If you love the idea of crispy, buttery garlic bread but crave something with a bright, herbaceous kick, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe. It takes traditional garlic bread to an entirely new level by slathering a vibrant Argentinian chimichurri sauce blended with butter on warm, crusty bread. Every bite bursts with fresh parsley, oregano, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and tangy red wine vinegar. This is the perfect appetizer or side to make your meal feel joyful, festive, and downright unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but absolutely crucial for delivering the signature flavor, texture, and color that sets this Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe apart. Each herb and seasoning plays its part in layering the brightness, tang, and gentle heat while the butter adds that luscious richness to balance it all.
- 1 large baguette or Italian loaf: The foundation of crispy, chewy bread that holds all the garlicky goodness.
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves: Provides vibrant color and a fresh, grassy flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves: Adds a punch of aromatic earthiness typical in chimichurri.
- 4 cloves garlic: Brings the essential pungent, spicy warmth brightened by roasting in the butter.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: The smooth base that emulsifies the herbs and gives richness without heaviness.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Offers a tart contrast that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Supplies a subtle heat that lingers just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild spice and depth.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates the creamy, smooth texture that melts into the bread beautifully.
- Optional grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a savory, nutty finish that crisps up in the oven.
How to Make Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot for baking. Slice your baguette in half lengthwise to create two large flat surfaces perfect for spreading the delicious chimichurri butter.
Step 2: Make the Chimichurri Sauce
In a food processor, combine fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pulse everything until the ingredients are finely chopped but not pureed, allowing those fresh herbs to shine with texture and vibrancy.
Step 3: Mix the Chimichurri Butter
Take a small bowl and blend the softened unsalted butter with about 1/4 cup of your freshly made chimichurri sauce. This creates a luscious and herbaceous butter perfect for spreading evenly over the sliced bread for ultimate flavor.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Spread the chimichurri butter generously on the cut sides of the bread. Place the halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn beautifully golden and crispy. If you’re craving an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking so it melts and crisps perfectly.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, slice the bread into servings, keeping the crust crispy and the inside tender and fragrant. Serve it warm with extra chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping to take your taste buds on a lively flavor journey.
How to Serve Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or oregano on top right before serving to boost the freshness and add an inviting pop of green. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also elevate the presentation and deepen the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Think Argentinian-style steak or a Mediterranean mezze platter for a lovely meal combination where the bread takes center stage without overshadowing the main dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chimichurri garlic bread on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls filled with extra chimichurri and maybe some olives or roasted red peppers to create an inviting and colorful appetizer platter perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day to keep the crust crispy. The chimichurri butter can be refrigerated separately for up to a week if stored properly.
Freezing
You can freeze the chimichurri butter mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and spread on freshly toasted bread for a quick flavor boost anytime.
Reheating
To reheat leftover chimichurri garlic bread, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back the crispiness of the crust while gently warming the herbaceous butter.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for the chimichurri?
Fresh herbs are ideal for that bright, vibrant chimichurri flavor, but if you only have dried, use them sparingly as they have a more concentrated taste and texture that might not blend as nicely.
Is this bread suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe is completely vegetarian, featuring simple plant-based ingredients and optional Parmesan cheese which is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make the chimichurri sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The chimichurri sauce can be prepared a day or two ahead, stored in the refrigerator, and used fresh to save time on busy days. Just bring it to room temperature before mixing with butter.
What bread is best for this recipe?
A baguette or an Italian loaf with a sturdy crust and soft interior works best to soak up the butter while holding its shape when baked.
Can I grill the bread instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor and crisp texture. Just grill the buttered bread cut-side down over medium heat until char marks and crispiness form.
Final Thoughts
This Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe has quickly become a favorite treat to share with friends and family because it combines simplicity with unforgettable flavor. The lively chimichurri paired with buttery, toasted bread makes every meal feel special. Give it a try, and watch how it transforms your appetizer game into something truly extraordinary!
Print
Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Argentinian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chimichurri Garlic Bread is a flavorful appetizer combining the fresh, vibrant herbs of traditional Argentinian chimichurri with the comforting warmth of garlic bread. This easy recipe features a herbaceous chimichurri butter spread on crusty baguette halves, baked until golden and crispy, perfect for serving as a crowd-pleasing starter or side dish.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 large baguette or Italian loaf
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Butter Spread
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the bread.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and position cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Make Chimichurri Sauce: In a food processor, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped but not pureed, ensuring a slightly chunky texture.
- Mix Chimichurri Butter: In a small bowl, blend the softened butter with 1/4 cup of the chimichurri sauce until thoroughly combined.
- Spread on Bread: Evenly coat the cut sides of the bread halves with the chimichurri butter mixture.
- Bake Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Add Cheese (Optional): During the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired, then allow it to melt.
- Serve: Remove from oven, slice the bread, and serve warm with extra chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, grill the bread instead of baking it.
- Substitute cilantro for parsley to vary the chimichurri flavor.
- Store leftover chimichurri sauce in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week.
