Garlic bread is a classic side dish loved around the world. Whether it’s served with pasta, a hearty soup, or a fresh salad, it always brings warmth and comfort to the table. But when you add fragrant herbs and a touch of cheese, this simple staple transforms into Herbed Garlic Bread – golden, buttery, and bursting with flavor.
This recipe shows you how to make herbed garlic bread from scratch with easy ingredients, plus tips for customizing, storing, and serving it.

Why You’ll Love This Herbed Garlic Bread
- Crispy outside, soft inside – the perfect texture in every bite.
- Loaded with flavor – fresh parsley, basil, oregano, and thyme balance the richness of garlic butter.
- Versatile – pair it with pasta, soups, grilled meats, or enjoy as a snack.
- Customizable – add Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Herbed Garlic Bread
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the butter spread – In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Prepare the bread – Slice the loaf in half lengthwise. Spread the herbed butter evenly over both cut sides.
- Optional cheese topping – Sprinkle Parmesan (or mozzarella) on top for extra richness.
- Bake – Place bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and crisp on the edges.
- Serve – Let cool slightly, slice into pieces, and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh herbs – They bring the brightest, most aromatic flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity slightly.
- Taste before spreading – Adjust garlic, salt, or herbs to your liking.
- Try different cheeses – Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend can make it extra indulgent.
- Don’t overbake – The bread should be golden and crisp but still soft inside.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Prep ahead – Mix the herbed butter up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
- Freeze – Wrap baked garlic bread in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven until heated through.
What Readers Say
⭐ “Absolutely divine! The fresh herbs make it so flavorful.” – Emma
⭐ “Always a hit with my family. I add extra garlic sometimes!” – Stuart
⭐ “Perfect balance of herbs and garlic – I’m hooked!” – Nick
⭐ “Top-notch recipe. Crispy, buttery, and so fresh.” – Laura
Printable Recipe
Herbed Garlic Bread
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Slice bread lengthwise and spread butter mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle with cheese if using.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Slice and serve warm.