Are you planning to bake garlic bread at home and discover that you are out of parsley? Don’t fret!
As an experienced home cook and chef, I’ve got you covered with 8 ideal parsley substitutes for garlic bread that you can whip up in a jiffy.
These substitutes are not only tasty but also add flavor and zest to your garlic bread, whether you are doing it as an appetizer or a side dish.
Plus, I’ll provide you with exact measurements so that you can enjoy the perfect garlic bread every time.
In short, " What can I use instead of parsley for garlic bread?" Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Chives, Cilantro, Arugula, Sage.
What is parsley, and what does parsley taste like?
Parsley is an herb most often used for garnishing and flavoring dishes. It has a little bitter, peppery flavor that pairs well with salads, sauces, soups and stews.
Parsley has a unique taste that can be described as earthy with hints of lemon and mint. The more mature the parsley leaves are, the stronger the flavor will be.
Freshly picked parsley will have the strongest flavor, while dried or frozen parsley may lack some of its natural sweetness.
When cooking with parsley, it’s best to add it towards the end so that its bright color and fresh flavors are not lost during cooking.
Uses of parsley in cooking
Parsley can use fresh or dried and is available year-round.
Fresh parsley is commonly added to salads, soups, sauces, marinades, dressings, rubs, and so much more. Its mild flavor pairs well with garlic and lemon juice to create a delicious dressing for salads.
Adding some chopped parsley to your favorite soup or stew recipe can add an interesting depth of flavor.
And finely minced leaves of parsley are often sprinkled on top of cooked dishes just before serving to add some color and freshness.
Dried parsley flakes are often added to dry seasonings, such as spice mixes and breadcrumbs.
They can also be reconstituted with liquid to make flavorful herb pastes that can be added directly into recipes or used as a spread for sandwiches or bruschettas.
Parsley contains vitamins A and C, which have antioxidant properties that increase boost the immune system and protect against disease.
It’s also packed with minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium, which are essential for energy production and metabolic processes in the body.
Eating parsley regularly may help reduce inflammation levels in the body due to its increased content of flavonoids like quercetin which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Where to buy parsley?
If you are searching to buy parsley, there are many places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of parsley.
Best parsley substitutes for garlic bread
1. Basil
Basil is a flavorful herb that pairs perfectly with garlic and adds that classic Italian-style taste to your garlic bread.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute with parsley, use one tablespoon of chopped basil instead of one tablespoon of chopped parsley.
2. Oregano
Oregano is another Mediterranean herb that works well as a parsley substitute. It has a little earthy and bitter taste and is excellent if you prefer a more robust and pungent flavor.
Ratio or measurement: Replace one tablespoon of chopped parsley with 1/2 tablespoon of dried oregano or one tablespoon of fresh oregano.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic herb that adds a woody and pine-like aroma to your garlic bread. It also compliments garlic nicely and adds a sharp and savory taste.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute, use one tablespoon of chopped rosemary instead of one tablespoon of chopped parsley.
4. Thyme
Thyme is a popular herb in French cuisine and has a subtle and mild flavor with a hint of mint and lemon. It pairs well with garlic and is perfect for people who prefer a lighter taste.
Ratio or measurement: Use one tablespoon of chopped thyme instead of one tablespoon of chopped parsley.
5. Chives
Chives add an oniony and garlicky flavor to your garlic bread. They have a bright green color and work well with cream cheese or butter.
Ratio or measurement: Replace one tablespoon of chopped parsley with one tablespoon of finely chopped chives.
6. Cilantro
Cilantro has a distinct and fresh taste that pairs well with lime and garlic. Though it is often controversial among people, if you love this herb, you can definitely use it as a parsley substitute.
Ratio or measurement: Replace one tablespoon of chopped parsley with one tablespoon of chopped cilantro.
7. Arugula
Finally, if you’re looking for a peppery and slightly bitter taste, then arugula might be your ideal parsley substitute.
It adds a unique and vibrant flavor to your garlic bread and is perfect for people who don’t want their garlic bread to be too heavy.
Ratio or measurement: Use one tablespoon of chopped arugula instead of one tablespoon of chopped parsley.
8. Sage
Sage has a slightly bitter and earthy flavor. It’s a great substitute for parsley if you want to add some robustness.
Ratio or measurement: Use a ratio of 1:1, which means for every tablespoon of garlic butter, use one tablespoon of chopped sage.
Can I make garlic bread without parsley?
Yes, you can make garlic bread without parsley. Garlic bread is typically made with garlic, butter and sometimes herbs like parsley or oregano.
Parsley is usually added for flavor and to add a bright green color to the bread, but it can easily be omitted if desired.
Without parsley, garlic bread will still have a great garlicky taste, just without the added herb flavors of parsley.
To give the bread more flavor and texture, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like thyme or basil.
Additionally, you can always serve a side of freshly chopped parsley as a garnish if desired.
Find More- What Is An Alternative To Garlic Bread?
Is parsley necessary for garlic bread?
Parsley is not strictly necessary for garlic bread, but it does add a nice savor and visual appeal. The finely chopped leaves of the parsley plant give a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brings out the richness of the garlic.
Parsley also makes a great garnish for garlic bread and adds an extra bit of color to the plate. While parsley isn’t necessary for garlic bread, its addition can elevate the dish to something special.
Find More- What Ingredient Is The Best Substitute For Garlic?
Conclusion on parsley substitute for garlic bread
Adding fresh parsley over garlic bread makes it look good and taste better. But if you run out of parsley, it’s not a problem anymore.
Basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, chives, cilantro, and sage are some of the parsley substitutes you can try.
Use the ideal ratio for each substitute that we shared with you, and you’ll have delicious garlic bread with a perfect herb pairing.
Try any of these substitutes the next time you make garlic bread and enjoy the flavorful result.
FAQs on parsley substitute for garlic bread
Q1. What is similar to parsley?
Some herbs that are similar to pars include cilantro, dill, oregano, basil and chives. These herbs have a mild flavor and can be used for garnishing dishes or as an ingredient in various recipes. All of them lend a unique flavor to food when added in the right quantity.
They also have health benefits like aiding digestion, boosting immunity and providing vitamins and minerals.
Q2. Can you use coriander instead of parsley for garlic butter?
Yes, you can use coriander instead of parsley for garlic butter. Coriander has a stronger flavor, so it may be best to use slightly less than the amount of parsley in the recipe. Additionally, coriander adds an earthy and citrusy flavor that pairs nicely with the buttery taste of garlic butter.
When using coriander instead of parsley, add the herb near the end of cooking to ensure the savor is not lost during the cooking process. As a general rule, fresh herbs are preferred when making garlic butter; however, drying or grinding coriander seeds will also work if fresh is not available.
Q3. Does garlic bread have parsley?
Garlic bread is a classic Italian side dish, typically served with pasta. It is made by spreading melted butter and garlic over slices of bread, then baking it in an oven till the bread is golden and crispy.
Parsley is often added to garlic bread for additional flavor and presentation, as it adds bright green color and a light herbal taste. Whether your garlic bread includes parsley or not depends on individual preference, but many people find that the combination of garlic and parsley gives their garlic bread great flavor.
Q4. Can I use dhania instead of parsley in garlic bread?
Yes, you can use dhania (also known as coriander) instead of parsley in garlic bread. Dhania has a milder taste than parsley, so it works nicely to balance out the strong flavor of garlic. It also imparts a subtle lemony flavor, which can make garlic bread even tastier.
Furthermore, dhania contains several vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and calcium, making it a more nutritious option for your garlic bread.
Q5. What seasoning is most similar to parsley?
The herb most similar to parsley in terms of flavor and aroma is cilantro. Cilantro has a bright, tart flavor with a hint of citrus, while parsley has an earthy, slightly bitter taste.
Additionally, both herbs are widely used as garnishes for various dishes because of their distinctive flavors and aromas.
Cilantro can also be used in many recipes that call for parsley, such as salsa and guacamole. However, this is essential to note that some individuals do not enjoy the unique taste of cilantro.
Q6. Are Ajwain and parsley the same?
No, Ajwain and parsley are not the same. Ajwain is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine which has an intense flavor that can be described as having a combination of thyme, oregano and mint. Parsley is an herb that is most often used for garnishing dishes or as decoration on plates; it has a mild, grassy flavor.