If you love the irresistible aroma of fresh herbs blended with rich garlic butter melting into a perfectly toasted loaf, then this Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s a quick, simple way to elevate any meal with golden, crispy edges and a deeply satisfying flavor that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, soup, or just enjoying it on its own, this recipe brings that cozy, homemade touch with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe relies on just a handful of ingredients, each one playing a vital role in creating that perfect balance of taste, aroma, and texture. From the creamy spread that melts into the bread, to the punch of herbs and garlic powder that infuses every slice, these simple staples come together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup Country Crock® Spread: This buttery spread melts smoothly and brings creamy richness without overpowering the herbs.
- 1 teaspoon mixed dried herbs: A mixture of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a fragrant herbal note—fresh herbs work wonderfully too if you want extra brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a gentle yet unmistakable garlic flavor that is evenly distributed for delicious consistency.
- 1 (12-ounce) loaf of French or Italian bread: Choose a crusty loaf for that ideal crunchy exterior and soft, airy inside to soak up the herb butter.
How to Make Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Start by setting your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Preheat your oven’s broiler—this ensures the bread toasts quickly to a lovely golden crisp without drying out inside. Having the right rack placement is key to that perfect texture.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, blend the Country Crock® Spread with the mixed dried herbs and garlic powder. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and everything is evenly combined. This herb butter is the flavorful heart of the dish, so mix it well to get every bite bursting with taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Slice your loaf of bread in half lengthwise—this gives you two large flat surfaces perfect for spreading the herb butter. Lay the halves on a baking sheet with the cut sides up. Now spread the herb butter mixture generously over the bread, covering every inch to ensure every slice after broiling is flavored beautifully.
Step 4: Broil to Perfection
Place the bread under the preheated broiler and keep a close eye on it as it browns. It usually takes about 2 minutes for the edges to turn golden and crispy. The sugars in the butter caramelize creating that irresistible crunchy, savory crust, while the inside remains soft and buttery. Don’t walk away—broiling works fast, and you want to avoid any burning.
Step 5: Slice and Serve Warm
Once the bread achieves that perfect golden crisp, remove it from the oven and let it cool just slightly. Then slice it into portions and serve it up warm. This Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe is ideal served fresh so you can enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and the fresh herbal aroma in every mouthful.
How to Serve Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a touch of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan can add a lovely finishing touch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right after broiling also adds a glossy sheen and extra depth to the flavor profile, making your presentation shine.
Side Dishes
This garlic bread pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Think hearty pastas like spaghetti bolognese, creamy tomato soups, or a fresh leafy salad to balance richness. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a versatile meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this bread cut into small, bite-sized portions on a rustic wooden board alongside dipping sauces such as marinara, garlic aioli, or basil pesto. You can also use the bread as a base for bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a colorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover herbed garlic bread (though it’s hard to resist), wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This will keep it fresh for about 2 days, preserving the texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread for longer storage—just wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature and reheat it to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
Reheating
To reheat and restore crispiness, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy and lose its delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely! Fresh garlic will give a more pungent and robust flavor. Just mince it finely and mix into the herb butter. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the bread.
What herbs work best in this recipe?
Mixed dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil work beautifully, but feel free to experiment with rosemary or parsley to suit your taste. Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply choose a vegan butter substitute like Country Crock® Plant Butter and ensure your herbs and bread are free from animal products. The flavors will still be just as satisfying.
What type of bread is best for herbed garlic bread?
A crusty loaf such as French baguette or Italian bread holds up well to the butter and broiling, giving a crunchy exterior and soft interior perfect for soaking up the flavors.
How long will the garlic bread stay fresh after baking?
For best flavor and texture, enjoy it warm and fresh right out of the oven. If stored properly in the fridge, it will stay good for 2 days but tends to lose its crispy texture over time.
Final Thoughts
This Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe is a quick and effortless way to transform a simple loaf of bread into a comforting, flavorful treat that everyone will love. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a satisfying snack. I encourage you to try it out, make it your own with your favorite herbs, and watch it become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Print
Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Herbed Garlic Bread recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring a buttery herb spread broiled to golden perfection on crusty French or Italian bread. Ready in just 7 minutes, it’s the perfect accompaniment to pasta, soups, or salads.
Ingredients
Herb Butter Spread
- 1/4 cup Country Crock® Spread (or your favorite butter substitute)
- 1 teaspoon mixed dried herbs (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped herbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Bread
- 1 (12-ounce) loaf of French or Italian bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler to ensure it reaches the right temperature for quick broiling.
- Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the Country Crock® Spread with the dried herbs and garlic powder until the mixture is well combined and fragrant.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise for an even surface. Arrange the halves on a baking sheet, then spread the herb butter mixture evenly across the cut sides, covering every part.
- Broil the Bread: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook the bread for about 2 minutes, until it turns golden and crispy. Monitor closely to prevent burning as broilers can quickly char the bread.
- Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, slice into desired portions, and serve warm alongside your favorite main dishes or dips.
Notes
- Keep a close watch while broiling as the bread can burn quickly.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried; use 1 tablespoon fresh herbs equivalent to 1 teaspoon dried.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top before broiling.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Use a butter substitute to keep the recipe dairy-free or vegan-friendly if desired.
