Herb & Spice Garlic Bread

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're looking for a way to elevate your meal with a side that's bursting with flavor, this Herb & Spice Garlic Bread is your answer. A perfect balance of roasted garlic and aromatic herbs makes this bread a standout dish that's sure to be a hit at any table.

Ingredients for Herb & Spice Garlic Bread

French bread serves as the perfect canvas for our flavorful toppings, with its crusty exterior and soft interior. Unsalted butter brings richness and helps carry the flavors of the herbs and spices. Roasted garlic adds a deep, mellow sweetness that’s less pungent than raw garlic. Fresh parsley and dried oregano bring a touch of earthiness, while dried basil adds a slightly sweet, peppery note. Smoked paprika offers a hint of smokiness and depth. We use salt and black pepper to season the bread, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't have roasted garlic on hand, you can roast your own by placing garlic cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, then baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic bread pairs beautifully with a hearty tomato soup, a creamy pasta dish, or a light salad. It's also a perfect accompaniment to a charcuterie board, adding a savory, herby element to your spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Ciabatta or sourdough work wonderfully as alternatives.
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika can be used, though it won't have the same smoky flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the butter mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Spread it on the bread and bake when you're ready to serve.

Herb & Spice Garlic Bread Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grab your loaf of French bread and cut it in half lengthwise. You want to create two equal halves that will later become the crunchy, buttery garlic bread we all love.

In a mixing bowl, combine your softened butter with the mashed roasted garlic. Add in the chopped parsley, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture. This is going to be the flavorful spread that transforms the bread into something magical.

Take your butter mixture and spread it generously over the cut sides of the French bread. Make sure to cover every nook and cranny so that every bite is packed with flavor. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered surfaces.

Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the edges are crispy and the cheese has melted to a beautiful golden brown.

Once baked to perfection, take the bread out of the oven, let it cool for a minute, then slice it into pieces. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear quickly!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Packed with flavor from roasted garlic and a blend of herbs.
  • Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for everyday meals.
  • Versatile — pairs well with soups, pastas, and more.

Ingredients

1 loaf of French bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
6 cloves roasted garlic, mashed
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise.
3. In a bowl, mix softened butter with mashed roasted garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the buttered bread.
6. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are crispy and the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Remove from oven, slice, and serve warm.

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