French Bread With Herb Butter
Fragrant herb butter spread on crusty French bread creates a delicious appetizer or snack, perfect for gatherings or a simple yet flavorful treat with fresh herbs and butter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop all herbs in a food processor.
- Add softened butter and mix together to make herb butter.
- Pack the herb butter into crocks and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for future use.
- Cut French bread lengthwise into halves.
- Spread each half with softened herb butter.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until crispy.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a pinch of salt to the herb butter. You can substitute the fresh herbs with dried ones, but use about one-third the amount. If you don't have chervil or tarragon, fresh basil or oregano can work as a substitute. Be sure to use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the toasted French bread and serve it warm as an appetizer or alongside a delicious salad like Delicious Cranberry Salad. You can also pair it with cheese, such as a creamy Brie, or serve it with soups or stews. This herb butter also complements roasted vegetables or can be used as a spread for sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover herb butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the herb butter in individual portions using ice cube trays. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Toasted French bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Bread With Herb Butter contains roughly 886 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (91% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may alter the flavor balance of the herb butter. If using salted butter, consider adjusting or omitting any additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty spread.
How long can I keep the herb butter in the freezer?
The herb butter can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date for easy reference.
Can I use different herbs for the butter?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs. Thyme, chives, or even a bit of rosemary can add unique flavors to the herb butter. Just keep in mind that the taste will change depending on the herbs you choose.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).