Hot Garlic-Herb Bread

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Italian

Hot garlic-herb bread features toasted Italian bread slices topped with garlic, herbs, butter, and Parmesan, perfect as an appetizer or side for gatherings and family dinners.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Italian bread
  • 1/2 cup soft butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fresh minced dill
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cut the bread diagonally into 1-inch slices.
  2. Blend the butter, 1 tablespoon parsley, oregano, dill, and minced garlic.
  3. Spread the butter mixture on each bread slice and put the slices back together.
  4. Shape aluminum foil around the bread in a boat-like fashion, twisting the ends and leaving the top open.
  5. Spread a small amount of the butter mixture on top of the bread, then sprinkle liberally with Parmesan cheese and the remaining parsley.
  6. Heat in a 400°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or substituting the dill with fresh basil for a different flavor profile. If you don’t have Italian bread, French bread works as well. Ensure the butter is very soft for easy spreading, and consider using a garlic press for a finer mince. This dish is a great accompaniment to Italian recipes like Lillian'S Meatless Lasagna.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hot garlic-herb bread alongside pasta dishes like Vegetarian 'Meat' Balls or Marinara Sauce By Miriam for a delightful meal. It also pairs well with salads or as a starter at gatherings. Consider slicing the bread into individual portions for easy sharing at parties or family dinners.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover bread tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the wrapped bread in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore its warmth and crispness. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may become soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hot Garlic-Herb Bread contains roughly 142 calories, with 8g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

142 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.7g 15% DV
Total Fat 2.6g 3% DV
Carbs 25.5g 9% DV
Fiber 7.8g 28% DV
Sugar 1.7g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 226.4mg 10% DV
Potassium 364.8mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 4.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 3.4mg 4% DV
Calcium 374.6mg 29% DV
Iron 7.8mg 43% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 bread in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just spread it on the bread and bake when you're ready to serve. This makes it an ideal choice for entertaining, as you can have it ready in minutes.

What can I substitute for fresh parsley?

If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley, but reduce the amount to about one tablespoon since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, you can also try fresh cilantro or chives for a unique flavor twist.

Can I freeze the garlic-herb butter?

Absolutely! You can freeze the garlic-herb butter in an airtight container for up to three months. Just scoop it into ice cube trays for easy portioning. When you're ready to use it, thaw in the refrigerator and then spread on fresh bread before baking.

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).

Italian recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →