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
Scale
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.
