Herbed Garlic Bread

Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe from France | Ingredients: French bread, butter, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, garlic salt

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Herbed garlic bread is a delicious and savory side dish that is perfect for serving alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads. This recipe combines the flavors of garlic, herbs, and butter to create a flavorful and aromatic bread that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Garlic bread has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe found in many different cultures around the world. The addition of herbs such as parsley and oregano adds a fresh and fragrant twist to this classic dish, making it a favorite among food lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) unsliced loaf of french bread
0.5 cup of softened butter
2 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp of minced fresh parsley
4 minced garlic cloves
0.5 tsp of dried oregano
0.13 tsp of garlic salt

How to prepare

Slice the bread, but do not cut all the way through, leaving the slices attached at the bottom.
In a small mixing bowl, cream the butter.
Add the Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, and garlic salt. Mix well.
Spread the mixture between the bread slices.
Wrap the loaf in a large piece of heavy-duty foil (about 28 inches x 18 inches).
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.

Variations

For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter and herb mixture before spreading it on the bread.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your herbed garlic bread turns out perfectly every time, be sure to use a high-quality loaf of French bread and fresh herbs. Make sure to slice the bread carefully so that the slices remain attached at the bottom, allowing the butter and herb mixture to seep into the bread as it bakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve herbed garlic bread alongside your favorite pasta dish, soup, or salad for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the herbed garlic bread in foil helps to lock in the flavors and keep the bread moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh parsley on hand, you can substitute dried parsley in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the butter and herb mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the herbed garlic bread on a decorative platter or cutting board for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Herbed garlic bread pairs well with a variety of dishes, including pasta, soup, salad, and grilled meats.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover herbed garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of herbed garlic bread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of herbed garlic bread contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of herbed garlic bread contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of herbed garlic bread contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Herbed garlic bread is a good source of vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and Parmesan cheese) and wheat (French bread).

Summary

Herbed garlic bread is a delicious and flavorful side dish that is relatively high in calories and fat. However, it is also a good source of carbohydrates and protein.

Summary

Herbed garlic bread is a delicious and aromatic side dish that is perfect for serving alongside a variety of main courses. With its flavorful combination of garlic, herbs, and butter, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a sunny afternoon in the early 1960s, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little kitchen. Margaret was an excellent cook, and I always loved learning new recipes from her.

As we chatted over a cup of tea, Margaret suddenly got up and rummaged through her old recipe box. She pulled out a tattered piece of paper and handed it to me with a mischievous smile.

"Here, dear," she said. "I want you to have this recipe. It's my secret to making the most delicious Herbed Garlic Bread."

I was overjoyed! Herbed Garlic Bread was one of my favorite snacks, and I had always wanted to learn how to make it. I thanked Margaret profusely and studied the recipe carefully. It was a simple list of ingredients - bread, garlic, butter, and a mix of herbs - but I could tell that the magic was in the technique.

Margaret showed me step by step how to prepare the bread. She sliced a loaf of fresh Italian bread and spread a generous amount of butter on each slice. Then, she minced several cloves of garlic and sprinkled them on top, along with a mixture of dried herbs - basil, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt.

The bread went into the oven to bake, and soon the kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic and herbs. As we waited for the bread to brown and crisp up, Margaret told me the story behind the recipe.

She had learned to make Herbed Garlic Bread from her Italian grandmother, who had brought the recipe with her when she immigrated to America many years ago. Margaret's grandmother had passed down the recipe to her, and now she was passing it down to me.

I was touched by the gesture and vowed to cherish the recipe and make it for my own family for years to come. When the bread was finally ready, we sat down at the kitchen table and devoured it with gusto. The combination of the buttery garlic and fragrant herbs was simply divine, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I would swap out the dried herbs for fresh ones from my garden, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Margaret's Herbed Garlic Bread always remained the same.

I made the bread for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, and it never failed to impress. People would always ask for the recipe, and I would gladly share it, just as Margaret had shared it with me all those years ago.

Now, as I sit in my own cozy kitchen, surrounded by my recipe box and memories of the past, I can't help but smile as I make a fresh batch of Herbed Garlic Bread. I think of Margaret and her grandmother, and how their love and generosity have been passed down through the generations in the form of a simple recipe.

And as I take a bite of the warm, garlicky bread, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish both body and soul. The moment I found this recipe will always be special to me, for it has brought me closer to my loved ones and given me a legacy to pass on to future generations. And for that, I am forever grateful.