Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe

Sizzling Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe: Zesty Flavor Twist

Chimichurri garlic bread enhances ordinary bread into a vibrant, herb-infused delicacy that awakens every taste bud.

This Argentine-inspired creation blends zesty green herbs with rich, aromatic ingredients in a surprisingly simple preparation.

Traditional bread gets a remarkable upgrade through bold, fresh seasonings that dance across your palate.

Tangy herbs mingle seamlessly with warm, crusty bread, creating a sensational side dish that elevates any meal.

Each slice promises a burst of complex flavors that challenge conventional garlic bread expectations.

The recipe marries rustic techniques with sophisticated taste profiles, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for gatherings or quiet evenings.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dish brings international flair to your kitchen without complicated techniques.

Brighten Your Table with Chimichurri Garlic Bread

  • Burst with Herbaceous Flavor: The chimichurri sauce packs an incredible punch of fresh parsley, cilantro, and oregano, creating a zesty and vibrant taste that transforms ordinary garlic bread into an extraordinary appetizer.
  • Quick and Easy Gourmet Experience: This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to whip up a restaurant-quality side dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
  • Customizable Cheese Lover's Delight: You can adjust the cheese quantity to suit your preference, adding as much or as little parmesan and mozzarella as you want, making it perfect for personal taste and indulgence.
  • Perfect Party and Gathering Crowd-Pleaser: The golden crispy edges, melted cheese, and bold chimichurri sauce make this bread an instant hit at potlucks, game nights, or as a stunning side dish for any meal.

Gather Ingredients for Zesty Chimichurri Bread

Bread Base:
  • French Bread: Sturdy bread that provides a perfect crispy foundation for the chimichurri and cheese topping.
Chimichurri Ingredients:
  • Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that create a vibrant, green base with bright, herbal flavors.
  • Red Chili: Adds a spicy kick and depth to the chimichurri sauce.
  • Oregano: Provides an earthy, slightly bitter herb note to enhance the sauce.
  • Garlic: Offers a sharp, pungent flavor that is essential to the chimichurri's bold taste.
  • Olive Oil: Helps bind the chimichurri ingredients and adds a smooth, rich texture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Vinegar: Adds tanginess and helps to brighten the sauce's taste.
Cheese Topping:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor that complements the chimichurri.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a creamy, melty texture that creates a delicious golden-brown crust.

Making Your Own Chimichurri Garlic Bread

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to broil setting. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Chimichurri Sauce

Gather chimichurri ingredients:
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Red chili pepper
  • Dried oregano
  • Garlic cloves
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Red wine vinegar

Finely chop herbs and chili. Blend all ingredients in a mixing bowl until well combined. Let the sauce sit for 30 minutes to enhance flavor complexity.

Step 3: Slice Bread Perfectly

Take a fresh French bread loaf and slice it lengthwise. Trim ends if desired. Place bread halves cut-side up on prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Layer Flavor Boosters

Spread chimichurri sauce generously across bread surface. Top with:
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese

Distribute cheese evenly for consistent melting.

Step 5: Broil to Golden Perfection

Slide baking sheet into middle oven rack. Broil for 5-8 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Look for bubbly cheese and crispy golden edges.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove from oven. Cut bread into triangle or rectangular slices. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Bread Baking Tips for Crispy Garlic Bread

  • Blend Herbs Freshly: Use vibrant, just-picked herbs for the most aromatic and flavorful chimichurri sauce.
  • Rest Sauce Patiently: Allow chimichurri to sit for 30 minutes before spreading to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
  • Spread Sparingly: Apply chimichurri with a light touch to prevent bread from becoming overly greasy.
  • Watch Carefully: Keep a close eye on bread while broiling to avoid burning, as it can quickly go from golden to charred.
  • Customize Cheese Levels: Adjust cheese quantity to personal preference, from a light sprinkle to a generous coverage.

Storing and Reheating Chimichurri Bread to Maintain Crispness

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chimichurri garlic bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil to prevent moisture and maintain crispiness.
  • Reheating Oven: Restore crispy texture by preheating oven to 350°F. Place bread slices on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden.
  • Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place bread on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 15-second intervals. Note that microwave might soften the bread's crispy texture, so oven method is preferred.

Perfect Pairings for Chimichurri Garlic Bread

  • Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Grab a bold Argentinian Malbec to complement the chimichurri's herbal and tangy flavors, enhancing the bread's richness and spice profile.
  • Chill with Crisp Beer Companion: Select a light, hoppy pale ale or IPA that cuts through the cheesy, oily bread and matches the herb-packed chimichurri's vibrant notes.
  • Match with Fresh Summer Salad: Create a simple green salad with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the bread's intense, cheesy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Serve with Grilled Protein Side: Accompany the chimichurri garlic bread with grilled chicken or steak to create a complete meal that highlights the sauce's Argentine roots and robust flavors.

Give Your Garlic Bread a Flavor Upgrade

  • Spicy Herb Fusion: Replace half the parsley with fresh mint for a cooling contrast against the heat, creating a more complex flavor profile that tingles the taste buds.
  • Mediterranean Olive Crunch: Sprinkle chopped kalamata olives over the cheese before broiling, adding a salty, tangy dimension that complements the chimichurri's bright herbs.
  • Protein-Packed Version: Top the bread with shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy pancetta before adding cheese, transforming the appetizer into a heartier meal option.
  • Vegan Green Power: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast and dairy-free mozzarella alternative, keeping the vibrant chimichurri sauce as the star of this plant-based rendition.
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Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe

Chimichurri Garlic Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Chimichurri garlic bread delivers a zesty Argentine-inspired twist on classic comfort food. Herbal green sauce mingles with crispy toasted bread, creating a mouthwatering side dish that will elevate any meal and delight your taste buds.


Ingredients

Scale

herbs and greens:

  • ⅓ cup parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 to 2 red chilis, seeds and stem removed, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

seasonings and liquids:

  • ¾ cup (177 milliliters) olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) red vinegar or lemon and lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, finely minced

bread and cheese:

  • 1 16-ounce (454 grams) French bread loaf
  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chimichurri sauce by finely chopping parsley, cilantro, and red chili, then combining with minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  2. Allow the chimichurri to rest and develop deeper flavors for at least 30 minutes, giving the herbs time to infuse their essence into the oil.
  3. Slice the French bread lengthwise, creating two long halves, and position them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the cut sides facing upward.
  4. Generously spread the vibrant chimichurri sauce across the bread’s surface, ensuring an even coating that captures the herb’s aromatic qualities.
  5. Sprinkle a layer of grated parmesan cheese, followed by a generous helping of shredded mozzarella, creating a rich and melty cheese topping.
  6. Position the baking sheet under the broiler, keeping a close watch to prevent burning, and cook until the cheese becomes gloriously golden and bubbling with crispy edges.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a brief moment before slicing into triangular or rectangular portions, ready to be devoured while still warm and fragrant.

Notes

  • Quick and zesty chimichurri sauce elevates this garlic bread from ordinary to extraordinary with bold, fresh herb flavors.
  • Letting the chimichurri sit for 30 minutes before using intensifies the herb and garlic taste, creating a more complex and robust profile.
  • Spreading chimichurri sparingly prevents the bread from becoming overly greasy while maintaining rich, herbaceous notes.
  • Broiling requires constant attention to prevent burning, so keep a close eye on the bread during the 5-8 minute cooking time.
  • Mixing different cheeses like parmesan and mozzarella adds depth and creates a perfectly melty, golden-brown topping.
  • Optional bread end trimming ensures a more uniform and visually appealing presentation of the final dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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