Flavorful Herb-Infused Butter for Bread
Elevate your dining experience with this delicious and aromatic Herb-Infused Butter, perfect for slathering on a freshly baked loaf of French or Italian bread. The combination of rich, softened butter melded with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of pepper creates a savory delight that complements the crusty exterior and soft interior of the bread. Serve this scrumptious dip at your next dinner party, barbecue, or family meal to impress your guests and family alike. Enjoy the robust flavors as you tear into the bread and savor each flavorful bite, making it a perfect addition to soups, salads, or simply as a stand-alone appetizer.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
French bread
1 large (can substitute with Italian or other hearty bread)
butter
3/4 cup (softened)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
parsley
1 tablespoon (fresh, minced)
sage
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
green onion
1 tablespoon (sliced thin)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, sage, green onion, and a dash of fresh ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Take the French bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, make vertical slices about 2 inches apart without cutting all the way through the bottom, ensuring the loaf remains intact.
4
Generously spread the herb butter mixture into the slits of the bread, making sure each opening is filled with the flavorful compound.
5
Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil, sealing it tightly to retain moisture.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is hot and the butter has melted beautifully into the slices. For a grilled option, wrap the bread in foil and grill over medium heat for a similar amount of time.
7
Remove from the oven or grill, unwrap the foil carefully (as steam may escape), and serve warm. Enjoy this herb butter bread as a delightful appetizer or side dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bread is best for this herb butter recipe?
A large loaf of French or Italian bread is ideal, but any hearty bread will work well.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of softened butter for one large loaf.
What herbs are used in the herb-infused butter?
The recipe uses fresh minced parsley, dried sage, and thinly sliced green onions.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the bread.
How long does the bread need to bake?
The bread should bake for 15-20 minutes until it is hot and the butter has melted.
Can I grill the herb butter bread instead of baking it?
Yes, you can wrap the bread in foil and grill it over medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
How should I slice the bread before adding the butter?
Use a serrated knife to make vertical slices about 2 inches apart without cutting through the bottom.
Should the garlic be fresh?
Yes, one minced clove of fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
Is the butter melted before mixing with herbs?
No, the butter should be softened at room temperature, not fully melted, before mixing.
Why is the bread wrapped in aluminum foil?
The foil helps retain moisture and ensures the butter melts into the slices without burning the crust.
Can I use fresh sage instead of dried?
Yes, though the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried sage, you can substitute with fresh if preferred.
What can I serve with this herb butter bread?
It is a perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, barbecues, or served as a stand-alone appetizer.
How much parsley should be added?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of fresh minced parsley.
How much green onion is used?
One tablespoon of thinly sliced green onion is mixed into the butter.
Do I need to add salt?
The recipe relies on the butter and a dash of fresh ground black pepper for seasoning.
Can I make the herb butter in advance?
Yes, the butter mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
What kind of knife is best for slicing the bread?
A serrated knife is best for cutting through the crusty exterior without crushing the soft interior.
Can I use salted or unsalted butter?
Either can be used; if using unsalted, you may want to add a pinch of salt to the mixture.
How do I know when the bread is ready?
The bread is ready when it is hot to the touch and the butter has beautifully melted into the slits.
Should I be careful when unwrapping the bread?
Yes, be careful when opening the foil as hot steam may escape.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh minced garlic is preferred for a robust flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Does this recipe work for dinner parties?
Yes, it is specifically described as an impressive side dish for dinner parties and family meals.
How do I incorporate the ingredients?
Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl until they are thoroughly and evenly incorporated.
Is the bread crunchy or soft?
The baking method keeps the interior soft and buttery while the exterior remains crusty.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Breads.
Can I use dried parsley?
Fresh parsley is recommended for its vibrant flavor and color.
Is this a savory or sweet recipe?
This is a savory recipe featuring garlic, herbs, and pepper.
How thick should the slices be?
The slices should be approximately 2 inches apart.
Can I use this recipe for a barbecue?
Yes, it is excellent for barbecues, especially when using the grilling instruction option.