Herb French Bread
A savory herb French bread featuring garlic, oregano, parsley, and Parmesan, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a flavorful snack with a crispy crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the French bread, but not all the way through.
- Cream together butter or margarine, oregano, garlic powder, parsley, and dill weed.
- Spread the herb mixture between each slice of bread.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and parsley over the top.
- Wrap the bread in foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Open the foil if needed to brown the bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using garlic butter instead of plain butter. If you want to reduce calories, use a light margarine. Dried herbs can be substituted with fresh ones; just remember to use about three times the amount. For an added kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the herb mixture. This Herb French Bread pairs beautifully with a hearty soup or salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Herb French Bread is perfect as an appetizer or side dish. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of pasta for a complete meal. It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to soups, especially a creamy tomato or vegetable soup. For a special treat, consider serving it with a dip or spread, such as hummus or a cheese spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Herb French Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil, to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb French Bread contains roughly 189 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 13g 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 recipe without butter?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free option. This will still provide a rich flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions. You could also experiment with avocado oil for a unique taste.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread should be warm and slightly crispy on the outside when it's finished baking. If you want a golden-brown crust, carefully open the foil for the last few minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
Can I add other ingredients to the herb mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the herb mixture by adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra flavor boost. Just remember to balance strong flavors so they don't overpower the bread.
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).