Name: Garlic Lover’s Garlic Bread with Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: One loaf Italian or French bread (approx. 16 ounces), sliced in half lengthwise; 1 head garlic; 1-2 teaspoons olive oil; 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 (such as basil, parsley, oregano); 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 5 reviews

If you are anything like me and can never get enough garlic, then this Garlic Lover’s Garlic Bread with Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Herbs Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s a flavorful celebration of roasted garlic enhanced by the nuttiness of freshly grated Parmesan and the bright punch of garden-fresh herbs. This bread strikes the perfect harmony between crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth buttery center loaded with garlic goodness. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy dinner or a party appetizer, this recipe turns ordinary bread into a lifetime favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface, there are six separate layers of ingredients arranged side by side in a circular shape. Starting from the left, there is a smooth, pale yellow layer of soft butter. Next to it is a dense layer of finely chopped dark green herbs. Adjacent to the herbs is a light beige powdery layer, followed by a small pile of mixed dried herbs and spices. To the right of that, there is a layer of small, pale yellow minced garlic pieces. Finally, on the far right, there is a fluffy white layer of grated cheese. Around the bowl, ingredients like green parsley leaves, baked garlic, and another white bowl with more grated cheese are scattered on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to making this garlic bread unforgettable. Each element plays its part from the creamy butter that delivers richness to the fresh herbs that add a fragrant pop of color and flavor.

Italian or French bread (approx. 16 ounces): The sturdy crust and soft crumb create an ideal base for soaking up all the garlic butter goodness.
1 head garlic: Roasted until golden and spreadable, it provides a deep, mellow garlic flavor that’s anything but harsh.
1-2 teaspoons olive oil: Used to lightly coat the garlic head before roasting, enhancing its richness and preventing drying out.
½ cup very soft unsalted butter (1 stick): The creamy canvas that melds all the flavors together smoothly.
8 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated: Fresh raw garlic adds a sharp, pungent kick to balance the roasted cloves.
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth and a slightly gritty texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft butter.
¼ cup finely chopped leafy fresh herbs (basil, parsley, oregano, etc.): These brighten the mixture with herbal freshness and lovely green flecks.
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: A concentrated garlic flavor booster that’s perfect for garlic lovers like us.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs that complements the fresh herbs perfectly.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors to life.

How to Make Garlic Lover’s Garlic Bread with Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and position a rack in the center for even baking. Also, get your loaf of bread sliced lengthwise so it’s ready to slather with that magical garlic butter.

Step 2: Roast the Garlic

Trim the excess paper from the garlic head and slice off the top to reveal the cloves just peeking out. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap the head in foil, and place it on a small baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the garlic softens, turns golden, and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Let it cool completely before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with finely chopped raw garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, your chosen fresh herbs, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Sprinkle in kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Carefully squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins and mash them into this buttery mixture until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Spread the Garlic Butter on Bread

Generously spread this richly flavored garlic herb butter over the cut sides of your bread halves. Be sure to cover every nook and cranny, so each bite bursts with garlicky delight.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the buttered bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F. For an irresistible golden crisp exterior, switch on the broiler and toast for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a watchful eye so it doesn’t burn. Remove once edges are crisp and beautifully golden.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Transfer the warm, fragrant garlic bread to a cutting board and slice into individual servings with a serrated knife. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta dishes, hearty soups, or crisp salads to make every meal swoon-worthy.

How to Serve Garlic Lover’s Garlic Bread with Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Herbs Recipe

The image shows several slices of garlic bread arranged on white parchment paper over a wooden board. Each slice is thick with a crunchy golden brown crust and topped with a rich layer of garlic, herbs, and melted butter mixed with finely chopped green parsley spread evenly across the top. The bread inside looks soft and light-colored. To the side, there is a white plate with a green leafy Caesar salad, croutons, and grated cheese, with a silver fork resting on it. In the foreground, there is another white plate with two forks stacked, and a glass of red drink is visible near the plate. The background surface is white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle a little extra finely chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top right after baking. A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can also add a luscious sheen and subtle richness that feels like a final hug for your garlic bread.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Lover’s Garlic Bread with Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Herbs Recipe pairs beautifully with classic Italian fare like spaghetti Bolognese or creamy fettuccine Alfredo. It’s also incredible alongside a zesty tomato soup or a crisp Caesar salad, adding that perfect crunchy, buttery bite that elevates any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve the garlic bread in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin to keep it warm and inviting. Or, go for a fun twist by cutting the bread into small cubes and using it as croutons over salads or soups. You can even make mini garlic bread sliders topped with cheese and roasted veggies for an irresistible appetizer platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last), wrap the garlic bread tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Garlic Lover’s Garlic Bread with Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Herbs Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the buttered and sliced bread tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To rekindle that fresh-baked flavor, reheat leftover slices in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil. For a crispier crust, remove the foil for the last 2 minutes of baking. Avoid microwaves, as they can make the bread soggy and less appealing.

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?

Italian or French bread are ideal because they have a sturdy crust and soft interior that hold up well under the butter and heat, but you can experiment with ciabatta or even a crusty sourdough for a different texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to roast the garlic?

Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor, making it sweet and buttery rather than harsh or sharp. It’s a key step in creating that rich, smooth garlic butter that’s signature to this recipe, but if you’re short on time, you can skip roasting and increase the amount of raw garlic slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil spread and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor without dairy.

How can I adjust the recipe for less garlic intensity?

If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of raw chopped garlic and garlic powder, but keep the roasted garlic as it provides a gentler, sweeter essence that’s less overpowering.

Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance?

Yes! You can make the garlic herb butter up to 2 days ahead and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before spreading on the bread for the best texture and flavor release.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Lover’s Garlic Bread with Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Herbs Recipe is pure joy on a plate and a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether it’s a family dinner staple or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, I promise once you give it a try, it will hold a special place in your recipe collection and heart. So go ahead, roast that garlic, melt that butter, and share this flavorful delight with the people you love.