Published on September 26, 2024 by Donna

Garlic bread: crunchy, buttery, garlicky, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re serving it with pasta or dreaming up something more creative, it’s the side dish that never lets you down.

In this post, I’m sharing all my favorite ways to enjoy garlic bread—from traditional pairings like pasta and soup to unexpected combos, fun twists, and even how to reinvent leftovers into something brand new. So if you’re wondering what to serve with garlic bread tonight, you’re in the right place!

---

Classic Pairings That Never Fail

1. Pasta Nights

Let’s be honest—garlic bread and pasta are the ultimate power couple. The crispy bread is perfect for scooping up every last drop of sauce, and the garlic flavor plays well with everything from creamy Alfredo to rich Bolognese.

Try it with:

• Spaghetti Bolognese
• Fettuccine Alfredo
• Lasagna
• Stuffed tortellini or ravioli
• Pesto pasta

2. Cozy Soups

Swap the standard dinner roll for garlic bread next time you make soup. It adds texture and tons of flavor. Dip, scoop, or float a slice right on top!

Great with:

• Creamy tomato soup
• French onion soup
• Lentil or vegetable soups

3. Pizza Night (Yes, or Maybe…)

Some folks love garlic bread with pizza. I usually skip it if I’m eating a whole pizza (that’s a lot of bread), but garlic flatbread is perfect for sharing when you’ve got multiple people or pizza slices on a platter.

---

Savory Twists & Surprising Pairings

4. Grilled Meats

Garlic bread makes a brilliant side for grilled chicken, steak, or even BBQ ribs. It helps soak up all those flavorful juices and adds a delicious crunch.

5. Fresh Salads

Balance out a crisp Caesar, Greek, or Caprese salad with warm cheesy garlic bread. It adds heartiness and soaks up leftover dressing like a champ.

6. Seafood Feasts

Garlic bread and seafood are a dream. Whether you’re having shrimp in garlic butter or a creamy seafood pasta, don’t forget a wedge of bread to swipe the plate clean.

Pair with:

• Garlic butter shrimp
• Mussels in white wine
• Lemon-basil salmon

7. Dips & Spreads

Skip the crackers and dip garlic bread into hummus, tzatziki, or spinach-artichoke dip. It’s a cozy, satisfying snack or party starter.

---

Creative Garlic Bread Recipes to Try

Want to jazz up a simple loaf of garlic bread? These ideas turn it into the star of the show.

8. Herby Garlic Bread

Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme to your butter spread for extra flavor.

9. Garlic Bread Pizza

Use garlic bread as a base, top with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like olives or mushrooms. Bake until melty. Instant mini pizza!

10. Pesto Garlic Bread Swirls

Spread basil pesto over garlic bread before baking, or roll up and slice into pinwheels for a snackable twist.

11. Loaded Garlic Bread Nachos

Layer garlic bread with cooked mince, cheese, salsa, and jalapeños. Pop it under the broiler for a garlicky, cheesy nacho-style bake.

12. Garlic Bread Soup Bowls

Scoop out crusty garlic rolls to create edible soup bowls. Fill with hot tomato soup or chowder for a cozy dinner.

13. Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Garlic Bread

Mix mozzarella, ricotta, and wilted spinach. Stuff into a baguette, wrap in foil, and bake until gooey. It’s heavenly!

14. Sweet Garlic Bread (Yes, Really!)

Brush garlic bread with honey, a dash of cinnamon, and a touch of butter for a sweet-savory surprise.

---

Leftover Garlic Bread? Don’t Toss It!

Leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to bring day-old garlic bread back to life:

15. Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Use it instead of regular bread to make a seriously flavorful grilled cheese sandwich.

16. Bruschetta-Style Bites

Top with chopped tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic for a quick appetizer or snack.

17. Homemade Garlic Croutons

Cube it up and bake until crispy. Perfect for topping salads and soups.

18. Garlic Bread Breadcrumbs

Pulse leftover bread in a food processor for flavored crumbs—ideal for topping casseroles, pasta bakes, or mac and cheese.

19. Garlic Panzanella Salad

Toss torn garlic bread with tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, and a splash of olive oil and vinegar.

20. Garlic Bread Stuffing

Mix with herbs, broth, and sautéed onions for a delicious stuffing—great with roast chicken or turkey.

21. Breakfast Casserole

Layer it with eggs, cheese, and sausage for a savory breakfast bake.

22. Garlic Bread “Chips”

Thinly slice and bake until crisp. Use for scooping dips or topping soups.

---

Final Thoughts

Garlic bread is way more versatile than you might think. Whether it’s soaking up sauce, leveling up your brunch, or transforming into a completely new dish, it always brings comfort