Irresistible Garlic Herb Bread You Can Make at Home
Imagine biting into a slice of warm, buttery bread infused with garlic and herbs, fresh out of your oven.
That’s this garlic herb bread in a nutshell.
It’s fluffy, savory, and just the right kind of cozy, and honestly, once you try it, the thought of store-bought bread will make you cringe.
Your sandwiches, soups, and pasta dinners just found their new BFF.
That’s where this garlic herb bread comes in.
Bonus: it’s way better than that sad store-bought loaf lurking in your pantry.
Garlic Herb Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – your basic bread buddy.
- 1 tbsp sugar – because life’s better with a hint of sweet.
- 2 tsp instant yeast – your little magic leavening elves.
- 1 tsp salt – don’t skip unless you like sad bread.
- 1 cup warm water – think bath temp not lava.
- 3 tbsp olive oil – or butter if you’re feeling fancy.
- 4 cloves garlic minced – garlic lovers, this is your moment.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped – fresh is best, dried works too in a pinch.
- 2 tbsp butter melted – for brushing on top and sealing in the flavor.
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Wait 5–10 minutes until it’s frothy. If nothing happens, your yeast might be dead—time for a new pack.
- Mix the dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until it forms a sticky dough. Yes, sticky is good.
- Knead it: Sprinkle some flour and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Feel free to dance while kneading—it helps.
- Let it rise: Cover the dough with a towel and let it chill in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes. It should double in size. Pro tip: whisper sweet nothings to it—it responds well.
- Prep the garlic herb mix: Combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, and melted butter in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Shape the bread: Punch down the dough (not too hard, we’re friends) and shape into a loaf or rounds. Place on a baking sheet or loaf pan.
- Top with flavor: Brush the garlic herb butter generously over the top. Be generous. Life is short.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and deliciously fragrant.
- Final touch: Brush again with any leftover garlic butter right out of the oven. Boom—instant aroma therapy.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Honestly? This recipe is magic.
- It’s idiot-proof—even if you have two left thumbs in the kitchen, you won’t mess this up.
- Smells like a bakery—your neighbors will definitely be jealous (or maybe suspicious).
- Fast and comforting—perfect for dinners, snacks, or just because you deserve it.
- And the best part? It tastes like you slaved in the kitchen all day, but you didn’t. Your secret is safe with me.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – your basic bread buddy.
- 1 tbsp sugar – because life’s better with a hint of sweet.
- 2 tsp instant yeast – your little magic leavening elves.
- 1 tsp salt – don’t skip, unless you like sad bread.
- 1 cup warm water – think bath temp, not lava.
- 3 tbsp olive oil – or butter if you’re feeling fancy.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – garlic lovers, this is your moment.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – fresh is best, dried works too in a pinch.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted – for brushing on top and sealing in the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Wait 5–10 minutes until it’s frothy. If nothing happens, your yeast might be dead—time for a new pack.
- Mix the dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until it forms a sticky dough. Yes, sticky is good.
- Knead it: Sprinkle some flour and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Feel free to dance while kneading—it helps.
- Let it rise: Cover the dough with a towel and let it chill in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes. It should double in size. Pro tip: whisper sweet nothings to it—it responds well.
- Prep the garlic herb mix: Combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, and melted butter in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Shape the bread: Punch down the dough (not too hard, we’re friends) and shape into a loaf or rounds. Place on a baking sheet or loaf pan.
- Top with flavor: Brush the garlic herb butter generously over the top. Be generous. Life is short.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and deliciously fragrant.
- Final touch: Brush again with any leftover garlic butter right out of the oven. Boom—instant aroma therapy.
How to Serve
- Slice it warm, obviously.
- Perfect with soups, pasta, or just by itself (we don’t judge).
- Add a little extra butter on top for maximum indulgence.
- Cut into sticks for dipping into sauces or cheesy goodness—fancy finger food style.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, ~1 slice)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
Disclaimer: your life will taste better, no calorie count can measure that.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping yeast activation: rookie mistake. It’s like starting a race without your shoes.
- Using hot water: you’ll kill the yeast—sad bread alert.
- Under-kneading: your bread will be dense, not dreamy.
- Not preheating the oven: seriously, don’t be that person.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Butter instead of olive oil for richer flavor.
- Dried parsley if fresh isn’t available—just add a pinch extra.
- Garlic powder works in a pinch, but real garlic > powder, IMO.
- Gluten-free flour? Sure, but adjust liquid slightly—experiment time!
Final Thoughts
This garlic herb bread is cozy, comforting, and ridiculously easy.
It’s perfect for impressing your friends, spoiling yourself, or just pretending you’re a fancy baker. Now go on—slice it, smell it, eat it.
You’ve earned this victory.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make this without fresh garlic?
A: Yeah, garlic powder works, but real garlic? Way tastier.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Totally. Slice, wrap, and toast later. Your future self will thank you.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Yup, but it might be a little denser. Bonus: more fiber!
Q: Can I add cheese?
A: Oh, absolutely. Mozzarella or cheddar will take this over the top.
Q: Do I have to let it rise twice?
A: Nope! One good rise is enough here.
Q: Can I make mini rolls instead?
A: Mini rolls = instant joy. Do it.
Q: Can I skip the parsley?
A: Sure, but it’s like watching a movie without popcorn—still good, but missing something.
