Homemade Garlic Bread with Fresh Herbs
Easy homemade garlic bread recipe with fresh garlic, butter, and herbs. Ready in 20 minutes. Perfect side dish for any meal.
Health Scores
Ingredients
- 1 Italian baguette or French bread loaf
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
- 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest, optional
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the upper-middle section for even browning.
- 2
Slice your baguette in half lengthwise to create two long, flat pieces ready for topping.
- 3
Combine the softened butter and minced garlic in a small bowl, stirring until thoroughly incorporated.
- 4
Add the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest if using, mixing well to distribute seasonings evenly.
- 5
Let the garlic-butter mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- 6
Brush the cut sides of the bread with olive oil lightly to help prevent sogginess during baking.
- 7
Spread the garlic-butter mixture generously across both bread halves using a knife or pastry brush, ensuring even coverage.
- 8
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered bread surfaces.
- 9
Place the bread halves cut-side up directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- 10
Watch carefully during the final 2 minutes as the edges should turn light golden brown but the garlic should never darken or burn.
- 11
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the warm bread for vibrant color and herbaceous flavor.
- 12
Cool for 1 to 2 minutes before slicing crosswise into individual portions and serving while still warm.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Greek yogurt mixed with olive oil (3:2 ratio) | Reduces saturated fat and calories while adding protein and probiotics for better gut health |
| White Italian baguette | Whole wheat or sprouted grain baguette | Increases fiber content and lowers glycemic impact for better blood sugar control |
| Parmesan cheese | Nutritional yeast | Eliminates dairy while providing B vitamins and a cheesy umami flavor with less sodium |
| Garlic powder | Smoked paprika | Adds complex flavor depth while maintaining seasoning profile with different antioxidants |
| Extra virgin olive oil | Avocado oil | Higher smoke point prevents oxidation and provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats |
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 268 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 22mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 9g |