Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
If you love the comforting aroma of garlic mingling with fresh herbs and warm, crusty bread, you are going to absolutely adore this Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe. It takes simple ingredients and turns them into a golden, buttery masterpiece that feels both fancy and cozy at the same time. Whether you’re craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer or the perfect side for your pasta night, this Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe delivers that irresistible combination of crispy edges, fragrant herbs, and garlicky goodness that everyone will reach for first.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays an essential role in making this garlic bread sing. From the softness of butter to the fresh zing of herbs and the bold kick of garlic, every element contributes to the flavor, texture, and beautiful color of this dish.
- French bread: Choose a fresh loaf for a crunchy crust and soft, airy interior that soaks up all the flavorful butter mixture.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing, it adds richness and helps the herbs and garlic coat the bread evenly.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh cloves deliver that unmistakable pungent kick that defines garlic bread.
- Fresh parsley: Adds vibrant green color and a mild, herbaceous brightness that freshens the richness.
- Fresh basil: Contributes a sweet, aromatic note that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Fresh oregano: Brings a slightly peppery depth that rounds out the herb blend nicely.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of butter.
- Black pepper: Offers subtle heat that wakes up the herbs and garlic.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For those who love an extra layer of savory, nutty flavor and a little crusty topping.
How to Make Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This moderate temperature ensures the bread toasts evenly without burning, letting the butter melt perfectly and the garlic herbs infuse their flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Herbed Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until it’s thoroughly blended. This herb butter is where all the magic happens, so take a moment to really smell those fresh herbs and garlic together.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
Cut your French bread lengthwise so you have two halves. Use a spatula or knife to spread the herbed butter mixture generously and evenly over each cut side. Don’t be shy here—this layer is what will soak into the bread and create that irresistible, flavorful crust.
Step 4: Add Cheese for Extra Flavor
If you’re a fan of cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle a good quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top now. It melts during baking and crisps up to add an extra savory and slightly nutty texture that’s beyond tempting.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side facing up, and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until you see the edges turn golden and crispy. The butter should be melted and bubbling slightly, signaling it’s just right.
Step 6: Slice and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, slice your herbed garlic bread into serveable pieces. Warm from the oven is the best time to enjoy this treat—melting butter, fragrant herbs, and that crisp crust all combine in each bite.
How to Serve Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle a bit more chopped parsley or a handful of finely sliced chives right before serving. If you added Parmesan cheese, a light dusting of paprika can add a subtle smoky color contrast as well.
Side Dishes
This Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with classic Italian dishes like spaghetti marinara, creamy Alfredo pasta, or a vibrant tomato basil soup. It also complements hearty stews and salads, giving any meal a warm, comforting touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try toasting individual slices and serving them with a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, marinara, or pesto for a fun, interactive appetizer platter. You could also make garlic bread croutons with any leftovers to top salads or soups with a crispy, flavorful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy that garlicky goodness the next day with minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared bread before baking by wrapping it well and placing it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 month, then pop it directly into a hot oven when you’re ready to enjoy fresh, homemade herbed garlic bread anytime.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat the bread in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as this can make the bread soggy and lose its enticing crunch.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh herbs offer a brighter flavor and fresher aroma, dried herbs work fine too. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs since their flavor is more concentrated.
What type of bread is best for herbed garlic bread?
A loaf with a sturdy crust and soft interior like French bread or Italian baguette works best. These breads hold up well to the butter mixture and create that perfect crispy outside with a tender inside.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil spread, and choose a vegan Parmesan alternative or skip the cheese altogether for a delicious vegan-friendly version.
How garlicky is this Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe?
The garlic flavor is prominent but balanced by the richness of the butter and brightness of the fresh herbs. You can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste if you prefer it milder or stronger.
Is this recipe good for a party or large group?
Definitely! This Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe is a crowd-pleaser and easy to scale up. Just multiply the batches of herb butter and prepare multiple loaves to keep everyone happily snacking.
Final Thoughts
This Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe is one of those simple yet unforgettable dishes that never fails to impress and comfort simultaneously. The blend of fresh herbs, buttery garlic, and crispy bread will undoubtedly become a favorite in your kitchen. So, go ahead, try it out, and watch friends and family gather around eagerly for every last bite!
Print
Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Herbed Garlic Bread is a flavorful and aromatic side dish featuring a soft French bread loaf generously spread with a savory mixture of garlic, fresh herbs, and softened butter, then baked until golden and crispy. Perfect alongside pasta, soups, or salads, it is a crowd-pleasing recipe that is quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Herb Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bread and Topping
- 1 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the garlic bread evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into a smooth, aromatic herb butter.
- Spread the Butter Mixture: Evenly spread this garlic herb butter mixture over the cut sides of the French bread halves, ensuring that the flavorful spread covers the surface to saturate the bread.
- Add Parmesan Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the buttered bread to enhance the cheesy, savory notes and create a crispy crust.
- Arrange Bread for Baking: Place the two halves of the bread on a baking sheet cut side up, making sure they lay flat and stable for even cooking.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the butter mixture appears melted and slightly crispy.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, slice into desired portions, and serve warm to enjoy the full flavor and texture of the herbed garlic bread.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed—use about one-third of the fresh quantity.
- For a stronger garlic taste, add extra minced garlic according to preference.
- The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a delicious nutty flavor and crispy texture when baked.
- Serve immediately for the best texture as the bread can become soggy if stored and reheated.
- Can be prepared ahead by mixing the herb butter and spreading it, then refrigerating until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
