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This Easy Garlic & Herb Bread
This Easy Garlic & Herb Bread is the kind of recipe that turns any meal into something memorable. Warm, aromatic, buttery, and loaded with freshly chopped herbs, this bread fills the kitchen with irresistible fragrance and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving pasta, soup, roasted meats, or simply looking for a quick and comforting snack, this garlic & herb bread never disappoints.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You do not need to knead dough, wait for yeast to rise, or use any special equipment. With everyday pantry ingredients and a loaf of French or Italian bread, you can pull together a bakery-quality side dish in minutes. The combination of melted butter, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan creates the perfect balance of richness and freshness, while the crisp exterior and soft interior make each bite absolutely satisfying.
Ingredients With Exact Measurements
For the Garlic & Herb Spread:
• 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 16 inches)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ins:
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for cheesy garlic bread)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (adds brightness)
How to Make This Easy Garlic & Herb Bread
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Place your loaf of bread on the sheet and slice it horizontally. You can cut all the way through or leave one side attached like a book—either method works well depending on how you like to serve your bread.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The warm butter releases the natural oils in the herbs and garlic, ensuring they distribute evenly and infuse the bread with strong, aromatic flavor.
Use a pastry brush or spoon to spread the mixture generously over the inside of the loaf. Make sure to reach all corners so the flavor penetrates deeply. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan in an even layer over the butter mixture. If you're making a cheesy version, add a handful of mozzarella on top of the Parmesan.
Close the loaf (if you sliced it book-style) or lay the two halves back together. Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil to help the heat circulate and soften the inside while lightly crisping the crust. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bread is warmed through and the butter has fully melted into the loaf.
For a crisper finish, open the foil for the final 4–5 minutes of baking. This step helps the Parmesan form a golden, flavorful crust and adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic & herb bread pairs well with countless meals. Serve it alongside pasta dishes like Alfredo, Bolognese, or spaghetti with tomato sauce. It’s also excellent with soups such as tomato basil, minestrone, chicken noodle, or creamy mushroom. For grilled meats or roasted vegetables, the bread adds a comforting, buttery contrast.
If you're hosting a gathering, cut the bread into small slices and arrange them on a wooden board with dips like marinara, garlic aioli, pesto, or herbed cream cheese. Because the bread is flavorful but not overpowering, it blends effortlessly into any appetizer spread. Leftovers can be toasted the next day or used to make delicious croutons for salads.
Tips for Making the Best Garlic & Herb Bread
Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the brightest flavor. Fresh parsley and chives deliver a vibrant, green aroma that dried herbs cannot completely replicate. When melting the butter, let it cool slightly so the herbs and garlic do not cook prematurely. This keeps their flavor bold and aromatic rather than muted.
A bakery-style French loaf or Italian loaf works best because they have the right balance of softness inside and structure outside. Avoid baguettes unless you prefer an extra-crispy texture. For deeper flavor, allow the garlic mixture to sit for 5 minutes before spreading it on the bread—this brief rest allows the aromatics to blend together perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Wrap leftover garlic bread tightly in foil and store it at room temperature for up to 24 hours or refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wrapped bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the bread and removes the crispness.
If you want to prepare it ahead of time, assemble the loaf completely and refrigerate it wrapped in foil. Bake directly from the fridge when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic & Herb Bread is the definition of quick comfort food. It delivers restaurant-level flavor with simple ingredients and minimal preparation, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, family dinners, or entertaining. Warm, buttery, aromatic, and endlessly versatile, this bread transforms any meal into something special. Once you try it, it will become a permanent staple in your kitchen rotation.