Prepare yourself for the irresistible magic of Herbed Garlic Bread: a simple yet stunning side that transforms any meal into a feast. Think of golden slices of bread, crisp on the outside and pillowy inside, slathered with a heavenly mix of butter, fresh herbs, and garlic, all melted together into complete perfection. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and deeply satisfying about the wafting aroma, the beautiful green speckles of fresh parsley, and the joy of pulling apart a piece while it’s still warm. Whether you serve it with family pasta night, bring it to a potluck, or make a batch just for yourself, this Herbed Garlic Bread recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and pure joy every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Herbed Garlic Bread is that it’s unbelievably easy to put together, yet each ingredient plays a starring role in its flavor and texture. Gather these staples from your fridge and pantry, and you’re on your way to unforgettable garlic bread bliss.
- French or Italian bread: The key to the perfect base—choose a crusty, airy loaf for the best texture inside and out.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Softened butter ensures you can easily blend and spread all that herby, garlicky goodness evenly.
- Fresh garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with bold, aromatic flavor—if you love garlic, don’t hold back.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a pop of color and brightness; it’s the secret to that “wow, this tastes so fresh” moment.
- Fresh basil (1 tablespoon) or dried basil (1 teaspoon): Evokes an Italian flair, and whether you use fresh or dried, that sweet, peppery aroma shines.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): This classic herb brings earthy flavor and pairs perfectly with the garlic and basil.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to bring out the best in the butter and highlight all those herbs.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Lends a tiny kick and rounds out the overall flavor—don’t skip it!
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, optional): For a savory finish, a sprinkle of Parmesan adds richness and a golden top.
How to Make Herbed Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, so it’s piping hot and ready for your gorgeous Herbed Garlic Bread. Grab your loaf of French or Italian bread and carefully slice it in half lengthwise using a sharp bread knife. Place both halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet—this wide open surface is perfect for soaking up all the delicious herby spread.
Step 2: Make the Herby Garlic Butter
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything together until fully blended—aim for a creamy, verdant mixture with flecks of green and bursts of garlicky aroma. If you’re short on fresh garlic, you can always substitute garlic powder, but nothing beats the fragrance of freshly minced cloves.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
With the herbed garlic butter ready, generously spread it over both bread halves, making sure to reach every nook and cranny for maximum flavor. Don’t be shy! The more you slather, the more decadent your Herbed Garlic Bread will be. If you like a cheesy twist, go ahead and sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top—this will melt and bubble into a delicious, savory crust as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your prepared bread into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the bread feels warm and the edges start to crisp up, with the butter-herb mixture melting beautifully into the crumb. If you crave an extra-crispy, golden-brown finish, set your oven to broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once baked, remove your Herbed Garlic Bread from the oven and let it cool for just a minute, then slice it into generous pieces while it’s still warm. The scent of buttery garlic and fresh herbs will make it tough to wait, but trust me, it’s worth savoring! Serve it right away while the inside is soft and the top is golden—a bite of this bread will instantly have you swooning.
How to Serve Herbed Garlic Bread
Garnishes
To elevate your Herbed Garlic Bread even further, try sprinkling extra chopped parsley, a handful of fresh basil ribbons, or a light dusting of Parmesan just before serving. A drizzle of good olive oil or a touch of flaky sea salt will also make each slice pop with flavor and look absolutely irresistible on your table.
Side Dishes
Herbed Garlic Bread shines next to classic Italian dishes like spaghetti with marinara, creamy fettuccine Alfredo, or hearty lasagna. It’s also fantastic with soups—think tomato basil, minestrone, or roasted vegetable. Or, just toss together a crisp green salad and let the bread be the star of a light, simple meal!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Herbed Garlic Bread into bite-sized strips for dipping into soups or sauces, or create crostini by topping slices with roasted tomatoes or a generous smear of ricotta. For casual gatherings, stack warm slices in a bread basket lined with a linen napkin to keep them toasty—the aroma alone will draw everyone in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Herbed Garlic Bread left over, let it cool completely before storing. Wrap the slices in foil or place them in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delightful the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Herbed Garlic Bread easily. Arrange the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to one month—perfect for future snack attacks or last-minute sides!
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your Herbed Garlic Bread in the oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy at the edges. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the bread chewy instead of toasty. If reheating from frozen, just add a couple extra minutes in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs besides parsley and basil in Herbed Garlic Bread?
Absolutely! Try fresh chives, thyme, or even a little rosemary for a unique twist. Mixing up the herbs is a great way to match the flavors to your main dish or personal taste.
What’s the best bread to use for this recipe?
A sturdy, crusty loaf like French or Italian bread works beautifully because it soaks up the butter but doesn’t get soggy. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread; it just won’t have the same delicious results!
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic gives the boldest, most aromatic kick, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust to your liking—just keep in mind that the flavor will be more subtle.
Can I make Herbed Garlic Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread and refrigerate it (wrapped tightly) for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just bake as directed—no one will ever know it was prepared ahead.
What’s the best way to keep Herbed Garlic Bread warm for a party?
Wrap the sliced bread in foil and keep it in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. If you don’t have oven space, wrapping in a clean kitchen towel also helps retain heat at the table.
Final Thoughts
Herbed Garlic Bread is one of those recipes that makes every meal more memorable, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive occasion with friends. Give this easy, flavor-packed bread a try—you’ll want to make it again and again, and everyone at your table will be grateful you did!
Print
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
Indulge in the aromatic delight of this Herbed Garlic Bread, a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. With a blend of savory herbs and garlic-infused butter, this bread is perfect as a side dish or a standalone appetizer.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread
Herbed Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and place both halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Make the Herbed Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread the Butter: Spread the herbed garlic butter evenly over both bread halves. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the bread is warm and lightly toasted.
- Broil (Optional): For a crispier top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use garlic powder in place of fresh garlic in a pinch.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or using roasted garlic.
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