There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked garlic bread wafting through your kitchen. This Rustic Garlic Bread recipe is all about simplicity and big, bold flavors. Perfect for any meal, it’s a crowd-pleaser that's both easy to make and wonderfully satisfying.
The star of the show here is, of course, the Italian bread — its crusty exterior and soft inside make it the perfect vessel for our flavorful topping. The butter acts as the rich, creamy base that carries the flavors of garlic, oregano, and parsley throughout the bread. A touch of salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami kick that takes this bread to the next level.
This Rustic Garlic Bread is an excellent side for pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or fettuccine Alfredo. It also pairs wonderfully with soups, such as tomato basil or minestrone, and is a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board for an appetizer spread.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is hot enough to toast the bread perfectly without drying it out. Next, grab your loaf of Italian bread and cut it in half lengthwise. This gives you two long pieces that are perfect for slathering with garlic butter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mixing these together first helps the flavors meld, creating a more uniform spread. Once combined, take a spatula or butter knife and evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves. Be generous — you want every bite to be packed with flavor.
Now, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered sides of the bread. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously savory crust as it bakes. Arrange the bread halves on a baking sheet with the buttered side facing up. This setup helps the bread toast evenly and keeps your oven clean from any melted butter spills.
Pop the bread into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it: you're looking for a golden color with crispy edges. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. This makes slicing easier and prevents burnt fingers! Finally, cut the bread into slices and serve warm. Enjoy the crispy, buttery, garlicky goodness!
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