A perfect side to any Italian dish, or any dish, try this buttery Hot Herb Bread, wrapped and baked in foil. This bread recipe includes butter, garlic, parsley–and It’s delicious served with so many dishes and a crunchy green salad.

bread loaf wrapped in foil

I grew up with so many good “bread” recipes, but I have to say this hot, crunchy Italian bread (wrapped in foil) is my favorite. My mom made it many moons ago, and I bet you did, too!

Hot Herb Bread

This bread recipe is a classic, and it’s a must-make at every potluck, easily devoured within minutes! Just think of all your favorite recipes that you can serve this hot bread with. :) Oh, and mix up the herbs, like rosemary, thyme, parsley and oregano. They don’t just add flavor to the bread, but also create a great scent to your kitchen. [Mm-m-m … warm bread in the oven.]

piece of bread

Why I love this recipe

  • Recipe reminds me of my mom.
  • Love the smell of garlic in the kitchen.
  • Delicious served hot with so many dishes like Italian pasta bake, spaghetti, lasagna and more.
  • However you love to serve bread, this Hot Herb Bread is great for potlucks.
loaf of bread and butter

Gather these ingredients

  • Loaf Italian bread (about 14 inches)
  • Butter
  • Parsley flakesOregano and dill weed
  • Garlic
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
herby butter

Non-food items needed:

  • Foil
how to make bread wrapped in foil

How to make Hot Herb Bread

  1. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, parsley, oregano, dill and garlic.
  2. Lay the loaf of bread on a large piece of foil (that will wrap up and around the bread). Using a sharp knife, make diagonal incisions along the loaf, as if you were slicing it, but do not slice all the way through (ie you want the loaf to be whole when you place it in the oven). The loaf should stay joined at the base.
  3. This next step doesn’t have to be perfect. Using a knife, spread each slice with butter on both sides, and then any remaining herb butter along the top and sides of the loaf. Basically, you are spreading the butter inside and out.
  4. Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese and more parsley flakes.
  5. Shape the foil around the loaf boat-fashion, twisting ends and leaving the top open.
  6. Bake and serve hot.
slices of bread on plate

Tips and substitutions:

  • Swap out the herbs for your favorites – parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano.
  • We use salted butter. If you use unsalted butter, make sure and add a little salt.
  • Make ahead and bring to a party. Pop in the oven at your convenience and serve!
hot buttery bread

Here’s what we love to serve with this sliced bread:

slices of bread on plate
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Get the Recipe:

Hot Herb Bread

Makes 1 large loaf
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 10
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Ingredients
 

Equipment

  • Foil

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, parsley, oregano, dill and garlic.
  • Lay the loaf of bread on a large piece of foil (that will wrap up and around the bread). Using a sharp knife, make diagonal incisions along the loaf, as if you were slicing it, but do not slice all the way through (ie you want the loaf to be whole when you place it in the oven). The loaf should stay joined at the base.
  • Take a knife, spread each slice with butter on both sides, and then any remaining herb butter along the top and sides of the loaf. You are smothering the entire loaf, inside and outside, with butter.
  • Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese and more parsley flakes.
  • Shape the foil around loaf boat-fashion, twisting ends and leaving the top open.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes and serve hot.

Notes

Reposted from August 2022.
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Calories: 335kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 24mg, Sodium: 241mg, Potassium: 104mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 286IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 1mg
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Hot Herb Bread