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
Scale
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
