Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this lively Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe. It combines the rustic charm of warm, crispy garlic bread with the zesty, herb-packed goodness of traditional chimichurri sauce. This dish is a vibrant fusion that elevates a simple loaf into a star side or appetizer, bursting with fresh, bright flavors and irresistible aroma. Perfect for casual dinners, gatherings, or anytime you crave a satisfying, herbaceous treat that will surely impress your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential. Each one plays a key role in layering flavors, textures, and colors, making this Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe truly unforgettable.
- 1 large loaf French or Italian bread: The perfect crunchy exterior and soft interior base for this flavorful creation.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich, creamy moisture and helps carry the garlic flavor throughout.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic heart of garlic bread, providing that beloved punch of garlicky goodness.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brings fresh, green brightness and color.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped: Adds a slightly citrusy, herbaceous note for a unique twist.
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried): Offers a warm, earthy depth characteristic of classic chimichurri.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: Infuses richness and helps blend the herbs beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Delivers a subtle tang that balances the richness and highlights the herbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat if you like a bit of spice.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For those who want a savory, cheesy finish on top.
How to Make Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Garlic Butter
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready when your bread is prepped. In a small bowl, soften the butter and mix it thoroughly with the minced garlic. This blend forms the rich, flavorful base that will seep beautifully into the bread’s crust.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Chimichurri Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk the fresh herbs—parsley, cilantro, and oregano—with olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), salt, and black pepper. This bright, herby sauce is what makes this garlic bread stand out from the crowd.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread
Slice your loaf lengthwise to create two generous halves. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides. Then, spoon the vibrant chimichurri sauce over the buttered bread, making sure every bite will have that fresh, herbaceous punch. If you’re adding Parmesan, sprinkle it on top now for a golden, savory crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for golden edges and a crisp texture that still keeps a tender crumb inside. For those who love an extra crisp finish, broil the bread for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but watch it closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Slice and Serve Warm
Once your Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe is baked to perfection, allow it to cool just slightly before slicing. Serve it warm to enjoy the full aroma and flavors melting together delightfully.
How to Serve Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top right before serving give a stunning pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of olive oil or even a few red pepper flakes can amplify its appearance and taste.
Side Dishes
This garlic bread shines beside grilled meats, vibrant salads, or hearty stews. It pairs beautifully with Argentinian or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, as well as casual pasta dinners, making it an incredibly versatile side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bread into smaller, bite-size pieces to make a sharable appetizer platter. You can serve it alongside a bowl of dipping olive oil or even layer it underneath melted cheese and grilled vegetables for a delicious open-face sandwich twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover garlic bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days without losing much of its incredible flavor and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the bread after assembling but before baking. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, just bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe in the oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes to bring back its crispy exterior and warm, fresh flavors. Avoid the microwave to keep it from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for the chimichurri?
Yes, dried herbs can be used if fresh aren’t available, but fresh herbs provide the best vibrant flavor and texture. Use about half the amount if substituting dried herbs to avoid overpowering the sauce.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary for this recipe?
Parmesan cheese is optional. It adds a deliciously savory crust and richness, but the chimichurri garlic flavor shines on its own without it.
Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the chimichurri a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste when used on the bread.
How spicy is the bread with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the herbs and garlic, but you can easily omit or adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A crusty French or Italian loaf is perfect because it crisps nicely in the oven while staying soft inside, providing the ideal texture to hold all those flavorful toppings.
Final Thoughts
This beloved Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe truly transforms the ordinary into something spectacular. It’s simple, bursting with fresh herbs, and endlessly versatile to suit any meal or gathering. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch how quickly it becomes your new go-to for delicious, flavorful bread that everyone will adore.
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Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chimichurri Garlic Bread is a flavorful twist on the classic garlic bread, featuring a zesty chimichurri sauce made from fresh parsley, cilantro, oregano, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Topped with melted butter, garlic, and optional Parmesan cheese, this Argentinian-American side dish is perfect for adding a burst of vibrant herbiness to any meal.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 1 large loaf French or Italian bread, sliced lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the bread. This ensures it will be at the perfect temperature for toasting evenly.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic. Mix until the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the butter to create a flavorful base for the bread.
- Prepare Chimichurri Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together finely chopped parsley, cilantro, and oregano with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring until all ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble the Bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread halves. Then, spoon the chimichurri sauce generously on top of the garlic butter layer. If desired, sprinkle the bread with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
- Bake: Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges become golden brown and crispy.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you prefer a crunchier texture, broil the bread for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, slice it into servings, and enjoy warm as a delicious side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- For a milder herb flavor, reduce the amount of oregano or use only parsley.
- You can prepare the chimichurri sauce a day ahead to allow the flavors to deepen and meld together.
- If you prefer, substitute dried herbs in smaller quantities, but fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
- The Parmesan cheese topping is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Argentinian-American
