If there’s one dish that brings a burst of flavor and comfort to any table, it’s Herbed Garlic Bread. Imagine a loaf of warm bread, golden at the edges, brimming with the aroma of garlic, fresh herbs, and melting butter. This recipe transforms the humble baguette or Italian loaf into an irresistible side that everyone will reach for first. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, serving it as an appetizer, or enjoying it all on its own, Herbed Garlic Bread is the kind of recipe that’s always welcome and never lasts long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients to make this Herbed Garlic Bread truly shine. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, aroma, and texture for a bread that’s utterly unforgettable.
- French or Italian bread: The foundation of your Herbed Garlic Bread, offering a chewy interior and crisp crust when baked.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter ensures a creamy, spreadable base that soaks into the bread beautifully.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with robust, zesty flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and a subtle, grassy freshness.
- Basil: Brings a sweet, aromatic note; use fresh for brightness or dried for convenience.
- Dried oregano: Introduces a savory, earthy undertone reminiscent of classic Italian dishes.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the richness of the butter.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a peppery finish.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top creates a golden, cheesy crust and irresistible umami.
How to Make Herbed Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Herbed Garlic Butter
Start by combining your softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mixing these together creates a fragrant, creamy spread that’s loaded with herby goodness. Be sure the butter is fully softened so your herbs and garlic blend in evenly—this is the secret to every bite being packed with flavor.
Step 2: Spread the Butter Mixture
Take your halved loaf and lay the cut sides facing up. Generously slather the herbed butter mixture all over, making sure to reach every nook and cranny. The goal is to cover the entire surface so that each slice of Herbed Garlic Bread is equally delicious, with no dry spots.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
If you’re feeling a little extra, sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese for a melty, savory crust. Place the buttered bread halves on a baking sheet, buttered side up, to get them ready for the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn golden and the butter to be fully melted. If you love a crispier top (and honestly, who doesn’t?), switch to broil for 1 to 2 minutes right at the end. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—golden and bubbly is perfect.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Allow the bread to cool for just a minute, then slice it into thick, generous pieces. Serve your Herbed Garlic Bread warm, so the butter is still soft and every bite is bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Herbed Garlic Bread
Garnishes
For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle a little more chopped parsley or basil over the hot bread just before serving. A light dusting of extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil can take your Herbed Garlic Bread from great to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Herbed Garlic Bread is a natural companion to pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or creamy fettuccine Alfredo. It’s also wonderful with hearty soups, crisp salads, and roasted vegetables. Honestly, it’s the kind of bread that works with just about anything!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, try slicing the bread into sticks for dipping or cutting it into bite-sized cubes for a party platter. You can even serve it as the base for bruschetta or top with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a fun twist on Caprese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Herbed Garlic Bread tightly in foil and keep it at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, pop it into the refrigerator for up to three days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Herbed Garlic Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or a whole half tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, just reheat from frozen—no need to thaw!
Reheating
To bring leftover Herbed Garlic Bread back to life, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispy top, unwrap it for the last couple of minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the bread chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While French or Italian bread is classic, ciabatta or sourdough also work beautifully. Just choose a loaf with a sturdy crust and soft interior for the best Herbed Garlic Bread experience.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You sure can! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute. The herbs and garlic will still deliver all that flavor you love.
Can I prepare Herbed Garlic Bread in advance?
Definitely. You can mix the garlic butter up to three days ahead and refrigerate it. Spread it on the bread just before baking for the freshest taste and texture.
What’s the best way to keep Herbed Garlic Bread warm for a party?
After baking, wrap the bread in foil and keep it in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve. This keeps it soft and warm without drying out.
How can I make it extra cheesy?
If you want gooey, cheesy Herbed Garlic Bread, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top along with Parmesan before baking. Broil for a minute or two at the end for a bubbly, golden finish.
Final Thoughts
This Herbed Garlic Bread recipe is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress, yet it comes together with ease. If you’re looking for a way to elevate any meal or just treat yourself to something delicious, give this recipe a try—you’ll see why it’s a staple in my kitchen!
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Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this easy and flavorful Herbed Garlic Bread recipe featuring a crispy, buttery loaf infused with fresh garlic and herbs, perfect as a side for any Italian-American meal or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the bread thoroughly and evenly.
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil or dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a fragrant and flavorful herb butter.
- Spread Butter on Bread: Evenly spread the prepared herbed garlic butter over the cut sides of the halved bread, ensuring each slice is generously coated for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered bread if using, to add a savory, cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake Bread: Place the bread halves, buttered side up, on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the butter is melted and the edges of the bread turn golden brown.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): For a crispier top, switch your oven to broil and broil the bread for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, slice it into 8 pieces, and serve warm as a delicious accompaniment to your meal or as a tasty snack.
Notes
- You can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days to save time on the day of baking.
- This recipe works well with other bread types like ciabatta or sourdough, providing versatility to suit your preference.
- For a cheesy twist, add shredded mozzarella before baking to create a melty, gooey topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
