Homemade Cheesy Sourdough Garlic Bread is a generous sliced loaf spread with butter, garlic, fresh herbs, and cheese, then baked until the crust is crisp and the interior is warm and buttery. With a satisfying cheese pull and bold garlic flavor, it’s an ideal appetizer or side for any meal.
The outside becomes perfectly crunchy while the inside stays soft and flavorful. This quick and easy recipe puts you in control of ingredients and avoids the additives often found in store-bought frozen garlic breads.
If you enjoy bread-based starters, you might also like my Grandma’s Buttermilk Cornbread and Garlic Butter Naan recipes.
Once you taste a bite of this garlicky, cheesy loaf, it will likely become a staple at your table.
Is garlic bread an Italian dish?
Garlic bread, as commonly prepared in the United States, is a richer, butter-and-cheese-heavy evolution of the Italian bruschetta. Traditional bruschetta consists of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil, often finished with coarse salt. The butter and cheese that define American garlic bread are not classic bruschetta elements, but garlic bread remains an Italian-inspired accompaniment frequently served with pasta and other Italian dishes.
Ingredients
- Loaf of Sourdough Bread: Choose a thick, sturdy loaf so it can hold the topping and develop a crisp crust. French bread or ciabatta will also work.
- Salted Butter: Use a good-quality butter at room temperature so it spreads easily.
- Garlic: Fresh, finely diced garlic gives the best flavor and texture.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary, parsley, and chives add brightness and color.
- Olive Oil: A little oil softens the bread’s interior and helps the exterior toast evenly.
- Cheese: A mix of freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and balances flavor and stretch.
- Lemon Zest: A light touch of zest adds fresh acidity to balance richness.
- Seasoning: A pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
The Best Cheese for Bread
Mozzarella and Parmesan are an excellent combination. Mozzarella gives that pleasing cheese pull and a chewy melt, while Parmesan adds a savory, nutty note that complements the garlic and herbs.
How to make Garlic Bread
The method is straightforward and fast:
- Combine softened butter, diced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, Parmesan, mozzarella, and lemon zest in a bowl.
- Slice the loaf in half lengthwise, drizzle or brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake until lightly toasted (about 10 minutes). Remove and spread the cheesy garlic butter over the warm bread, adding extra mozzarella if you like.
- Bake for another 5–8 minutes until the cheese melts, then broil 2–3 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly charred top. Watch closely while broiling to avoid burning.
Tips for making the BEST Garlic Bread
- Add heat by stirring in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the butter mixture.
- Keep an eye on the bread while baking; cover loosely with foil if it browns too quickly.
- Let the loaf sit a few minutes after baking before slicing so the cheese sets slightly—warm, not scalding, is best.
- Serve promptly to avoid sogginess; garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
- For extra crispness and color, broil 2–3 minutes at the end—watch carefully.
What to serve with Garlic Bread
Garlic bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, and pasta. Try it alongside hearty dishes like:
- Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Bake
- Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter
- One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Brussels Sprouts
- Creamy Heirloom Tomato Soup
- Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad
- Crispy Oven-Baked Cajun BBQ Wings
More Recipes You’ll Love!
- Pane Rustico with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Roasted Mushroom and Pepperoni Pizza
- Sage Brown Butter Biscuits with Parmesan
- Roasted Red Pepper and Sausage Pizza
- Classic French Baguettes
Want more delicious recipes? Subscribe to the newsletter to receive the latest seasonal creations when they’re published.
If you try this recipe, please leave a rating and comment. Tag @BritneyBreaksBread on Instagram or use #britneybreaksbread to share your results.
Sourdough Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 Sourdough Bread Loaf
- 1 cup Butter, room temperature
- 8 cloves Garlic, diced
- 1 tbsp Fresh rosemary, diced
- 3 tbsps Fresh parsley, diced
- 2 tbsps Fresh chives, diced
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella, shredded
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- pinch Salt and pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, combine butter, garlic, rosemary, parsley, chives, olive oil, Parmesan, mozzarella, and lemon zest. Mix until evenly combined and set aside.
-
Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and place cut-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake until the surface is lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and evenly spread the cheesy garlic butter mixture over each half. Add extra mozzarella if desired.
-
Return to the oven and bake 5–8 more minutes until the cheese melts. Finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to achieve a golden top—watch carefully to prevent burning. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- To add spice, mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the butter.
- If the bread browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.
- Let the loaf rest a few minutes after baking before slicing so the cheese settles.
- Serve soon after baking to avoid a soggy texture.
- Broil briefly for a crisp, slightly charred finish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.