Cheesy Garlic Bread on Croissants

Stack of baked garlic bread croissants halves on a plate.

5 from 1 vote

Buttery, crispy, cheesy garlic bread - ready in a snap. Simply smear Parmesan garlic-herb butter on split croissants and bake until golden. Just 5 ingredients, ~12 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time7

Total Time12

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Servings (change as needed):

Author: Cheryl Avrich

US Measures - Metric

Ingredients

3 Croissants

Parmesan Butter Mixture (Note 1)

3 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced, ~3 tsp, (Note 2) or more if you like
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or more if you like
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Optional (in Butter Mixture)

1 teaspoon dried herbs (eg. Italian seasoning, thyme, oregano, basil
1 teaspoon 1 tsp olive oil (crisper edges) or 1 tsp mayo (extra-even browning).

US Measures - Metric

Instructions

HEAT OVEN TO 400F/204C. Line a baking sheet with parchement or foil for easier cleanup.
MAKE BUTTER MIXTURE: Soften butter (Note 3). In a small bowl, mix soft butter, garlic, parmesan and parsley with a fork until well combined. (Add optional 1 tsp dried herbs (I do), olive oil or mayo if you like)
PREPARE CROISSANT: Split croissants in half horizontally (top open like a book). Use a serrated knife and saw gently as the layers are delicate. Place cut side up on baking sheet. Spread about 1 tablespoon of butter mixture on each half of croissant. If using unsalted butter, you can lightly sprinkle with kosher salt (Parmesan is salty so butter mixture first).
BAKE: Place baking sheet with croissants on the middle rack and bake 7-8 minutes until golden brown.
To add a melty cheese layer, see Note 4. For air fryer instructions, see Note 5.

Notes

Butter mixture substitutions
- Parmesan: Use Pecorino Romano (saltier/sharper) or Asiago (nutty)
- Garlic: Replace with garlic powder (see below). Or roast the garlic cloves for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Use finely chopped chives or green onions for an oniony flavor or other fresh herbs you like.
Garlic powder equivalents: 1 garlic clove = 1/8 tsp garlic powder = 1/4 tsp granulated garlic.
How to soften butter quickly:
- Grate it using a box grater
- Use the microwave 'soften' button if you have one (don't melt), or
- Place in a sealed bag and run under warm (not hot) water for 5-10 minutes.
Add a melty cheese layer: After baking, sprinkle ~1 Tbsp per half of shredded mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyère and broil 60–90 seconds until bubbly for extra cheesy garlic bread.
Air fryer instructions: Preheat for more even cooking. Air fry at 350F/177C for 3-5 minutes. Check at 3 minutes. Add more time if needed.
Other variations
- Cheeseless: Skip the Parmesan cheese
- Zesty finish: Add 1/2-1 tsp. lemon zest
- Heat: Add 1/2-1 tsp red pepper flakes or mix in 1-2 tsp chili crisp or chili paste to the butter mixture.
- Minis: If you can find mini croissants, make the recipe as an appetizer. Or cut the large halves into thirds.
Shortcuts
- Garlic: Use jarred/tube garlic or frozen cubes (defrosted) or garlic powder.
- Herbs: Skip the chopping and use 2 tsps dried Italian seasoning or other dried herbs.
- Parmesan: Use fresh, finely grated store-bought Parmesan
Make ahead/freeze
- Make in morning: Butter halves, cover, refrigerate up to 6 hours; bake straight from cold (add 1–2 min baking time).
- Freeze unbaked: Flash-freeze buttered halves on a tray, then bag. Bake from frozen at 400F/204C, add a few minutes if needed. Freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition values are estimates and do not include optional ingredients.