If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly fragrant, this Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It transforms simple French bread into a golden, buttery masterpiece bursting with fresh herbs and rich garlic, making every bite a celebration. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner or an appetizer for guests, this recipe is easy to whip up and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one is essential, working together to create that perfect balance of buttery, savory, and herby goodness that makes this bread stand out.
- French bread: The foundation of the dish, its crusty exterior and soft interior soak up all the flavorful butter beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps carry the garlic and herbs evenly across the bread.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that aromatic punch that is the heart of garlic bread.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, slightly peppery note to brighten up the flavor.
- Fresh basil: Contributes a sweet, slightly spicy layer that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Fresh oregano: Offers an earthy, slightly bitter depth that rounds out the herb mix.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the butter’s richness.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice to the profile.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top before baking, it gives a deliciously nutty, savory crust that takes the bread to the next level.
How to Make Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Herb Butter Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mixing these ingredients well ensures that every bite will have a balanced burst of flavor.
Step 2: Apply the Herb Butter to the Bread
Slice your French bread loaf lengthwise, creating two even halves. Spread that incredible herb butter generously and evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to cover every inch; this step is what infuses the bread with all those vibrant tastes and luscious textures.
Step 3: Add Optional Parmesan Cheese
If you love a cheesy crust, sprinkle a generous 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan over the buttered bread now. This step creates a savory, slightly crunchy topping that beautifully complements the herbs and garlic.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the bread edges are golden and crispy. The butter will melt into the bread, making it soft inside with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior.
Step 5: Slice and Serve Warm
Once baked, slice the bread into individual servings and serve immediately. This Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe is best enjoyed hot when the butter is still melting and the herbs are releasing their aromatic charm.
How to Serve Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle some additional chopped parsley or a few basil leaves over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also amplify the flavors gently.
Side Dishes
This versatile Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with Italian classics like pasta marinara, creamy risotto, or a hearty minestrone soup. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of simply serving it on a plate, try cutting the bread into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange them in a basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin. Perfect for casual get-togethers or as a spirited party appetizer alongside dips like roasted red pepper hummus or a melting warm cheese fondue.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and trust me, that happens rarely), wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to two days to keep it fresh and soft.
Freezing
To enjoy this Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe later, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will keep its best texture and flavor for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Keep it wrapped loosely in foil to avoid drying out, then open up for the last 2 minutes if you want to crisp the crust back up.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs but reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs in place of fresh to prevent overpowering the bread.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A crusty French bread or baguette is ideal because it crisps beautifully in the oven while staying soft and buttery inside. Avoid very soft sandwich bread as it won’t hold up to the baking process as well.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based vegan butter and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep the flavors deliciously dairy-free.
How long can I keep herbed garlic bread fresh after baking?
Freshly baked herbed garlic bread is best eaten within the first day to enjoy its perfect texture, but it can be kept at room temperature, wrapped tightly, for up to two days.
Is it possible to add other flavors to the butter mixture?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with ingredients like a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, lemon zest for brightness, or even a bit of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe that brings warmth and joy to any meal. It’s quick, simple, and irresistible—the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every occasion. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this lovely, herb-infused bite of heaven. You won’t regret it!
Print
Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Herbed Garlic Bread recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish featuring crusty French bread spread with a fragrant mixture of garlic, fresh herbs, and butter, then baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for accompanying pasta, soups, or enjoying as a savory snack.
Ingredients
Herbed Garlic Butter
- 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
- 1 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for crisping the bread evenly.
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined to infuse the flavors.
- Spread the Butter Mixture: Evenly spread the herb butter over the cut sides of the French bread halves, making sure every area is coated for maximum flavor.
- Add Parmesan Cheese (Optional): If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread to add a savory, cheesy crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the bread halves onto a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up, ready for baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden and crispy, ensuring the garlic butter melts into the bread.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into serving pieces, and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted in smaller amounts.
- The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a delicious savory crust.
- For extra crispiness, broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed.
