If you’re looking for a show-stopping twist on a beloved classic, Chimichurri Garlic Bread delivers a punchy, herbaceous flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Imagine the classic comfort of garlic bread, but lifted with the zesty, fresh brightness of homemade chimichurri. Each slice is loaded with buttery richness, perfectly toasted edges, and a vibrant green topping that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a side, or the star of the table, this Chimichurri Garlic Bread is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together for something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Chimichurri Garlic Bread so irresistible is the harmony of a handful of fresh, bold ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, adding depth, color, and a chorus of flavors that make this bread absolutely addictive. Here’s what you’ll need and why every ingredient matters.
- French or Italian bread: Provides the perfect soft-yet-crusty base, ready to soak up all that buttery, herby goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to creamy perfection, it acts as the luscious carrier for the garlic and herbs.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced, these bring that irresistible classic aroma and bold bite.
- Fresh parsley: The foundation of any great chimichurri, it adds a pop of color and a fresh, grassy note.
- Fresh oregano (or dried): Oregano delivers earthy depth and a hint of peppery zing—use fresh if you can for the brightest flavor.
- Red wine vinegar: A splash of acidity that brings all the flavors to life, balancing out the richness.
- Olive oil: Fruity and robust, it ties the chimichurri together and adds a silky finish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick, these flakes add a subtle heat.
- Salt: Just a pinch is enough to make every flavor pop.
- Black pepper: Rounds out the seasoning with a hint of warmth.
How to Make Chimichurri Garlic Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your Chimichurri Garlic Bread gets perfectly toasty, golden, and crisp around the edges—exactly what you want for maximum flavor and texture. While the oven heats up, slice your loaf of bread in half lengthwise so you have two broad canvases ready for all that glorious topping.
Step 2: Make the Chimichurri
In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, oregano, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well incorporated. This mixture should be vibrant and fragrant—taste it and adjust the seasoning if you’d like a little more tang or heat. The freshness of the herbs, the sharpness of the vinegar, and the warmth of the spices all mingle to create a chimichurri that’s both bright and bold.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a separate bowl, mix your softened butter with the minced garlic until everything is evenly combined. Fold in about 3–4 tablespoons of the chimichurri mixture you just made. This creates a luscious, herby garlic butter that will infuse the bread with flavor from the inside out. Don’t be shy—make sure every bit of butter is flecked with green and red.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Spread the garlic-chimichurri butter generously over the cut sides of your bread halves. Use the back of a spoon to make sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies. Arrange the bread, cut side up, on a baking sheet and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp, and the topping is bubbling and fragrant. The aroma alone will have everyone heading to the kitchen!
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once your bread is out of the oven, drizzle it with some of the remaining chimichurri for a final burst of freshness and color. Let it cool for just a minute, then slice it up and serve while it’s still warm. Each piece will be crisp on the outside, buttery and soft on the inside, and absolutely bursting with herby, garlicky flavor.
How to Serve Chimichurri Garlic Bread
Garnishes
To really make your Chimichurri Garlic Bread pop, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. A scattering of extra chopped parsley or oregano adds even more freshness and a beautiful presentation. If you love heat, a few extra red pepper flakes on top will do the trick.
Side Dishes
This bread is a natural companion to almost any meal. It’s amazing alongside grilled steak or chicken, pairs beautifully with soups like tomato or minestrone, and makes a stunning addition to pasta night. For a festive spread, serve Chimichurri Garlic Bread with a big salad and a selection of cheeses.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, cut the bread into bite-sized pieces and serve as finger food with toothpicks. You can also use the bread as a base for open-faced sandwiches—just add sliced tomato, mozzarella, or roasted vegetables for an extra treat. Even better, try grilling the bread halves for a smoky, charred twist that amplifies all the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Chimichurri Garlic Bread, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. It will keep well at room temperature for up to a day, or in the fridge for up to three days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
Chimichurri Garlic Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled slices individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, making it easy to reheat a slice or two whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen bread back to life, heat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread tough. For extra flair, brush with a touch more olive oil or fresh chimichurri before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought chimichurri sauce?
You can, but homemade chimichurri truly elevates the flavor and freshness of Chimichurri Garlic Bread. If you’re short on time, just look for a high-quality, herb-heavy sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
What’s the best type Appetizer, Side Dish
A classic French or Italian loaf works best, as it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the buttery spread and crisps up beautifully in the oven. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, as it can get soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative, and make sure your bread is dairy-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so you won’t lose any of that bold flavor.
Is Chimichurri Garlic Bread spicy?
The spiciness is totally up to you. The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, so you can dial the heat up or down to suit your taste—or leave them out entirely for a milder version.
What’s the best way to slice and serve?
Let the bread cool for just a minute after baking so it’s easier to cut, then use a serrated knife to slice into thick pieces. Serve warm so everyone can enjoy the gooey, buttery, herby topping at its best.
Final Thoughts
Chimichurri Garlic Bread is the kind of recipe that turns any meal into a celebration. It’s simple, vibrant, and loaded with flavor, making it impossible to eat just one slice. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite at your table!
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Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chimichurri Garlic Bread is a vibrant and flavorful twist on classic garlic toast, combining herby Argentine-inspired chimichurri sauce with buttery garlic spread on crusty French or Italian bread. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, it offers a delicious balance of fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, and a touch of heat.
Ingredients
Chimichurri Sauce
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3–4 tablespoons chimichurri mixture (from above)
Bread
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
Instructions
- Prepare Chimichurri Sauce: In a small bowl, combine parsley, oregano, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend the ingredients into a vibrant chimichurri sauce.
- Make Garlic-Chimichurri Butter: In another bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic. Fold in 3–4 tablespoons of the prepared chimichurri sauce until fully incorporated to create a flavorful garlic-chimichurri butter.
- Assemble Bread: Spread the garlic-chimichurri butter generously onto the cut sides of the halved bread, covering all surfaces evenly to ensure maximum flavor.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with the remaining chimichurri sauce for an extra fresh kick, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For an extra rich flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the bread before baking.
- To add a smoky note, grill the bread halves instead of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Argentinian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
