Herb Bread
Herb bread is a flavorful and aromatic accompaniment featuring toasted bread slices topped with a savory herb butter. The blend of garlic, parsley, oregano, dill, and Parmesan creates a rich, herby taste that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as a snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter or margarine with garlic, dried parsley, dried oregano, dill weed, and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Spread the herb mixture on one side of each bread slice.
- Wrap the loaf in foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried ones. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan version. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture. Additionally, if you don't have sourdough or French bread, any crusty bread will work, such as ciabatta or baguette.
Serving Suggestions
This herb bread is perfect as a side for soups or salads, such as Cucumber-Radish Salad, or served alongside a hearty main dish like Herbed Halibut. It also makes a great appetizer when served with marinara sauce or a cheese platter. For a complete meal, pair it with Vegetable Couscous or a fresh green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover herb bread should be wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, unwrap and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. For even better results, slice the bread before reheating to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Bread contains roughly 71 calories, with 5g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this herb bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the herb mixture and spread it on the bread a day in advance. Just wrap the loaf tightly in foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, allowing a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use if I don't have any fresh herbs?
If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs work just fine. The recipe already calls for dried parsley, oregano, and dill weed, which provide great flavor. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh, so use about one-third of the amount if substituting.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter or margarine with a plant-based spread and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of herb bread without any animal products.
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).