Garlic Herb Butter Bread

Elijah Grounds

A timeless favorite reimagined with a gourmet twist, this Garlic Herb Butter Bread is inspired by the rustic loaves of southern Italy, infused with fragrant herbs and roasted garlic for unparalleled depth. Perfect as an accompaniment or scene-stealing appetizer, this bread brings warmth, aroma, and a crisp-chewy bite to any table.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Bread

Cuisine Italian

Servings slices

Calories 328 kcal

Equipment

Baking sheet
Small Saucepan
Bread knife
Pastry brush

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread or Italian ciabatta preferably fresh, 12-14 inches
6 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
4 cloves garlic finely minced or crushed
2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
⅛ teaspoon cracked black pepper freshly ground
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil optional for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Slice the bread in half lengthwise so you have two long halves with the crumb exposed.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant but not browned—about 1 minute.
Remove butter from heat and stir in chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Brush the herb butter generously over the cut sides of the bread using a pastry brush. Make sure every corner is coated to infuse flavor all over.
Place the bread halves, buttered side up, on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn crisp and golden.
Optional: For extra crispness and golden hue, broil on high for 1–2 more minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
Drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil before slicing and serving for an added richness.

Notes

For a cheesy twist, sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the butter before baking.
Try roasted garlic for a mellower, deeper flavor. Simply roast whole cloves in foil at 400°F (204°C) for 35–40 minutes, then squeeze into the butter mixture.
To make it vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and skip the cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 328kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 501mgPotassium: 104mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 518IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 3mg

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