If you are craving something vibrant, herbaceous, and irresistibly crispy, this Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to snack or side. This dish takes the classic garlic bread everyone loves and infuses it with the bold, fresh flavors of traditional chimichurri sauce, creating a magical blend of buttery garlic goodness and zesty herbs that dance on your palate. Easy to make but packed with personality, it’s perfect for casual dinners, lively gatherings, or whenever you want a little burst of excitement on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The great thing about the Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a key role to bring contrasting tastes, delightful textures, and gorgeous color. The blend of fresh herbs, rich butter, tangy vinegar, and punchy garlic creates a flavor powerhouse you won’t forget.
- French or Italian bread: Choose a rustic loaf for the perfect crunchy crust and soft, airy interior.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for smooth spreading and rich, creamy flavor without overpowering the herbs.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic packs that signature pungent punch essential to garlic bread.
- Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and depth.
- Fresh parsley: Bright and slightly peppery, parsley is the backbone of authentic chimichurri.
- Fresh cilantro: Gives a fresh, citrusy note that livens up the mix.
- Fresh oregano: Earthy and slightly bitter, it adds complexity—use dried if fresh isn’t available.
- Olive oil: Delivers fruity richness and helps meld the herbs into a luscious sauce.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides acidity to lift all the flavors and give zing.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick of heat to balance the richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, savory finish when sprinkled on top before baking.
How to Make Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Garlic Butter
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C), getting it ready to create that perfect golden crust. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until it’s creamy and fragrant. This garlicky butter is the foundation of the recipe, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful.
Step 2: Whip Up the Chimichurri Sauce
In another bowl, combine finely chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, and oregano with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. This chimichurri sauce brings the vibrant herbaceous notes and tang that transform simple garlic bread into something extraordinary. You’ll notice how the colors pop and the scent just makes your mouth water!
Step 3: Assemble the Bread
Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of your bread, making sure every crevice is coated. Then, spoon the chimichurri sauce generously over the butter layer, spreading it all the way to the edges so every slice bursts with flavor. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, now’s the time to sprinkle it over the top for an extra savory layer.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, then pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch the bread turn beautifully golden and crisp as the butter melts and the herbs infuse. For an added crunch and slightly charred top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Then, slice it up and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe truly shine, try topping it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or even a few shreds of Parmesan after baking. These touches add freshness, moisture, and that irresistible cheese pull to every bite.
Side Dishes
This garlic bread is a fantastic companion to any meal. Serve it alongside grilled meats, vibrant salads, or hearty soups. It’s also incredible with Argentinian-inspired dishes or a festive spread of antipasti. The zesty chimichurri flavor pairs wonderfully with everything from roasted veggies to steak, making it extremely versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the bread into smaller pieces and serve in a beautiful basket lined with a colorful napkin. Or create a platter with bowls of extra chimichurri sauce for dipping. You can also top with thin slices of fresh cherry tomatoes or squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top for a citrusy pop that elevates the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve crispiness as much as possible, place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture and keep the bread from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze baked and cooled Chimichurri Garlic Bread wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps restore the crunch and warms the garlic butter and herbs without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain that perfect balance of soft interior and crisp crust.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While French or Italian bread gives the classic texture, any rustic bread like sourdough or ciabatta works beautifully. Choose a loaf with a firm crust and soft inside for the best results.
Is it possible to make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. In fact, making the chimichurri sauce a few hours or even a day in advance lets the flavors meld and intensify. Just store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before spreading on the bread.
How spicy is this chimichurri garlic bread?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can control the heat level. Even without them, the bread is packed with flavorful herbs and garlic. Add more flakes if you enjoy a bit of a fiery kick!
Can I make a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based vegan butter or olive oil spread, and use your favorite vegan cheese if desired. The chimichurri sauce itself is naturally vegan, so flavor stays amazing.
What dishes pair best with Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe?
This bread pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and even soups. It complements Argentinean steak dishes perfectly but can elevate any simple meal with its vibrant, herbaceous bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe that makes it more than just a side dish. It’s an explosion of flavor that’s both familiar and refreshingly new, combining the comfort of garlic bread with the lively punch of chimichurri. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging on a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just discover your next favorite way to enjoy garlic bread!
Print
Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Argentinian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chimichurri Garlic Bread is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer featuring crusty French or Italian bread slathered with a garlic butter spread and topped with a fresh and zesty chimichurri sauce made of parsley, cilantro, oregano, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Baked to golden perfection and optionally finished with Parmesan cheese, this dish wonderfully blends Argentinean flavors with an American favorite, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter Mixture
- 1 loaf of French or Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried oregano)
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the bread, ensuring it reaches the ideal temperature for a crispy finish.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is evenly combined and aromatic.
- Make Chimichurri Sauce: In another bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, cilantro, oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Bread: Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread halves. Then spoon the chimichurri sauce generously on top, spreading it to the edges for full flavor coverage. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake the Bread: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp around the edges.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crisp texture, broil the bread for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into pieces if desired, and serve the chimichurri garlic bread warm for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- You can use any rustic bread you like if French or Italian bread is not available.
- Prepare the chimichurri sauce ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Feel free to adjust the types and amounts of herbs depending on what fresh herbs you have on hand.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese topping.
