The Perfect Pairings For Cheese Garlic Bread

Cheese garlic bread is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or an appetizer. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, enhancing their flavours and adding a cheesy, garlicky kick. The best bread to use for cheese and garlic bread is a crusty loaf, like sourdough, or a softer option such as French bread. When it comes to cheese, mozzarella is a popular choice due to its stretchiness, but other options include cheddar, parmesan, Colby Jack, and provolone. To elevate your cheese garlic bread, you can add spices like red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños, or serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese

Italian Dishes

The strong flavours of garlic and cheese mean that garlic bread is a great side to most Italian dishes. For instance, a cheesy garlic bread is the perfect side to a classic baked spaghetti or chicken Parmesan casserole.

Soups and Salads

A warm slice of cheesy garlic bread is also a great side to soups and salads. For example, you could serve your garlic bread alongside a hearty bowl of autumn soup or a big fall salad.

Appetisers and Snacks

Cheesy garlic bread can also be served as an appetiser or snack. For instance, you could serve it at a Sunday night football gathering, or as a side to a big family dinner.

Other Sides

Cheesy garlic bread can also be served as a side to a variety of other dishes, including pasta, lasagna, and casseroles.

Variations

You can also experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to create your own unique flavour profile. For example, you could try adding red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños to the butter spread for a spicier bread, or use extra virgin olive oil for a stronger flavour.

Pasta

There are many pasta dishes that go well with cheese garlic bread. Here are some ideas:

Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a classic pasta dish that pairs well with cheese garlic bread. You can serve it with a simple tomato sauce, or try something more substantial like a slow cooker spaghetti meat sauce or a Bolognese sauce. The garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce, and the combination of flavours and textures is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Manicotti

Cheese garlic bread is a great side for manicotti, a type of pasta dish where sheets of pasta are filled with a variety of cheeses, meat, and vegetables, and then baked in a tomato sauce. The richness of the manicotti is balanced by the garlic bread, providing a delicious and satisfying meal.

Chicken Florentine Pasta

Chicken Florentine pasta is another excellent option to serve with cheese garlic bread. This dish combines chicken, spinach, and a creamy sauce, creating a flavourful and hearty meal. The garlic bread adds a nice contrast in texture and taste, making it a perfect side to dip into the sauce or to soak up any remaining bits on the plate.

For a more simple option, consider making a pasta dish with garlic and cheese as the main ingredients. This can be thought of as a deconstructed pesto, using parsley or basil, along with olive oil, garlic, and grated Romano or Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy dish is best served immediately, and the garlic bread will help you savour every last bite.

Baked Spaghetti or Chicken Parmesan Casserole

If you're looking for a heartwarming meal, try pairing your cheese garlic bread with a classic baked spaghetti or chicken Parmesan casserole. These dishes are sure to be crowd-pleasers, and the bread will add that extra cheesy, garlicky goodness to the meal.

Soup

There are many soups that go well with cheese garlic bread. Here are some ideas:

Pumpkin Soup

A popular pairing with cheese garlic bread is pumpkin soup. The soft and crunchy texture of the bread complements the soup's creamy texture. The combination of garlic and pumpkin flavours creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

Tomato-Based Soups

Cheese garlic bread also goes well with tomato-based soups, such as tomato basil soup or a bowl of classic marinara sauce. The tanginess of the tomatoes is balanced by the creamy cheese and garlic flavours of the bread.

Bean Soups

White bean parmesan spinach soup is another option to consider. The bread's garlic and cheese flavours complement the soup's creamy texture and bean taste.

Chicken Soups

For a heartier option, pair cheese garlic bread with a chicken soup, such as Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole or Chicken Soup with Parmesan and Garlic. The bread adds a crunchy texture and a burst of flavour to the soup.

Other Soup Options

Some other soup options that go well with cheese garlic bread include lentil soup, beef soup, and vegetable beef soup. The bread's strong flavours can stand up to these soups' hearty flavours and textures.

Salad

A grilled summer shrimp salad with butter lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, and a flavorful dressing is a perfect example of a salad that pairs well with garlic bread. The garlicky, buttery bread complements the sweetness of the shrimp and corn, and the crispiness of the bread adds a nice textural contrast to the soft, buttery lettuce.

Another option is a summer pasta salad with walnut pesto, tomatoes, and snap peas. The bright and colorful vegetables are enhanced by the garlic bread, and the bread helps to make the dish more satisfying.

If you're looking for a more substantial salad, try a chicken Caesar salad. The crunchy, garlicky bread goes well with the crisp lettuce, juicy chicken, and tangy dressing.

For a vegetarian option, pair the garlic bread with a Caprese pasta salad. The fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil in the salad are enhanced by the garlic bread, and the bread adds a satisfying heft to the dish.

Finally, a simple green salad with a variety of leafy greens, vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette would also pair well with garlic bread. The bread can help make the salad more filling, and the garlic and butter flavors will complement a variety of vegetables.

Marinara sauce

Choosing the Right Marinara Sauce

Go for a classic, homemade marinara sauce. It should be rich and flavourful, with a balance of sweetness and acidity from tomatoes, enhanced by garlic, basil, and other herbs. You can make it from scratch or opt for a store-bought variety, ensuring it has a thick consistency.

Preparing the Sauce

If you're making your own marinara sauce, here's a simple recipe:

• Sauté some minced garlic in olive oil, creating a flavour base.
• Add crushed tomatoes and their juices, along with some tomato paste for extra depth.
• Season with salt, pepper, basil, and other Italian herbs like oregano and thyme.
• Simmer the sauce until it thickens, and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

When serving cheese garlic bread with marinara sauce, consider these tips:

• Dipping: Cheese garlic bread is excellent for dipping into warm marinara sauce. Cut the bread into slices or strips that are easy to grasp and dip.
• Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, place a small bowl of marinara sauce in the centre of a plate and arrange slices of cheese garlic bread around it, inviting guests to dip.
• Balance Textures: The soft, chewy texture of cheese garlic bread pairs beautifully with the smooth, slightly chunky marinara sauce. To enhance this contrast, sprinkle the bread with chopped fresh herbs just before serving.
• Side Dish: Serve cheese garlic bread with marinara sauce as a side dish to complement a main course, such as grilled chicken or fish. It adds a comforting and indulgent touch to the meal.
• Customisation: Experiment with different types of cheese on your garlic bread, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan, to find your favourite combination with marinara sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs on top for added flavour and colour.

Frequently asked questions