Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe [Easy and Cheesy!]

A Stuffed Garlic Bread recipe that is so easy, cheesy, and beautiful, you’ll want to have it as the centerpiece for every pasta night, holiday potluck, and dinner party!

It’s the ultimate comfort food filled with garlicky, herbaceous butter and stuffed with creamy cheeses. 🧈🌿🧀

this recipe

Keep reading for tons of creative ways to customize the stuffed garlic bread with different cheeses and toppings, reheating instructions, homemade bread recipes, frequently asked questions, and more! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

The Ingredients

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• Round Loaf of Bread – Homemade or store-bought works. I talk more about this below!
  
  
• Fresh Garlic – As much as your heart desires! If you love super garlicky garlic bread, don’t be afraid to use 15-20 cloves or even more.
  
  
• Salted Butter – For the delicious garlic butter that will be added to the crevices in the bread!
  
  
• Cheese – I use a combination of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and fresh parmesan. More options are listed below.
  
  
• Fresh Herbs – I usually just use parsley, but you can also use fresh basil or thyme for a more herbaceous bite!
  
  
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes work well in this stuffed garlic bread recipe.
  
  
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – This is for brushing on the outside of the bread. It gives the bread a golden-brown, shiny finish and helps the extra shredded parmesan on the outside to stick.

Watch me Make Stuffed Garlic Bread

FAQ: Stuffed Garlic Bread

What kind of bread works best for stuffed garlic bread?

For this checkerboard-style stuffed garlic bread recipe, you’ll want a loaf that’s sturdy enough to hold its shape when cut but soft enough to soak up the buttery, garlicky mixture!

You can either bake homemade bread (recipes linked below) or buy a round loaf from the bakery.

Here are some options you can choose from:

1. Sourdough: The tangy flavor adds depth, and the dense texture holds well when cut into squares. My favorite!
   
   
2. Italian Bread: Soft but sturdy, this bread has a good balance of fluffiness and structure for absorbing garlic butter without getting soggy.
   
   
3. French Bread: The crusty exterior provides structure, while the soft, airy interior absorbs garlic butter beautifully.
   
   
4. Ciabatta: The airy pockets in ciabatta soak up garlic butter nicely, and the crust holds the bread together well.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen me making a homemade sourdough loaf for this recipe. It doesn’t have a perfectly round shape or a beautiful scoring pattern as I am a beginner sourdough baker!

However, it tasted amazing and held up great for this stuffed garlic bread. I’ve made this recipe several times and my husband, Jon, and I love it.

What cheeses are best for stuffing?

You’ll want cheese that melts well and adds a rich, gooey texture for stuffed garlic bread. Here are some of the best options:

1. Mozzarella: Classic and melty, mozzarella creates that stretchy cheese pull effect that we all know and love! Low moisture is best to avoid excess moisture from seeping into the bread.
   
   
2. Cheddar: Cheddar cheese melts nicely and adds a bold flavor. White or yellow, mild or medium – the choice is yours! I wouldn’t use sharp cheddar as it may become too oily.
   
   
3. Colby Jack: This blend of Colby and Monterey Jack has a mild, creamy flavor and melts so smoothly, making it perfect for a gooey texture!
   
   
4. Parmesan: This nutty, sharp cheese adds rich flavor to stuffed garlic bread. I use it as a filling and a topping as it creates a golden, slightly crispy finish when baked!
   
   
5. Fontina: Known for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor, fontina melts smoothly and complements garlic wonderfully.
   
   
6. Gruyère: This Swiss cheese has a slightly nutty and complex flavor. It melts nicely without becoming too stringy.
   
   
7. Provolone: Mild and creamy with a smokiness (mild or pungent depending on your preferred taste), it works well with and adds depth to the stuffed garlic bread flavor!
   
   
8. Cream Cheese: This creamy, dreamy cheese pairs well with other cheeses like mozzarella and is elevated even more when paired with jalapeno or bacon!
   
   
9. Feta: A briny, crumbly, salty cheese that pairs well with ingredients like spinach and mozzarella. You can use plain, garlic & herb flavored, etc.

I usually use a mixture of mozzarella and Colby Jack or cheddar cheese for the stuffed garlic bread, but as you can see, there are plenty of options to choose from based on your preferences!

Can I customize the stuffing with other ingredients?

You can absolutely customize the stuffing with other ingredients!

This stuffed garlic bread is a basic recipe that complements any meal, but there are many delicious combinations that elevate it with unique flavors!

Anything that can be stuffed into the crevices of a crusty loaf and easily eaten in one bite will work. The possibilities are endless, but here are some ideas to get you going:

1. Cranberry and Brie – A classic combination and perfect for a holiday-inspired recipe, the sweetness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the creamy, mild brie flavor! You can use whole-berry cranberry sauce or dried cranberries.
   
   
2. Bacon and Cheddar – This combo adds smokiness and richness, ideal for a hearty, savory garlic bread. I also like to add a bit of shredded mozzarella for contrast. I like to make my bacon in the air fryer – it comes out super crispy and less greasy, which is great for this bread.
   
   
3. Spinach and Artichoke with Mozzarella and Feta – This combo brings an earthy, creamy flavor that is deliciously melty! To prepare the spinach, lightly sauté fresh spinach in a bit of olive oil until it’s just wilted, then drain any excess liquid to keep the bread from becoming soggy. Chop the spinach and combine it with chopped artichoke hearts (jarred is fine) and mozzarella.
   
   
4. Sun-Dried Tomato and Provolone – The tangy, chewy sun-dried tomatoes complement the mild, smoky provolone for a Mediterranean vibe.
   
   
5. Fig and Goat Cheese – For a sweet and tangy flavor profile, figs add a hint of natural sweetness while goat cheese brings a creamy, slightly tart taste.
   
   
6. Jalapeno and Pepper Jack – For spice lovers (like my husband and me), this combination adds a fiery kick along with a smooth, melty texture. To prepare the jalapenos, slice them thinly and remove the seeds for a milder spice level or leave some seeds if you prefer extra heat. Quickly sauté the sliced jalapenos in a bit of olive oil to soften them slightly, which enhances their flavor and reduces their raw bite.
   
   
7. Caramelized Onion and Gruyère: The sweet, flavorful caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère make a sophisticated flavor pairing! Serve with a bowl of beef stock on the side to dip, for a nostalgic French onion soup bite.
   
   
8. Pesto and Parmesan – Pesto adds a vibrant, herbaceousness, and parmesan complements it with its salty, umami flavor. Add chopped tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze, and you have the most delicious Italian-inspired pairing.
   
   
9. Apple and Sharp White Cheddar – The sweetness and crispiness of fall apples with the sharp, bold tang of sharp cheddar make for the perfect fall-themed bread! Slice the apples thinly and lightly saute them in a bit of butter until they’re softened but still slightly crisp.
   
   
10. Mushroom and Fontina – The earthy flavor of sautéed mushrooms pairs well with the creamy, nutty taste of Fontina. My favorite, simple way to prepare sliced mushrooms is by sautéing them in butter and a bit of soy sauce. So delicious!

Should you wrap garlic bread in foil?

Yes, you can wrap garlic bread in foil while baking. Wrapping it helps keep the bread soft and moist by trapping steam, and it also makes for easier cleanup.

However, some studies suggest potential health risks from cooking with aluminum foil, especially at high temperatures.

Over time, small amounts of aluminum intake have been linked to health concerns, such as affecting the nervous system.

For a healthier alternative, consider using parchment paper as a barrier between the bread and foil or baking it in a Dutch oven with a lid like I do!

What is the best way to keep stuffed garlic bread warm?

A great way to keep stuffed garlic bread warm is by placing it in a Dutch oven.

After baking, wrap the stuffed garlic bread in parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to retain moisture, then put it back in the warm Dutch oven with the lid on.

The heavy, insulated walls of the Dutch oven will hold heat well, keeping the stuffed garlic bread warm for longer without drying it out.

Alternatively, you can wrap the bread in foil and place it in a low-temperature oven (around two hundred degrees Fahrenheit), but a Dutch oven is particularly effective for preserving both warmth and texture!

Can I make stuffed garlic bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can make stuffed garlic bread ahead of time! It is a great make-ahead appetizer.

Simply assemble the bread with cheese and garlic butter (along with other toppings if you’re using them), then wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate it.

When you’re ready to serve, bake it in the preheated oven until the bread is warmed through.

It takes about forty-five minutes total to get the cheese fully melted in the Dutch oven (thirty minutes with the lid on and fifteen with the lid off).

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

To store leftovers of stuffed garlic bread, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container, then refrigerate it for up to four days.

To reheat, use one of the following methods:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (one hundred seventy-seven degrees Celsius). Keep the bread wrapped in foil or place it in the Dutch oven, and bake for ten to fifteen minutes.
  
  
• Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a slice of garlic bread on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about thirty seconds. Please note this will make the bread softer rather than crisp!
  
  
• Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to three hundred degrees Fahrenheit (one hundred forty-nine degrees Celsius). Heat the bread for five to seven minutes. This method helps maintain a crispy texture.

Can I freeze stuffed garlic bread?

Yes, you can freeze stuffed garlic bread! To do so, assemble the bread and stuff it with your desired fillings, then wrap it tightly in foil.

Place it in a freezer bag or container to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to bake, you can cook it from frozen by baking it at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (one hundred seventy-seven degrees Celsius) for about forty-five minutes to an hour, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.

If you prefer, you can also thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking it for quicker results.

To store leftover baked stuffed garlic bread in the freezer, first, let it cool completely to avoid excess moisture.

Once cooled, repeat the steps above and choose a method of reheating it!

As you can see, stuffed garlic bread is a versatile and delicious recipe that can be customized to suit any taste, from classic cheesy fillings to creative combinations like mushrooms and fontina or cranberry and brie!

Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, with easy make-ahead instructions, it will save you time on the day of the event.

So, get creative with your fillings and bake up a batch of this irresistible stuffed garlic bread! I hope you love the recipe as much as we do. 🤗🧄🥖🌿

I’d love to hear about your experience with this Stuffed Garlic Bread recipe!

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