Marry This Buttery Thyme Bread is a simple and savory recipe, which is made with crusty French bread and fresh thyme. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, ready in about 25 minutes.
Jump to RecipeButtery Thyme Bread Recipe Ingredients
- 1 loaf French Bread (store-bought is fine)
- 2 sticks Salted Butter, softened
- 3 sprigs or more Fresh Thyme, to taste
How To Make Buttery Thyme Bread
- Prep the Oven and Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Finely chop the leaves from the fresh thyme sprigs. Cut the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise.
- Butter the Bread: Spread 1 stick of the softened, room-temperature butter on each half of the bread, covering the cut surface from edge to edge.
- First Bake: Place the buttered bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the butter has fully melted and the bread is warmed through.
- Broil Until Golden: Remove the bread from the oven and turn on the broiler. Place the bread back under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch it the entire time until the butter is bubbling and the top of the bread is golden brown and caramelized in spots.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped fresh thyme all over the top. To serve, cut into 1-inch thick slices.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the best buttery crust? The final step under the broiler is the secret! This is what caramelizes the butter and the top of the bread, creating an incredibly flavorful and slightly crispy surface. Just be sure to watch it constantly, as it can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- Why use softened butter? It is essential that the butter is very, very soft and at room temperature. This allows you to spread it easily without tearing the delicate interior of the bread.
- Can I add garlic? Yes, absolutely! For a delicious garlic bread version, you can mix 2-3 minced garlic cloves or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder into the softened butter before you spread it on the bread.
- What’s the best bread to use? A good quality French baguette with a crisp crust and a soft interior is perfect for this recipe. A crusty ciabatta or Italian loaf would also be fantastic.
What To Serve With Buttery Thyme Bread
This is a versatile and elegant side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside:
- A hearty soup or stew for dipping
- Any pasta dish, especially one with a red sauce
- A roasted chicken or a grilled steak
- As a simple, delicious appetizer on its own
How To Store Buttery Thyme Bread
- Best Eaten Fresh: This bread is at its absolute best when it is served warm and fresh from the oven, when the crust is crisp and the inside is soft.
- Room Temperature: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days, though the bread will soften.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat the slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Buttery Thyme Bread Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 slice
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 350mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes. If you don’t have thyme, this bread is equally delicious with finely chopped fresh rosemary or fresh parsley. A combination of herbs is also wonderful.
Salted butter is highly recommended as it perfectly seasons the bread. If you only have unsalted butter, you can mix about ½ teaspoon of kosher salt into each stick of butter before you spread it.
Yes. You can butter the bread, wrap it in foil, and keep it in the refrigerator for a day. When you’re ready, just unwrap it and proceed with the baking and broiling steps.
Try More Recipes:
Buttery Thyme Bread Recipe
Course: Side DIshCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings5
minutes20
minutes210
kcalAn incredibly simple yet elegant side dish where a loaf of French bread is slathered in salted butter, baked, broiled until golden, and finished with fresh thyme.
Ingredients
1 loaf French Bread
2 sticks Salted Butter, softened
3 sprigs Fresh Thyme, chopped
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise.
- Generously spread one stick of the very soft butter on the cut side of each half.
- Bake on a baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes until the butter is melted and the bread is hot.
- Turn on the broiler and place the bread under it for 3 to 5 minutes, watching it constantly, until the top is bubbly and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the chopped fresh thyme.
- Slice into 1-inch pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to watch the bread very carefully under the broiler, as it can burn in just a few seconds.
- For the best result and easiest spreading, ensure your butter is fully softened to room temperature.
- Don’t be shy with the butter! A thick, generous layer is what makes this bread so decadent and delicious.
- For the brightest, most aromatic flavor, add the fresh thyme after the bread comes out of the hot oven, not before.
