Herbed Garlic Bread

Why Make This Herbed Garlic Bread

Herbed garlic bread is one of those timeless recipes that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. The combination of crusty bread smothered in a rich, buttery garlic mixture, enhanced with fragrant herbs, creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. Each bite offers a delightful crunch on the outside and a soft, flavorful interior, making it a perfect accompaniment to pasta, soups, or salads. Plus, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice when you want something delicious without too much fuss.

How to Make Herbed Garlic Bread

Creating homemade herbed garlic bread is a simple endeavor that will elevate your dining experience. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can whip up this tasty treat that everyone will love. Start by selecting a hearty French or Italian loaf, which provides the perfect canvas for the buttery garlic spread. You can easily personalize your garlic bread with your favorite herbs and spices, adapting the flavors to suit your palate.

Ingredients:

• French or Italian bread
• Mixed herbs (such as parsley, oregano, or basil)
• Garlic
• Butter
• Salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the bread in half lengthwise.
3. In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, mixed herbs, and a pinch of salt.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
5. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
7. Slice and serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 slice):

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 3g

How to Serve Herbed Garlic Bread

Herbed garlic bread performs wonderfully in a variety of settings. Serve it as a starter alongside a rich, creamy tomato soup for a cozy meal. Pair it with your favorite pasta dish—think spaghetti marinara or fettuccine alfredo—for a satisfying Italian feast. You can also cut it into smaller pieces and serve it at gatherings, making it a fun and shareable appetizer. It’s also excellent for soaking up sauce, ensuring that no bite is wasted!

How to Store Herbed Garlic Bread

To store leftover herbed garlic bread, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it! Just wrap the bread well, and it will keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven until warm and crispy.

Expert Tips for Perfect Herbed Garlic Bread

• Butter consistency: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature so that it spreads easily. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it for just a few seconds, but don’t let it melt completely.
• Mixing herbs: Feel free to get creative with your herb choices. Fresh herbs enhance the flavor even more, but dried herbs work beautifully too. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, or some grated parmesan for added flavor.
• Texture: For an extra crispy edge, you might want to toast the bread for a few minutes before adding the garlic butter mixture.

Delicious Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese on top of the garlic butter before baking for a melty, indulgent twist.
• Spicy Garlic Bread: Add jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mix for a kick.
• Herbed Butter Garlic Bread: Mix in some cream cheese or sour cream with the butter for a creamy, rich texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use unsalted butter?
  Yes! Unsalted butter works well, but you’ll want to adjust the salt in the recipe to taste.

• What herbs can I use?
  You can use any dried or fresh herbs you have on hand. Basil, oregano, and parsley are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with thyme, rosemary, or even dill!

• How long does it take to bake?
  Bake your garlic bread for approximately 10-15 minutes, but keep an eye on it. Ovens vary, and you want it golden and crispy but not burnt.

Conclusion

Herbed garlic bread is a delightful recipe that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. With its crispy exterior and soft, savory center, it’s sure to be a hit at your dining table. Whether you’re serving it with a meal or enjoying it as a snack, this dish is bound to impress your family and friends. Try making it today, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations! Happy cooking!

Herbed Garlic Bread

Delicious herbed garlic bread featuring a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, perfect as an accompaniment to any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 slices

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 loaf French or Italian bread Choose a hearty loaf for best results.
• 1/2 cup mixed herbs (such as parsley, oregano, or basil) Feel free to personalize with your favorite herbs.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances the flavor.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy spreading.
• 1 pinch salt Adjust to taste, especially if using unsalted butter.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the bread in half lengthwise.
3. In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, mixed herbs, and a pinch of salt.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.

Baking

1. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
2. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
3. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Store leftover herbed garlic bread wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or in an airtight container for 1-2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze for up to a month.