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
Scale
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
