Devastatingly Delicious Garlic Herb French Bread in 20 Mins

Okay, friends, let’s talk garlic! And herbs! And, well, the most amazing Garlic Herb French Bread you’ll ever pull outta your oven. Seriously, I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve whipped this up for my supper club – it’s always the first thing to disappear. There’s just something so comforting about warm, garlicky bread, right?

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Max, isn’t garlic bread just…garlic bread?” And usually, yeah, it can be. But trust me, this ain’t your average, run-of-the-mill recipe. What makes this so special? It’s all about the *fresh* herbs and the *right* amount of garlic. We’re not skimping here, folks! We’re going for bold, delicious flavor. This recipe reminds me of my grandmother’s garden. I swear I can smell the rosemary and thyme just thinking about it!

I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years, adding a little more of this, a little less of that, until it’s reached total perfection (if I do say so myself!). And the best part? It’s so ridiculously easy that even if you’ve never baked anything before, you can totally nail this. So, let’s get baking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb French Bread

Quick and Easy

Seriously, this recipe is FAST. From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 20 minutes, tops. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a ridiculously easy win in the kitchen? It’s faster than ordering takeout, and way more satisfying, trust me!

Bursting with Flavor

Garlic and herbs, baby! That’s where it’s at. The combination of fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme is just… *chef’s kiss*. And the garlic? Don’t even get me started. It’s pungent, it’s aromatic, it’s pure garlicky goodness in every single bite. My favorite part is that herby smell when it comes out of the oven!

Perfect Appetizer or Side Dish

Need something to wow your guests at your next dinner party? Boom, this is it. Or maybe you just want to jazz up a simple weeknight meal? This Garlic Herb French Bread is your answer. It goes with EVERYTHING. Pasta, soup, salad… you name it. Plus, it looks super impressive with almost no effort.

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t like rosemary? Swap it out for basil! Wanna add a little kick? Throw in some red pepper flakes. Feeling cheesy? Load it up with Parmesan, mozzarella, whatever your heart desires! This recipe is totally adaptable, so you can make it your own. I always say, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Ingredients for the Best Garlic Herb French Bread

French Bread

Alright, first things first: you’ll need one loaf of French bread. Now, don’t just grab any loaf! Go for a nice, fresh one. The good stuff, you know? You want that slightly crusty outside and soft, chewy inside. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Butter

Okay, butter is key! You’ll need half a cup – that’s one stick – and it *has* to be softened. Like, properly softened. I usually leave mine out on the counter for an hour or so. And here’s the big question: salted or unsalted? Totally your call! I usually go with unsalted so I can control the saltiness myself, but salted works just fine too. No margarine here, folks! We’re using the real deal.

Garlic

Four cloves of garlic, minced. And when I say minced, I mean *minced*. We don’t want big chunks of garlic overpowering everything. Fresh is best, always! I know the pre-minced stuff is tempting, but trust me, the flavor just isn’t the same. Plus, mincing garlic is kinda therapeutic, right?

Fresh Parsley

Grab about a quarter cup of fresh parsley, chopped. Now, you can use flat-leaf or curly parsley – it’s really up to you. I personally prefer flat-leaf because I think it has a little more flavor, but curly works just as well. Just make sure it’s fresh! We want that bright, vibrant green color.

Fresh Rosemary

Two tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped. This is where things get *really* good! Make sure you remove those woody stems – nobody wants to chew on those! And don’t be shy with the rosemary! It adds such a wonderful, piney aroma. Mmm!

Fresh Thyme

One tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped. Thyme is just so…earthy and delicious. It complements the rosemary perfectly. Again, fresh is key here! You can usually find it in those little plastic clamshells at the grocery store.

Salt and Pepper

A quarter teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Or, you know, “to taste.” I always say, taste as you go! You can always add more, but you can’t take it away. I like to use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.

Optional Parmesan Cheese

Okay, this is totally optional, but I highly recommend it: grated Parmesan cheese! Sprinkle it on top before you bake the bread, and it gets all melty and golden brown and…oh my gosh, I’m drooling just thinking about it! You can use the pre-grated stuff, but freshly grated is always better. Just sayin’!

How to Make Garlic Herb French Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Alright, let’s get this show on the road! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C for my friends across the pond). Now, don’t skip this step! Preheating is super important for even baking. It makes sure your Garlic Herb French Bread gets nice and golden brown all over. Trust me, you don’t want any pale, sad-looking bread!

Combine the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, throw in your softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Now, the key here is to make sure that butter is *really* soft. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a lumpy mess. I like to use a fork to mash everything together until it’s nice and smooth and all the flavors are happy together.

Prepare the French Bread

Grab your French bread and carefully slice it lengthwise. You want a nice, even cut, so take your time! I like to use a serrated knife for this. It just glides right through. Make sure you don’t cut yourself – those serrated knives can be sneaky!

Spread the Butter

Okay, this is the fun part! Spread that glorious garlic herb butter over both halves of the bread. I like to use a spatula or a butter knife to make sure I get every nook and cranny. Don’t be shy with the butter! We want every bite to be bursting with flavor.

Add Parmesan Cheese

If you’re feeling cheesy (and who isn’t?), now’s the time to sprinkle on that grated Parmesan cheese. This is totally optional, but I highly recommend it! It just adds a little extra somethin’ somethin’.

Bake the Garlic Herb French Bread

Pop that beautiful Garlic Herb French Bread into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the butter is melted and bubbly. Watch it closely, though! You don’t want it to burn. Burnt garlic bread is a sad, sad thing.

Serve Immediately

Take your Garlic Herb French Bread out of the oven, slice it up, and serve it immediately. Seriously, this stuff is best when it’s warm and fresh. Enjoy! I know you’re gonna love it!

Tips for the Best Garlic Herb French Bread

Using Fresh vs. Dried Herbs

Okay, so here’s the deal with fresh versus dried herbs. Fresh herbs are always gonna give you a brighter, more vibrant flavor. But, hey, I get it – sometimes you just don’t have fresh herbs on hand. If you’re using dried, remember this: dried herbs are way more potent than fresh. So, you’ll want to use about half the amount. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, use 1 tablespoon of dried. Easy peasy!

Roasting the Garlic

Oh my gosh, roasting the garlic takes this Garlic Herb French Bread to a whole new level! Roasting mellows out the garlic and gives it this sweet, almost caramelized flavor. To roast garlic, just chop off the top of a head of garlic, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes, or until it’s soft and squishy. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze out the roasted garlic and mash it into your butter mixture. Trust me, you’ll never go back!

Adjusting the Herbs to Your Preference

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your herbs! Not a fan of rosemary? Swap it out for oregano or basil. Wanna add a little heat? Throw in some red pepper flakes. This recipe is totally customizable, so have fun with it! I’ve even tried adding a little bit of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist. The possibilities are endless!

Preventing the Bread from Burning

Nobody wants burnt Garlic Herb French Bread, right? So, keep a close eye on it while it’s baking! Every oven is different, so your bread might bake faster or slower than mine. If you notice the top is getting too brown, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning. Also, make sure your oven rack is in the center position. This helps ensure even baking. And hey, if it *does* get a little too brown, don’t sweat it! Just scrape off the burnt bits. It’ll still taste amazing!

Garlic Herb French Bread Variations

Add Red Pepper Flakes for Spice

Okay, spice lovers, this one’s for you! A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes adds a serious kick to your Garlic Herb French Bread. I’m talkin’ just a *pinch* – you don’t want to set your mouth on fire! But that little bit of heat really balances out the richness of the butter and garlic. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Use Different Cheeses

Parmesan is great and all, but why stop there? Get adventurous with your cheese choices! Mozzarella will give you that ooey-gooey, stretchy goodness. Provolone is a little sharper and adds a nice tang. Asiago is nutty and complex. Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Just sprinkle your cheese of choice on top before baking, and get ready for cheesy heaven!

Make a Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread

Wanna take your Garlic Herb French Bread to the next level? Turn it into a pull-apart bread! Before you spread on the butter, score the bread in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through. Then, slather on that garlic herb butter, making sure it gets down into all those little crevices. As it bakes, the bread will puff up and become all soft and fluffy, making it super easy to pull apart. It’s perfect for sharing…or not! 😉

Serving Suggestions for Your Garlic Herb French Bread

Serve with Pasta Dishes

Oh, you know I had to start here! I mean, is there anything better than Garlic Herb French Bread dipped in a little pasta sauce? Seriously, it’s a match made in heaven. Think spaghetti with marinara, creamy fettuccine Alfredo, or a hearty lasagna. This bread is the *perfect* accompaniment to any Italian feast. It just soaks up all that delicious sauce…mmm!

Serve with Soups and Salads

Don’t underestimate the power of soup and bread! A warm, crusty slice of Garlic Herb French Bread is amazing with a bowl of tomato soup, a hearty minestrone, or even just a simple green salad. It adds a little bit of oomph to your meal and makes it feel extra satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover bread. Win-win!

Serve as an Appetizer

Need a quick and easy appetizer for your next party? Look no further! This Garlic Herb French Bread is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with some yummy dips. Think creamy spinach artichoke dip, roasted red pepper hummus, or even just a simple bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. You can also add it to a charcuterie board with cheeses, meats, and olives for a fancy-schmancy spread. Your guests will thank you!

Storing and Reheating Your Garlic Herb French Bread

Storing Leftover Bread

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Garlic Herb French Bread, and somehow, miraculously, you have leftovers. First of all, congrats on your self-control! Now, to keep it from getting stale, you’ll want to store it properly. Pop it in an airtight container, and it’ll be good at room temperature for up to two days. I usually use a big zip-top bag. Just squeeze out all the air!

Reheating Instructions

Alright, time to revive that leftover goodness! The best way to reheat your Garlic Herb French Bread is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and pop the bread in for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This will help crisp it up a bit and get that garlic and herb aroma going again. If you’re in a hurry, you *can* microwave it, but it might get a little bit soggy. Just sayin’!

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Herb French Bread

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Absolutely! I always prefer fresh, but dried herbs work in a pinch. Just remember – dried herbs are way more concentrated, so you’ll want to use about half the amount. If the recipe calls for a tablespoon of fresh rosemary, use half a tablespoon of dried. Too much dried herb can be overpowering, so go easy!

Can I freeze Garlic Herb French Bread?

Yep, you sure can! If you wanna make this Garlic Herb French Bread ahead of time or save some for later, just wrap it up super tight in plastic wrap and then in foil. This will help prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake it, you can pop it straight into the oven – no need to thaw! Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Soggy bread is no fun, right? The key is not to overload it with butter. I know, I know, it’s tempting! But too much butter can make the bread greasy and soggy. Also, make sure you bake it until it’s nice and golden brown. This will help crisp up the outside and keep the inside from getting too soft. And don’t cover it while it’s cooling – that will trap moisture and make it soggy!

What other herbs can I use in Garlic Herb Bread?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Oregano, basil, and chives are all fantastic options. You could even try a little bit of dill for a unique flavor. Just experiment and see what you like best! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about finding what tastes good to *you*. I’ve even added a little thyme before, and it was *chef’s kiss*!

Can I make Garlic Herb French Bread ahead of time?

You betcha! You can totally prepare the buttered bread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This is a great option if you’re having a party and want to get some of the prep work done in advance. Just makes life easier, ya know?

Nutritional Information for Garlic Herb French Bread

Alright, let’s talk nutrition! Now, I gotta give you the disclaimer here: the nutritional information below is just an estimate. It can vary a lot depending on the exact ingredients you use (like the brand of butter or the size of your garlic cloves, ya know?). So, please don’t take this as gospel! It’s just a general idea to give you a sense of what you’re eating.

A serving size is usually about one slice. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Calories: Around 200
• Fat: Roughly 12 grams
• Saturated Fat: About 7 grams
• Cholesterol: Give or take 30mg
• Sodium: In the neighborhood of 250mg
• Carbohydrates: Right around 20 grams
• Fiber: Maybe a gram
• Sugar: Just a couple of grams
• Protein: About 4 grams

Keep in mind that these numbers can fluctuate! So, if you’re really concerned about the exact nutritional content, I always suggest plugging the recipe into a nutrition calculator using the specific brands and amounts you used. But hey, let’s be real – we’re making Garlic Herb French Bread, so we’re probably not *too* worried about counting every single calorie, right? It’s all about balance, folks!

Make Your Own Garlic Herb French Bread Today!

Okay, friends, you’ve got all the secrets! Now it’s time to get in the kitchen and whip up your own batch of this amazing Garlic Herb French Bread. Seriously, you won’t regret it! It’s so easy, so delicious, and so perfect for any occasion.

But hey, before you go, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite herbs to use in garlic bread? Any secret ingredients you swear by? Leave a comment below and let me know! I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration.

And if you try this recipe, be sure to snap a picture and share it on social media! Tag me (@MaxineHollowayCooks) so I can see your creations! I absolutely love seeing your versions of my recipes. It just makes my day!

Oh, and one more thing: if you enjoyed this recipe, would you mind giving it a rating? It really helps other people find it! Just click on the stars below to leave your review. Thanks so much for your support! Now go get your bake on!

Print