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.
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.
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.
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!