If you’re on the hunt for that perfect, mouthwatering garlic bread, let me introduce you to my personal staple: Garlic Butter Herb Bread. With its crusty edges, golden top, and an aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell better than any bakery, this is the ultimate comfort side that’s been requested more times than I can count at gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: Fresh garlic and vibrant herbs blend together to create an unforgettable taste that puts bland garlic bread to shame.
- Perfectly Customizable: Add cheese, swap herbs, or tweak the crunch to match your mood and menu, making every batch of Garlic Butter Herb Bread uniquely yours.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to oven to table in under 20 minutes—gourmet results without any fuss!
- Crowd-Pleaser Appeal: Whether it’s pasta night or a potluck, this bread disappears fast (and everyone begs for the recipe).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The true beauty of Garlic Butter Herb Bread lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients—each one adding substantial flavor and a specific texture to the final slice. Start with a rustic loaf, fresh garlic, creamy butter, and bright herbs, and you’re well on your way to bread bliss!
- Italian or French Loaf (1 pound): Both options deliver a crisp exterior and fluffy interior—choose whichever you love most. A wider loaf gives you more surface area for the glorious butter!
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): The secret to rich, spreadable flavor. Salted butter works in a pinch—just reduce added salt.
- Fresh Garlic (4 cloves, finely minced): The heart and soul of any garlic bread; don’t skimp!
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Adds color and an herby lift to every bite.
- Sea Salt (⅛ teaspoon): Brings out the flavors and balances the richness of butter and bread.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional, 1/4 cup grated): For a sharp, savory twist that creates a golden cheesy top.
- Mozzarella Cheese (optional, 1/2 cup shredded): Gives you that stretchy, melty restaurant-style finish—always a favorite.
- Extra Parsley & Chives: For serving and a little touch of fresh green to make it really pop.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to play! Garlic Butter Herb Bread loves a makeover, and small tweaks let you personalize the flavor profile or make it work for any dietary need.
- Make It Vegan: Swap in vegan butter for an entirely dairy-free version—it’s still just as indulgent and golden.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Load it up with extra mozzarella or even a bit of fontina for a gooey, melty masterpiece.
- Keto-Friendly Swap: Use almond flour flatbread or low-carb bread as your base for a lighter (but still delicious) treat.
- Spicy Garlic Bread: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a smattering of chopped jalapeño for a punch of heat.
- Herb Medley Upgrade: Mix in a bit of fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to complement or amplify the parsley—endless herbal possibilities!
How to Make Garlic Butter Herb Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 425°F and cover a large baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Slice your Italian or French loaf lengthwise to expose all that beautiful surface—this gives every slice a generous topping of garlicky butter, maximizing crispness and flavor.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
Grab a medium bowl and combine the softened butter, finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, and that touch of sea salt. Mash and stir until you have a spreadable, vibrant mixture that smells absolutely irresistible—you want the herbs and garlic fully blended into the butter.
Step 3: Smother and Bake
Slather your butter mixture evenly over both halves of bread, making sure you get right to the edges. Place the bread, cut side up, on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden on the edges. For extra crispiness, give it an extra 3–5 minutes in the oven, watching carefully.
Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional) & Finish
If you’re in the mood for cheesy Garlic Butter Herb Bread, sprinkle parmesan or mozzarella on during the last 2 minutes of baking. Let it melt and bubble to a perfect finish before removing from the oven. Once done, add an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives as a garnish for that hits-the-table “wow” moment.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Herb Bread
- Bread Matters: Choose a day-old or slightly stale loaf if you can—the extra firmness helps it crisp up beautifully without turning soggy under the butter.
- Fresh Garlic, Always: Don’t be tempted by pre-minced jars; take the minute or two to mince fresh cloves for the boldest, brightest flavor.
- Room Temperature Butter: Let your butter soften at room temp for at least 30 minutes—this ensures a smooth spread and even coverage every time.
- Cheese Timing: Add cheese only for the last two minutes of baking to keep it melty and prevent burning or over-browning.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Herb Bread
Garnishes
Just before serving, shower your bread with extra chopped fresh parsley and delicate snips of chives. The extra herbs add a pop of color and a fresh, leafy scent that balances the rich butter and garlic.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Herb Bread loves to be part of a family-style spread. Serve it with classic pastas, dunk into hot bowls of tomato soup, mop up a saucy chicken dinner, or pair with a salad for an irresistible crunch alongside greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your Garlic Butter Herb Bread into chunky “sticks” for dipping, or cut into bite-sized cubes for party platters and appetizers. For brunch, try serving under poached eggs or as the start of a decadent sandwich—there’s no wrong way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Herb Bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days—it’ll remain soft and flavorful (and perfect for snacking).
Freezing
To freeze, wrap slices individually or as an assembled loaf (before baking works great), then stash in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp before reheating and serving.
Reheating
To bring Garlic Butter Herb Bread back to life, pop slices in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes or until warmed through and lightly crisped—just like fresh!
FAQs
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Can I make Garlic Butter Herb Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and assemble the bread up to one day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven crispiness.
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What’s the best way to get crispy edges without drying out the center?
Bake the bread at the recommended high temperature and watch closely for those golden edges. If you want it even crispier, broil for an extra minute at the end—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
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Can I use dried herbs if I don’t have fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for the fresh, but the flavor and color won’t be quite as vibrant. If possible, fresh herbs make a huge difference in this bread’s final flavor.
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Is Garlic Butter Herb Bread gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses wheat-based bread, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free loaf—everything else in the recipe remains just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Garlic Butter Herb Bread a try the next time you want that unbeatable bakery-style side at home. It’s melt-in-your-mouth irresistible, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to bring plenty of smiles to your table. Happy baking!
Print
Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for the Best Garlic Bread You’ll Ever Eat is a true crowd-pleaser. With a perfect balance of garlic, butter, and herbs, this garlic bread is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with almost any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian loaf or French loaf
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (can also use salted)*
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Optional:
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- OR
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For garnishing:
- Extra parsley and chives
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Mix the Garlic Butter:
- Bake the Garlic Bread:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Slice bread in half lengthwise and place on a large baking sheet, cut sides up.
In a medium bowl, mix butter, garlic, parsley, and salt together until well combined. Spread evenly over bread.
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown on the edges. Add cheese, if desired, in the last 2 minutes of baking. For a crispier garlic bread, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching carefully until desired golden brown color is achieved.
Notes
- To make vegan: feel free to use a vegan butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
