with my straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions. Look for the tips in green throughout this section for consistent and successful results!
Preparation
Preheat your oven, and prepare a baking tray by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Set it aside while you make the garlic-herb spread.
Cooking
Step 1
Combine softened vegan butter, garlic, parsley, a tablespoon of vegan Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to incorporate the ingredients well.
Step 2
Generously spread the butter mixture on top of each piece of bread, making sure it reaches all the way to the edges.
Using the back of a spoon or a butter knife will help spread the mixture evenly without tearing the bread.
Step 3
Place the bread slices on the prepared baking sheet and add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the butter has melted into the bread.
For an extra golden top, switch your oven to broil for the last minute or two, but watch it closely to avoid burning the bread.
Step 4
Let your vegan garlic bread cool for a few minutes before serving it with dishes like pasta, casseroles, or meatballs. Happy eating!
Expert tip
Choose high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh garlic, parsley, and artisanal vegan butter can significantly enhance the flavor of your vegan garlic bread.
The type of bread you choose will also impact the outcome. I recommend selecting a fresh, quality baguette for the perfect crust and texture contrast.
The butter should be softened for easy spreading but not melted to prevent it from spilling off the bread. Softened butter also helps evenly distribute the garlic, Parmesan, and parsley.
Variations
Herbs: Change the flavor profile by swapping out parsley for any other fresh herb you prefer such as oregano, thyme, or basil.
Cheese: For an even creamier topping, replace or combine the Parmesan with another type of vegan cheese, like mozzarella.
Caprese garlic bread: Boost the nutritional benefits of your vegan garlic bread by adding fresh tomato slices and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Gluten-free: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping in a store-bought or homemade gluten-free baguette.
Serving suggestions
Enjoy a warm slice of vegan garlic bread with your favorite pasta dishes, such as lentil bolognese, vegan mushroom pasta, or spaghetti with butternut squash pasta sauce, vegan pesto, or vegan Alfredo sauce.
It’s also delicious alongside vegan meatballs and crispy air fryer eggplant. Personally, I love dunking a slice into warm soups and stews! Try it with vegan chili, split pea soup, vegan minestrone soup, or vegan potato leek soup.
Cooking tips
Mince the garlic: Mince the garlic finely to distribute its flavor more evenly throughout the bread. Large chunks can lead to uneven flavor and a harsher taste.
Use a serrated knife: Unless your baguette has been pre-sliced, you’ll want to use a serrated bread knife to slice it in half length-wise. The design is made specifically for bread with hard exteriors, resulting in a smooth cut without flattening the bread.
Full butter coverage: Spread the butter mixture all the way to the edges of the bread to prevent dry spots. You want each bite to be flavorful and moist!
Watch it closely: Oven temperatures can vary, and the bread can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a split second. Use the color and aroma as your doneness indicator.
Frequently asked questions
The garlic bread is done when the edges are golden brown, and the butter mixture has melted and absorbed into the bread. Be careful not to overbake, as the bread can become too hard.
If the bread feels too dry, you can brush a little more melted vegan butter or olive oil over the top and reheat briefly in the oven.
Cut the baguette in half lengthwise. If you prefer individual portions, you can slice the bread into rounds before applying the butter mixture.
Storing & reheating
Vegan garlic bread is best when fresh, but it can also be stored for later. Let it cool completely before storing to maintain its texture and prevent sogginess.
Fridge
Vegan garlic bread can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
Freezer
Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in foil and then place them in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat the bread wrapped in foil in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. If it’s frozen, there’s no need to thaw it first — just add a few extra minutes to the time. For a crunchier texture, open the foil for the last few minutes.
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Recipe
Easy Vegan Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Bread knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Baking tray
Ingredients
- 1 large baguette, sliced in half lengthwise
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons vegan Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a small bowl, combine the vegan butter, garlic, parsley, 1 tablespoon of vegan Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined and the butter is soft and spreadable.
- Spread the butter mixture on each piece of bread, ensuring it reaches the edges.
- Transfer the bread slices to the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with extra vegan Parmesan if you’d like. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the edges appear golden brown.
- Remove the vegan garlic bread from the oven and let it cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Happy eating!
Notes
Nutrition
Note: I’ve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.
Justine Drosdovech is a food writer, photographer, and one of the founders of Broke Bank Vegan. She is a self-taught plant-based chef but uses her healthcare background to craft dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.