Emeril Lagasse Shares His 'Secret Weapon' for Flavorful Garlic Bread

The celebrity chef's New Orleans twist on the classic side dish involves an unexpected ingredient.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the golden, buttery crust and crumb of freshly baked French bread, shot in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to capture the luxurious, artisanal texture of the bread.Emeril Lagasse's secret ingredient of celery salt adds a unique Cajun twist to classic garlic bread.New Orleans Today

In a recent YouTube tutorial, renowned chef Emeril Lagasse revealed his secret ingredient for taking garlic bread to the next level - celery salt. Lagasse, known for his Cajun and Creole influences, said the celery salt adds a unique flavor profile that complements the other standard ingredients like butter, garlic, and Parmesan. He also emphasized the importance of using fresh, high-quality New Orleans-style French bread as the base.

Why it matters

Garlic bread is a beloved side dish, and home cooks are always looking for ways to make it more flavorful. Lagasse's tip to incorporate celery salt provides an interesting twist that taps into his Louisiana culinary roots, potentially inspiring home chefs to experiment with unexpected spices and regional ingredients.

The details

In the tutorial, Lagasse assembled the typical garlic bread ingredients - softened butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan. But before mixing everything together, he reached for a jar of celery salt, which he described as his 'secret weapon.' Celery salt is a common seasoning in Cajun and Creole cuisines, so its inclusion makes sense given Lagasse's New Orleans background. He also emphasized using a fresh, preservative-free New Orleans-style French bread as the base, noting that it has a unique texture and flavor compared to other varieties.

  • Lagasse has been a popular TV chef since the premiere of 'Emeril Live' on the Food Network in 1997.

The players

Emeril Lagasse

A renowned American chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for his Cajun and Creole cuisine and his catchphrase 'Bam!'

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What they’re saying

“Celery salt. Shhhh. Don't tell them.”

— Emeril Lagasse, Celebrity Chef

The takeaway

Emeril Lagasse's tip to add celery salt to garlic bread provides home cooks with a unique way to elevate a classic side dish by tapping into regional Cajun and Creole flavors. The chef's emphasis on using high-quality, preservative-free New Orleans-style French bread as the base also highlights the importance of selecting the right bread for optimal texture and taste.