Rustic Herb & Roasted Garlic Bread

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Rustic Herb & Roasted Garlic Bread is your go-to side for any meal that needs a little extra love. This warm, fragrant bread is infused with roasted garlic and fresh herbs, making each bite a cozy delight. Perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in!

Ingredients for Rustic Herb & Roasted Garlic Bread

Italian bread is the perfect base, with its chewy texture and ability to soak up all the delicious flavors. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, creating a rich, creamy spread. Garlic, once roasted, transforms into a sweet, nutty delight that flavors the whole bread. Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami punch, while parsley and basil bring freshness and color. A touch of lemon zest brightens up the flavors, and salt and black pepper provide balance. Finally, olive oil helps in roasting the garlic to perfection.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use day-old bread for a crispier texture.
  • Keep an eye on the bread in the oven to prevent burning.
  • If the garlic butter seems too soft, chill it slightly before spreading.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mix.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, especially those with creamy or tomato-based sauces. It's also a great starter for soups or salads, adding a hearty touch to lighter meals. Consider serving it alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap in foil and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work well as alternatives.

Rustic Herb & Roasted Garlic Bread Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, grab a head of garlic and slice off the very top to expose the cloves. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the exposed garlic, wrap it in foil, and pop it into the oven. Let it roast for about 30 minutes until it's nice and soft. This step really makes the garlic sweet and flavorful!

Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter. Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the cloves out of their skins into the butter. They'll be caramelized and almost creamy. Stir in the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and basil. Add the lemon zest, salt, and pepper to the mix, and give it a good stir until everything is well combined.

Now, take your loaf of Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each half. Make sure to cover every nook and cranny so each bite is bursting with flavor.

Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and put them back in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bread turns golden and crispy at the edges. Once done, remove from the oven, slice it up, and serve warm. You'll notice how the herbs and garlic fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Roasted garlic brings out sweet, mellow flavors.
  • Fresh herbs add a vibrant, aromatic touch.
  • Simple ingredients, big flavor payoff.
  • Quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 loaf Italian bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 head garlic
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft.
3. In a bowl, mix butter, roasted garlic (squeezed from skins), Parmesan, parsley, basil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both halves.
5. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. Slice and serve warm.

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