If you’re anything like me and seriously love garlic, then this Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread Recipe is going to become your new obsession. It’s the ultimate comforting, cheesy, and herbaceous garlic bread that creates this incredible burst of flavor with every bite. I remember the first time I made this, my family went crazy over how perfectly fragrant and crispy it was—all the garlicky goodness packed in a buttery parmesan-herb spread. Stick around, and I’ll show you exactly how to get this fan-freaking-tastic bread on your table with ease!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Triple Garlic Goodness: This bread combines roasted, fresh, and garlic powder, giving it a depth of garlicky flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
- Buttery Parmesan Mixture: The parmesan and fresh herbs blend with softened butter for a rich, creamy spread that melts into the bread perfectly.
- Simple Yet Impressive: With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a gourmet garlic bread at home anytime.
- Perfectly Crispy Finish: A quick broil at the end gives the bread that irresistible golden crunch that my whole family loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic behind the ingredients. Each one plays a part in building that unforgettable garlic flavor with a cheesy, herby twist. For best results, I recommend fresh herbs and a good-quality parmesan because you’ll really taste the difference.
- Italian or French bread: Choose a loaf that’s fresh but sturdy enough to hold all that buttery topping without getting soggy.
- Garlic (whole head + cloves): Roasting the whole garlic head softens it and adds sweetness, while fresh cloves keep this recipe bright and punchy.
- Olive oil: Just a touch for roasting garlic to bring out those caramelized notes.
- Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and creamy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best to melt smoothly and pack that salty kick.
- Fresh leafy herbs: Basil, parsley, oregano—or a combo—adds freshness and balances the richness.
- Garlic powder: This rounds out the garlic flavor for that 3-layer garlicky punch.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the bread that classic Italian vibe.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: To taste, enhancing and seasoning everything perfectly.
Variations
I love making this Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread Recipe my own by switching up herbs or adding a few special ingredients to suit the occasion. Feel free to experiment and make it your own garlic masterpiece.
- Cheesy Twist: Add some shredded mozzarella on top before broiling for a gooey, melty finish that my kids adore.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the butter spread if you like a little heat—I do when I’m craving bold flavors!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free baguette or bread; just watch the baking times as it can vary slightly.
- Herb Variations: Swap basil and oregano for thyme or rosemary—each brings a unique aroma that’s delightful with garlic and parmesan.
How to Make Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic to Sweet Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and arranging a rack in the middle. Take your whole head of garlic and carefully slice off the top to expose the cloves, then drizzle a teaspoon or two of olive oil over it. Wrap it tightly in foil and roast on a small baking sheet for about 45 minutes to an hour. This slow roast softens the garlic beautifully, bringing out a mellow, nutty sweetness instead of that raw harsh bite. Once done, let it cool as you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Parmesan Butter
While your garlic is roasting, soften that stick of butter to room temperature so it’s easy to mix. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with finely chopped fresh garlic cloves, grated parmesan, freshly chopped herbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to your taste. When your roasted garlic has cooled enough to handle, squeeze the luscious cloves out and mix them into the butter mixture. The result is this dreamy, garlicky, cheesy butter that slays every time.
Step 3: Spread, Bake, and Broil to Crispy Bliss
Slice your loaf of Italian or French bread in half lengthwise and spread that garlic herb parmesan butter generously over both cut sides. Don’t be shy here—this is where all the flavor happens. Place the halves buttered side up on a large baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. This gently heats and melts the butter into the bread. For the pièce de résistance, pop the bread under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until it’s golden and crispy on top with perfect toasty edges. Remove it and transfer to a cutting board.
Slice it up with a serrated knife and serve immediately—you’ll find that warm, fragrant slices are irresistible alongside all kinds of meals.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread Recipe
- Roast Garlic Patience: Don’t rush the garlic roasting; allowing it to caramelize slowly brings out that rich, sweet flavor essential to this recipe.
- Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends better with the garlic and herbs — I learned this the hard way after trying to mix cold butter which just doesn’t spread or blend smoothly.
- Watch the Broiler: The broiler step is quick and powerful — keep your eyes peeled to avoid burning while getting that perfect golden crust.
- Use a Serrated Knife: To slice the bread without squashing it, a serrated knife is your best friend when cutting through the crispy crust.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that balances the rich garlic butter beautifully. Sometimes, a tiny drizzle of good olive oil on top makes it shine even more.
Side Dishes
This bread is the perfect sidekick to classic Italian dishes—think marinara-drenched pasta, creamy soups like tomato basil or butternut squash, and fresh crisp salads. I often serve it alongside pesto pasta or a bowl of minestrone for the ultimate cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For get-togethers, I love placing the garlic herb parmesan bread on a wooden cutting board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like balsamic glaze, marinara, or even a spicy aioli. It makes for a fun communal experience everyone loves, and it looks so inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), wrap the bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, and I found slicing it before storing makes it easier to warm up just portions as needed.
Freezing
Freezing works great here! I wrap individual slices in parchment and foil, then pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw a slice at room temperature and reheat in the oven or toaster oven to refresh that crispiness.
Reheating
To reheat, I always use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until the bread is warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the texture perfect—microwaving tends to make it soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic in this Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread Recipe?
While garlic powder adds flavor, I highly recommend using fresh garlic along with roasted cloves for the best depth of flavor. The fresh garlic provides brightness and texture you just can’t get from powder alone. That said, the recipe already includes garlic powder to round out the flavor.
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What type of bread works best for this recipe?
I prefer Italian or French bread for this recipe—their crusty exterior and soft, airy crumb hold up beautifully when spread with butter. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, which can get soggy and fall apart when baked with the toppings.
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Can I prepare the garlic herb butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the garlic herb parmesan butter up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before spreading on the bread.
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How do I avoid burnt garlic when broiling?
Keep a close eye on the bread while under the broiler—broiling happens quickly and can go from golden to burnt in seconds. Stay nearby and pull the bread out as soon as the top is nicely toasted and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want an easy side that feels fancy and tastes extraordinary. It’s the kind of bread that invites everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and cozy flavors. Whether you’re serving it with pasta for a casual weeknight or bringing it out for guests, I promise you’ll be asked to make it again and again. Give it a try—your kitchen, and your taste buds, will thank you!
Print
Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 slices
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Lover’s Garlic Bread with Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Herbs is an irresistible blend of roasted garlic, fresh garlic, and garlic powder combined with creamy butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs spread over crusty Italian or French bread. Baked to golden perfection and optionally broiled for extra crispiness, this garlic bread is perfect alongside pastas, soups, or salads for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Ingredients
Bread and Roasted Garlic
- 1 loaf Italian or French bread (approx. 16 ounces), sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 head garlic
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
Garlic Herb Butter
- ½ cup very soft unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped leafy fresh herbs (e.g. basil, parsley, oregano, etc.)
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning a rack in the center to ensure even baking.
- Roast Garlic: Remove excess paper from the head of garlic and slice off the top to expose the cloves. Lightly drizzle with olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and place on a small baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the garlic is fragrant and golden. Remove and allow to cool.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, finely chopped fresh garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Once the roasted garlic is cool enough, squeeze cloves from the head and incorporate them into the butter mixture thoroughly.
- Spread Butter on Bread: Generously spread the prepared garlic herb butter over the cut sides of the halved loaf of bread, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake Garlic Bread: Place the buttered bread halves on a large baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until warmed through and lightly toasted.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For extra golden crisp, switch on the broiler and broil the bread on the center rack for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven, transfer onto a cutting board, and slice into 16 individual pieces using a serrated knife. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta dishes, soups, or salads. Enjoy the rich, garlicky flavor!
Notes
- This recipe features a triple garlic flavor with roasted garlic, fresh garlic, and garlic powder delivering an intense, complex garlic taste.
- The garlic herb butter is enhanced with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously savory spread.
- Optionally broiling the bread at the end adds a crisp, golden crust for extra texture.
- Pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes including pastas, soups, and salads for a complete meal.
- Using Italian or French bread with a sturdy crust and soft inside provides an ideal base for this rich garlic butter blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
- Calories: 158 calories
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 255.4 mg
- Fat: 7.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4.8 g
- Cholesterol: 17.1 mg
