Herbed Garlic Bread

Herbed Garlic Bread

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, especially when it’s slathered in fragrant garlic and a medley of herbs. Herbed Garlic Bread is the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal, whether you’re enjoying a rich pasta dish, a hearty soup, or just a casual dinner with friends. The moment you take a bite, the crispy crust gives way to a warm, soft center, all while exploding with the rich flavors that garlic and herbs lend to it. Fun fact: Did you know that garlic has been celebrated for its health benefits for centuries, often dubbed a "superfood”? That’s just one reason to whip up a batch of this delightful bread!

Not only is this Herbed Garlic Bread incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a fantastic way to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Just like that classic comfort food, spaghetti and meatballs, this recipe embodies the spirit of home cooking—quick, delicious, and loved by all, especially kids. So, if you’re ready to elevate your meal with this garlic-infused delight, let’s dive in and get started on making your kitchen the most fragrant place in the house!

What is Herbed Garlic Bread?

So, what’s in a name? Herbed Garlic Bread is a delightful concoction of toasted bread, buttery goodness, and aromatic herbs that come together to create a dish that’s as inviting as its name suggests. But let’s face it—who wouldn’t be curious about something with such a mouthful of a name? It sounds fancy, but really, it’s just a delicious way to say, “Hey, I love carbs and garlic!” Legend has it that the way to a man’s heart, or anyone’s, really, is through their stomach. That’s pretty much the philosophy behind this bread. So, why not give it a whirl and see how it can steal the spotlight at your next meal? Your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Herbed Garlic Bread

Herbed Garlic Bread is not just any old side dish; it’s the star of the show! Here are three reasons you’ll adore it. First, the combination of fresh garlic, parsley, and optional Parmesan creates a flavor explosion that perfectly complements various main dishes. Second, making it at home is budget-friendly! Why spend extra on store-bought when you can whip up a fresh loaf in minutes? Lastly, this versatile bread is highly customizable. Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or cheese for a personal twist. If you’re a fan of classic recipes like cheesy garlic bread, this one will surely find a place on your table. Don’t hesitate; grab the ingredients and let’s make some magic in the kitchen!

How to Make Herbed Garlic Bread

Quick Overview

Herbed Garlic Bread is a quick and delicious recipe that’s perfect for beginners and can be made in just about 15 minutes! It boasts the wonderful combination of toasted bread, creamy butter, and aromatic herbs, and is sure to impress everyone at the dining table. Trust us, once you make this, you might never want to buy store-bought again!

Key Ingredients for Herbed Garlic Bread

• 1 loaf of French or Italian bread (about 12 inches long)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

3. Slice the Bread: Cut your loaf of bread in half lengthwise. If you prefer, you can slice it into diagonal pieces for individual servings.

4. Spread the Garlic Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Ensure every inch is covered because that’s where the magic happens!

5. Add Parmesan (Optional): If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor.

6. Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut sides up, and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.

7. Serve Warm: Remove the bread from the oven, let it cool for a minute, and then cut into slices. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear!

What to Serve Herbed Garlic Bread With

Herbed Garlic Bread pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside a creamy tomato basil soup or a vibrant garden salad for a light lunch. It’s equally fantastic next to classic spaghetti or a zesty chicken Alfredo for a complete dinner experience. For drinks, why not try it with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea to round out the meal?

Top Tips for Perfecting Herbed Garlic Bread

To make the most of this recipe, here are a few tips:

• Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs will elevate the flavor, so if you can, go for the real deal!
• Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is soft; this will ensure even spreading without tearing your bread.
• Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last minute of baking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Storage: Leftovers? Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Pop them in the toaster oven to reheat!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Herbed Garlic Bread can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to three days in the refrigerator. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to a month. To reheat, simply toast it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This will revive the flavors and textures, making it almost as good as when it was first baked!

With so many ways to enjoy this delightful Herbed Garlic Bread, it’s impossible not to love it. Why not gather your loved ones and share this warm, comforting bread at your next meal? Happy cooking!

Herbed Garlic Bread

A quick and delicious recipe featuring toasted bread slathered with a savory garlic butter mixture and aromatic herbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 loaf 1 loaf of French or Italian bread (about 12 inches long)
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 cloves 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried) Fresh parsley is recommended for better flavor.
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried basil
• to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Optional for those who enjoy extra flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Cut your loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Optionally, you can slice it into diagonal pieces for individual servings.
4. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread, ensuring every inch is covered.
5. If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut sides up, and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
7. Remove the bread from the oven, let it cool for a minute, and then cut into slices. Serve it warm.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh herbs. Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy spreading. For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last minute of baking but watch closely to prevent burning. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.