Herb garlic bread is a culinary delight that combines the rich flavors of garlic, herbs, and butter to create a side dish that elevates any meal. This recipe is deeply rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, where the use of fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and oregano is a staple. The aromatic blend of these herbs, paired with the pungency of garlic, creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, pizza, or as a snack on its own, herb garlic bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it a perfect dish for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound loaf ciabatta bread
- ½ cup Italian parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4-5 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, basil) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Garlic and Herb Oil: Add the parsley, rosemary, oregano, and garlic to a small food processor. While blending, drizzle in the olive oil. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. The mixture should be slightly chunky; it doesn’t need to be smooth.
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Prepare the Ciabatta Loaf: Place the ciabatta loaf on a cutting board and slice it in half horizontally. Use your non-dominant hand to keep the bread in place as you slice.
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Spread the Herb and Garlic Oil: Spoon the herb and garlic oil mixture evenly onto both halves of the bread, spreading it all over.
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Assemble the Bread: Place the two halves back together, with the crust facing outward and the oil-covered sides touching each other.
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Wrap and Bake: Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil. Place the bread on the pan and cover it with another sheet of foil. Crimp the foil edges together to ensure the bread is completely covered.
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Initial Baking: Bake the bread on the center rack of a 400°F oven for 10 minutes.
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Uncover and Sprinkle Cheese: Remove the bread from the oven and uncover it. Separate the two halves and place them side by side on the sheet pan, oil side up. Sprinkle ¼ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese onto each half.
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Final Baking: Return the garlic bread to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the bread has crisp, golden-brown edges and the cheese is slightly golden.
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Serve: Cut the ciabatta garlic bread into 1-inch slices and serve warm. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Top Tips:
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Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and oregano add a vibrant flavor to the bread. If you can’t find fresh herbs, use dried ones as a substitute.
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Adjust Garlic Amount: If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, use more cloves or roast the garlic before mixing it into the oil.
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Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique twist.
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Bread Selection: While ciabatta is recommended, you can use other types of Italian bread like baguette or rustic bread for a different texture.
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Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature to achieve the perfect golden crust.
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Timing: Keep an eye on the bread during the final baking stage to avoid overcooking.
Variations:
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Roasted Garlic: Roast the garlic cloves in the oven before mixing them into the oil for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
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Herb Blend: Mix in some thyme or basil into the herb and garlic oil for a unique flavor profile.
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Cheesy Garlic Knots: Instead of baking the bread flat, shape it into knots and sprinkle with cheese for a fun twist.
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Garlic Herb Focaccia: Use focaccia dough instead of ciabatta and add more herbs like rosemary and oregano for a flavorful flatbread.
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Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan butter and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
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Garlic Bread Sticks: Slice the bread into sticks after baking and serve as a snack or appetizer.
Nutritional Guide:
| Servings | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 320 | 14g | 40g | 6g |
Additional Nutritional Notes:
Herb garlic bread is relatively high in carbohydrates due to the bread, but it is also a good source of fiber from the herbs and garlic. The parmesan cheese adds a significant amount of calcium, making it a nutritious side dish. If you’re watching your fat intake, consider using less butter or substituting with olive oil. For a vegan version, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
