Zesty Lemon Herb Garlic Bread

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Zesty Lemon Herb Garlic Bread is a fresh twist on a classic favorite. The bright lemon zest and fragrant herbs elevate this side dish to something truly special, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Garlic Bread

Butter acts as the rich, creamy base for our flavorful spread, helping to carry the herbs and garlic into every nook of the bread. Garlic, minced finely, infuses the bread with a robust, aromatic kick that’s essential for classic garlic bread. Lemon zest introduces a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of earthiness. Dried oregano offers a warm, slightly peppery note that complements the other herbs nicely. A touch of salt and black pepper balances the flavors perfectly. The Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, nutty finish that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Finally, a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice enhance the moisture and flavor of the bread, making each bite unforgettable.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a microplane to zest the lemon for the finest texture.
  • For an even stronger garlic flavor, let the butter mixture sit for a few minutes before spreading.
  • If you prefer softer garlic bread, cover the bread with foil while baking, then uncover for the last 2 minutes.
  • To save time, prepare the butter mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hearty pasta dish like spaghetti Bolognese or a light lemon chicken. It’s also a fantastic side for soups, especially tomato or minestrone. For a full Italian-themed dinner, serve it alongside a fresh Caprese salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the added salt to avoid making the bread too salty.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh parsley provides a better flavor and color. If using dried, use half the amount.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap any leftover bread in foil and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.

Zesty Lemon Herb Garlic Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's nice and hot when you're ready to bake, giving the bread a lovely crispiness.

Take your French bread loaf and slice it in half lengthwise. Place both halves cut side up on a baking sheet. This is the canvas for your delicious garlic herb spread.

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it's smooth and well blended. This is where all the flavor magic happens.

Spread the butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to cover every inch so that every bite is packed with flavor.

Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice evenly over the top of the buttered bread. This adds extra moisture and flavor, ensuring the bread isn’t dry.

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the bread. The cheese will melt and form a deliciously crispy crust as it bakes.

Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it and remove it when the edges are golden and crispy.

Once baked, slice the bread and serve it warm. It's best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the flavors are at their peak.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, fresh flavors make it stand out.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights.
  • Pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes.
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
5. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the buttered bread evenly.
6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy.
8. Slice and serve warm.

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