Chimichurri Garlic Bread is a delightful twist on the classic garlic bread, blending the iconic Argentinian chimichurri sauce with the beloved comfort food. The vibrant flavors of fresh herbs, garlic, and vinegar from chimichurri are perfectly complemented by the richness of melted mozzarella and parmesan, making for a crispy yet soft treat that’s perfect for any meal or as a snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

• 1 red chili, seeds removed and finely chopped (or red pepper flakes)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar, lime juice, or raspberry vinegar)

For the Bread:

• 1 loaf of thick French bread

• ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Make the Chimichurri Sauce:
   In a bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, red chili (or red pepper flakes), oregano, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add vinegar and mix well. Let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.

2. Prepare the Bread:
   Preheat the oven’s broiler. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and optionally trim the ends. Spread a generous amount of chimichurri sauce evenly across both halves of the bread.

3. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle a mixture of parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the chimichurri-coated bread.

4. Broil the Bread:
   Place the bread on the middle shelf of the oven under the broiler (not too close to the top). Broil for 2–5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.

5. Serve:
   Slice the bread into pieces and serve immediately for a cheesy, herb-packed garlic bread experience.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving, makes about 8 servings)

• Calories: ~180 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~18g

• Protein: ~7g

• Fat: ~12g

• Saturated Fat: ~6g

• Fiber: ~2g

What Is Chimichurri?

Chimichurri is a traditional Argentine sauce, typically used as a marinade or topping for grilled meats. It is made from fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, and often includes chili peppers for a bit of heat. The sauce is vibrant, tangy, and packed with bold flavors, making it an ideal complement to rich dishes like grilled steak, roasted vegetables, or—of course—garlic bread.

The key components of chimichurri are parsley and cilantro, which provide a fresh, herbal base, while garlic and red chili bring in a savory, spicy kick. Vinegar adds a tangy acidity that cuts through richness, balancing the sauce’s flavors and making it a perfect match for the gooey, melted cheese that tops this garlic bread.

By adding chimichurri sauce to garlic bread, you’re introducing a unique flavor profile that combines the earthiness of garlic with the bright, herbal flavors of the sauce. It’s a simple idea that elevates the traditional garlic bread into something extraordinary.

The Chimichurri Sauce: A Flavor Explosion

The heart of this dish is the chimichurri sauce itself. Fresh parsley and cilantro provide a vibrant herbal base, while the red chili (or red pepper flakes) brings a touch of heat. Garlic adds its signature savory richness, while oregano complements the other herbs with its earthy flavor. The olive oil ties everything together, providing a smooth, luscious texture that coats the bread and cheese beautifully.

The vinegar—whether you choose red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, or even raspberry vinegar—brings an acidic sharpness that balances out the richness of the bread and cheese. This acidity also helps to keep the bread from feeling too heavy, creating a more balanced and refreshing flavor.

Letting the chimichurri sit for a few minutes before applying it to the bread allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce. The result is a sauce that’s bold, tangy, and perfectly aromatic—a great contrast to the warm, gooey cheese.

The Perfect Bread for Chimichurri Garlic Bread

While chimichurri sauce is undeniably the star of the show, the bread you choose is equally important. A thick, crusty loaf of French bread is the ideal base for this recipe. Its chewy interior can hold up to the flavorful sauce and melted cheese, while the crust gets crispy and golden when broiled.

Using a high-quality French bread ensures that the bread has the right texture—soft on the inside, with a satisfying crunch on the outside. The crust will crisp up beautifully under the broiler, and the warm, pillowy interior will absorb all the flavors of the chimichurri sauce, cheese, and garlic.

If you want to experiment, you could also try other types of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta. However, French bread is traditional and works perfectly for this recipe, giving you that perfect balance of crispy and soft.

Cheese: The Gooey Goodness

What’s garlic bread without cheese? For this chimichurri version, a combination of mozzarella and parmesan provides the perfect cheese topping. Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that glorious stringy, gooey texture that you expect from a classic garlic bread. Meanwhile, parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the dish and complements the chimichurri sauce.

As the bread broils, the mozzarella melts into a bubbling, golden blanket, while the parmesan crisps up slightly at the edges, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. The cheese not only adds richness but also balances the tangy chimichurri sauce, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.

Broiling: Achieving the Perfect Texture

Once the chimichurri sauce and cheese are layered onto the bread, it’s time to broil. The broiler is your secret weapon here, as it crisps up the bread and melts the cheese to perfection. Place the bread on the middle shelf of the oven, making sure it’s not too close to the broiler, to prevent burning. Broil for 2 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it, until the cheese is melted and the bread edges are golden and crispy.

Broiling allows the cheese to get bubbly and golden without overcooking the bread. The crispy, golden crust on the outside of the bread and the soft, gooey cheese on the inside make this chimichurri garlic bread absolutely irresistible.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Once the bread is broiled to perfection, slice it into pieces and serve immediately. The combination of the crispy, cheesy bread and the vibrant, tangy chimichurri sauce will have your guests coming back for seconds. It’s a great addition to any meal, whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty steak, a fresh salad, or a bowl of pasta.

For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with additional fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, and add a squeeze of lime for a citrusy finish. This will bring even more brightness to the dish and enhance the flavors of the chimichurri sauce.

Chimichurri garlic bread also makes for a delicious snack or appetizer. Serve it at a dinner party or casual get-together, and watch as it disappears in no time. Its unique flavor profile will surely stand out among traditional garlic bread options.

Conclusion: A Bold and Flavorful Twist

Chimichurri Garlic Bread is a perfect way to elevate the classic garlic bread experience. By incorporating Argentina’s iconic chimichurri sauce, this dish takes on a vibrant and bold flavor profile that’s both tangy and savory, with a touch of heat from the chili. The combination of crispy, cheesy bread and the herbaceous, zesty chimichurri sauce makes this dish a true standout.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, chimichurri garlic bread is sure to impress. Its delicious blend of flavors and textures makes it a fun twist on a beloved comfort food. Try it today, and prepare to enjoy a crispy, cheesy, herb-filled treat that’s unlike any garlic bread you’ve had before!