Introduction
Cheesy garlic bread is the ultimate comfort food. With its golden, crunchy crust and gooey, cheesy center, it’s a universally loved dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought garlic bread, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes. But if you’re wondering what to eat with cheesy garlic bread, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore delicious main dishes, sides, and creative ideas to help you decide what to eat with cheesy garlic bread for a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal.
Let’s dive into the perfect pairings for cheesy garlic bread that will leave you and your guests craving more!
Why Cheesy Garlic Bread is a Perfect Side Dish
Before we dive into the best dishes to serve alongside cheesy garlic bread, it’s important to highlight why this dish has earned its place as a must-have side.
1. Versatility
Cheesy garlic bread pairs well with a variety of meals, from Italian classics like pasta to American comfort foods like BBQ ribs. Its versatility is one of the reasons it’s so popular—it can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even the base for creative meals like garlic bread sandwiches. The combination of crispy bread, melted cheese, and garlic creates a universal appeal.
2. Rich Flavor
The combination of butter, garlic, and cheese creates a rich, savory flavor that complements numerous dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty meat-based meal or a light salad, cheesy garlic bread brings a burst of flavor to the table. Its crispy edges and soft, cheesy interior make every bite a satisfying experience.
3. Customizable
One of the greatest things about cheesy garlic bread is how customizable it is. You can experiment with different types of cheese, add toppings like herbs, spices, or even meat to tailor the bread to your tastes. It’s also easy to prepare, whether you’re making it from scratch or jazzing up a store-bought version.
4. Crowd-Pleaser
Who doesn’t love cheesy garlic bread? Its combination of warm bread, gooey cheese, and savory garlic makes it a hit with people of all ages. Whether it’s for a family dinner, party, or casual get-together, cheesy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table.
Now, let’s explore the many ways to serve cheesy garlic bread for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
What to Eat with Cheesy Garlic Bread?
Cheesy garlic bread can complement a variety of dishes. Here are some of the best meals to pair with it:
1. Italian Dishes
If you’re curious what to eat with cheesy garlic bread, classic Italian dishes like spaghetti Bolognese and fettuccine Alfredo are excellent choices
Spaghetti Bolognese
The classic spaghetti Bolognese, made with ground beef or pork in a rich tomato sauce, is a natural pairing for cheesy garlic bread. The garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the savory, meaty sauce, and the melted cheese complements the bold flavors of the dish.
Fettuccine Alfredo
The creamy, buttery sauce of fettuccine Alfredo is enhanced by the crunchy texture and garlicky flavor of cheesy garlic bread. The bread’s richness mirrors the Alfredo sauce, creating a decadent pairing that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Lasagna
Cheesy garlic bread is a must-have side for lasagna. The bread’s cheesy topping pairs well with the layers of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel or ricotta, while its crunchy exterior provides a textural contrast to the soft lasagna. Plus, it’s ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate!
Pasta Carbonara
The richness of cheesy garlic bread is a great match for the creamy, egg-based sauce of pasta carbonara. The garlic enhances the savory flavors of the pancetta or bacon in the carbonara, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Pasta Primavera
For a lighter option, serve cheesy garlic bread with pasta primavera. This vegetable-rich pasta dish typically includes fresh ingredients like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The cheesy garlic bread adds richness to balance the fresh flavors of the vegetables.
Pizza
Cheesy garlic bread and pizza might sound like carb overload, but they’re an irresistible combo! Whether you’re serving a simple Margherita or a meat-lover’s pizza, cheesy garlic bread can be used as a side or even as a mini pizza base with added toppings like pepperoni or olives.
2. Soups and Stews
Soups and stews are perfect options for what to eat with cheesy garlic bread. The bread is great for dipping and enhances the hearty flavors of these dishes.
Tomato Soup
There’s something magical about dipping cheesy garlic bread into a warm bowl of tomato soup. The tangy, slightly sweet flavors of the tomatoes contrast beautifully with the richness of the bread, making this a simple yet soul-soothing pairing.
French Onion Soup
French onion soup, with its deeply caramelized onions and rich beef broth, is perfectly complemented by cheesy garlic bread. While French onion soup is often topped with bread and cheese, adding cheesy garlic bread on the side takes the indulgence up a notch.
Minestrone
Minestrone, an Italian vegetable soup packed with beans, tomatoes, and pasta, is another ideal companion to cheesy garlic bread. The freshness of the soup balances out the richness of the bread, and the garlic complements the vegetables and herbs in the broth.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
The earthy flavors of cream of mushroom soup pair beautifully with the garlicky, cheesy notes of garlic bread. The bread’s texture adds a nice contrast to the creamy soup, making each bite more interesting and satisfying.
Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew, slow-cooked with tender meat, potatoes, and vegetables, pairs exceptionally well with cheesy garlic bread. The bread’s garlicky and cheesy flavors add richness to the stew, and it’s great for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Clam Chowder
For a coastal-inspired pairing, serve cheesy garlic bread alongside clam chowder. The creamy, seafood-rich flavors of clam chowder are a great match for the garlic and cheese, making for a comforting and hearty meal.
3. Salads
If you’re looking for a lighter option, salads are a great answer to what to eat with cheesy garlic bread. The fresh flavors of salads contrast beautifully with the richness of the bread.
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and Parmesan cheese, is a great match for cheesy garlic bread. The bread can serve as a crunchy alternative to traditional croutons, and the garlic in the bread enhances the flavors of the Caesar dressing.
Greek Salad
A Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta is another excellent choice to pair with cheesy garlic bread. The salad’s fresh, tangy flavors cut through the richness of the bread, creating a balanced meal.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad, made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with cheesy garlic bread. The fresh flavors of the tomatoes and basil complement the garlicky, cheesy bread, making it a perfect summer pairing.
Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
For a zesty twist, serve cheesy garlic bread with a peppery arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. The sharpness of the arugula and the citrusy zing of the vinaigrette help balance the richness of the bread.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
For something more unique, try pairing cheesy garlic bread with a spinach and strawberry salad. The sweetness of the strawberries contrasts nicely with the garlic and cheese, while the spinach adds a fresh, earthy element.
4. Meat Dishes
For those wondering what to eat with cheesy garlic bread and looking for a heartier meal, meat-based dishes like grilled chicken or steak make fantastic pairings
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken, whether marinated in herbs or barbecue sauce, pairs well with cheesy garlic bread. The garlic and cheese on the bread enhance the mild flavors of the chicken, and the bread’s crispy texture complements the tender meat.
Steak
A juicy steak and cheesy garlic bread are a perfect pairing for a hearty dinner. The garlic and cheese on the bread enhance the umami flavors of the steak, while the bread serves as a satisfying accompaniment to soak up any juices.
BBQ Ribs
For a more casual meal, serve cheesy garlic bread alongside sticky BBQ ribs. The bread’s garlic and cheese flavors complement the smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, making for a delicious, indulgent combination.
Roast Beef
Roast beef, with its rich, meaty flavor, pairs wonderfully with cheesy garlic bread. The bread’s garlic and cheese enhance the flavor of the beef, and the bread’s crispy edges provide a nice textural contrast to the tender meat.
Meatloaf
Cheesy garlic bread is a great side dish to serve with meatloaf. The savory garlic and cheese flavors complement the rich, hearty meatloaf, and the bread is perfect for soaking up any extra gravy or sauce.
5. Seafood Dishes
Although cheesy garlic bread is often associated with Italian cuisine, it also pairs well with a variety of seafood dishes. The garlic and cheese enhance the delicate flavors of seafood, making for a balanced and flavorful meal.
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi, with its buttery garlic sauce, is a natural pairing for cheesy garlic bread. The garlic in the bread complements the flavors in the shrimp, while the melted cheese adds an extra layer of richness.
Grilled Salmon
For a lighter seafood option, serve cheesy garlic bread with grilled salmon. The garlic in the bread enhances the rich flavors of the salmon, and the crispy bread provides a nice contrast to the tender fish.
Crab Legs
Cheesy garlic bread is a great side dish to serve with crab legs. The bread can be used to soak up any leftover butter or garlic sauce, and the garlic and cheese flavors complement the sweetness of the crab meat.
Lobster Bisque
Lobster bisque, with its creamy, rich flavors, pairs perfectly with cheesy garlic bread. The bread adds texture to the smooth bisque, and the garlic and cheese enhance the lobster’s delicate flavor.
Fish Tacos
For a fun, casual meal, serve cheesy garlic bread alongside fish tacos. The bread can be used as a side or even as a creative alternative to tortillas, with the garlic and cheese enhancing the flavors of the fish and toppings.
Creative Ways to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread
Cheesy garlic bread is already delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to get creative with it. Here are some fun and inventive ways to enjoy your cheesy garlic bread:
1. Turn It Into a Sandwich
Use cheesy garlic bread as the base for a sandwich. Layer it with grilled chicken, turkey, or roast beef, along with fresh veggies and condiments, for a rich, satisfying sandwich.
2. Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza
Take your cheesy garlic bread up a notch by turning it into a pizza. Add toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers, and bake until the toppings are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Use It as a Base for Bruschetta
Top slices of cheesy garlic bread with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a quick and easy bruschetta. The garlic and cheese add an extra layer of flavor to the traditional dish.
4. Serve It with Dipping Sauces
Enhance your cheesy garlic bread by serving it with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli. These dips add extra flavor and fun to the meal, making it a hit for parties and gatherings.
5. Top It with Herbs and Spices
Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or rosemary on top of your cheesy garlic bread after baking. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for a little heat or drizzle some olive oil for extra richness.
Nutritional Benefits of Cheesy Garlic Bread
While cheesy garlic bread may seem indulgent, it does offer some surprising nutritional benefits:
- Garlic: Garlic is known for its antioxidant properties and health benefits, including supporting heart health and boosting the immune system.
- Cheese: Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, which are essential for bone health and muscle repair.
- Whole-Grain Bread: If you choose whole-grain bread, you’ll get additional fiber, which aids in digestion and supports heart health.
By making some simple swaps, such as using whole-grain bread or low-fat cheese, you can enjoy cheesy garlic bread as part of a balanced, nutritious meal.
Common Questions About Cheesy Garlic Bread
1. Can I Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread with Seafood?
Yes! Cheesy garlic bread pairs well with seafood dishes like shrimp scampi, clam chowder, and grilled fish. The garlic and cheese enhance the delicate flavors of seafood.
2. What Drinks Pair Well with Cheesy Garlic Bread?
Cheesy garlic bread pairs well with red and white wine, beer, and even sparkling water. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea or lemonade work well.
3. Can I Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread as an Appetizer?
Absolutely! Cheesy garlic bread makes a great appetizer. Serve it with a variety of dips, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli, to make it more interactive for guests.
Conclusion
Cheesy garlic bread is a versatile, flavorful side dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, salad, or meat, the combination of garlic, cheese, and crispy bread complements a wide range of dishes. You can also get creative with cheesy garlic bread by turning it into a sandwich, pizza, or serving it with dips for an extra special treat.
The next time you prepare cheesy garlic bread, try pairing it with one of these meals or using it as a base for your creative culinary ideas. Your guests will love the delicious combinations and you’ll enjoy a complete, satisfying meal.
For more delicious bread ideas, check out our guide to Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread or learn more about Garlic Bread on Wikipedia.