If you love indulgent, cheesy bread that bursts with fresh herbs and bold garlic flavor, then this Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine a crusty sourdough loaf scored with deep cuts, each filled with a heavenly mixture of melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a garlic herb butter that seeps into every nook and cranny. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a cozy side, offering a warm, melty, and fragrant experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). The balance of the tangy sourdough, creamy cheeses, and bright herbs makes this recipe not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying and easy to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that all play a vital role. Each contributes uniquely to creating layers of texture, flavor, and aroma that elevate this dish from ordinary to spectacular.
- 1 round loaf of sourdough bread (about 10–12 inches): The perfect sturdy but fluffy base with a slightly tangy flavor and crispy crust.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and acts as a carrier for the garlic and herbs, soaking into the bread.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives the dish its signature punch of robust, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with herbs and cheese.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Brings freshness and a subtle peppery note that brightens the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped): Adds an earthy, slightly minty aroma that complements the garlic and butter.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped): Offers a pine-like fragrance and depth to the herb blend.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and bite without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild, creamy texture that pulls apart deliciously.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty flavor and helps with that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your bread is prepared. Place the sourdough loaf on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp bread knife, make deep diagonal cuts across the top of the bread in a crisscross pattern, making sure not to slice all the way through the loaf. This step is crucial because these crevices hold the flavorful butter and cheese.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly allows the flavors to meld, creating the essential aromatic base of this recipe. This butter mixture will soak into every bit of bread you stuff, giving each bite a burst of herbal garlic goodness.
Step 3: Stuff the Bread
Gently pull apart the cuts in the sourdough loaf just enough to drizzle or brush the garlic herb butter evenly throughout the crevices. Then, stuff the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses between these cuts. The cheeses melt into the warm bread during baking, turning it into a gooey masterpiece loaded with cheesy pockets and rich flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Wrap the stuffed loaf tightly in foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes to allow the butter to soak completely and the cheese to begin melting. Then, unwrap the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and gooey and the top has developed a beautiful golden crust. This finishing step adds a delightful crunch while sealing in all the flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe fresh from the oven is a treat on its own, but a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top adds a gorgeous pop of color and an even fresher herbaceous aroma. For an elegant finish, a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a dusting of Parmesan can take presentation to the next level.
Side Dishes
This stuffed bread pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads to balance its rich flavors or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a cozy, comforting meal. Roasted vegetables or a charcuterie board with cured meats and olives are excellent companions for elevating your spread when serving this crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, serve the loaf whole on a wooden board and invite guests to pull their own cheesy pieces apart, enjoying the rustic appeal. Alternatively, slice the loaf into wedges and arrange on a platter with small bowls of dips like marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping, adding an extra layer of yum and delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it moist. Refrigerate the leftover pieces and consume them within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the entire stuffed loaf or individual slices well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This double-wrap helps prevent freezer burn. Frozen stuffed bread will stay fresh for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy this delicious recipe whenever you crave a cheesy, herb-filled treat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the crust can become soggy and the bread chewy instead of crisp and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
While sourdough is ideal for its tangy flavor and sturdy crust, you can experiment with other artisan-style breads like a French boule or ciabatta. Just be sure the loaf is large and dense enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and vegan cheese alternatives that melt well. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but it can still be a delicious option for those avoiding dairy.
Can I add extra ingredients to the Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Adding cooked crumbled bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even jalapeños between the bread layers can bring exciting new flavors and textures.
What’s the best way to cut the bread for stuffing?
Make sure your cuts are deep but without slicing all the way through the loaf. The ideal technique is a crisscross pattern that forms diamond shapes to maximize the amount of cheese and butter that can be stuffed inside and to ensure even cooking.
Can I prepare the bread ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed bread and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just wrap it tightly with foil and bake from cold, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe is one of those dishes that brings people together with its warm, cheesy goodness and fresh herb aroma. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying a cozy night in, it’s simple to make and impossible not to love. I promise once you try this, it will become a favorite keep-on-hand recipe for any occasion where you want to impress effortlessly. Don’t wait to dig in and share the joy of this irresistibly comforting bread!
Print
Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed is a savory appetizer featuring a crusty sourdough loaf infused with a flavorful garlic herb butter and loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for sharing, this pull-apart bread is baked until golden and bubbly, making it an irresistible party snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 round loaf of sourdough bread (about 10–12 inches)
Garlic Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the bread.
- Prepare Bread: Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board and use a sharp bread knife to make deep diagonal cuts across the loaf’s top in a crisscross pattern, making sure not to cut through all the way to the bottom.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Apply Butter and Stuff Cheese: Gently pull apart the cuts in the bread and spoon or brush the garlic herb butter evenly into all the crevices. Next, stuff shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses into the cuts and spaces between the bread.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the stuffed loaf tightly in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Unwrap and Finish Baking: After 15 minutes, unwrap the foil and bake the loaf uncovered for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top of the bread has turned golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Pull apart pieces of the bread to enjoy the gooey, cheesy, and herb-infused flavors.
Notes
- This bread is best served immediately but can be reheated in the oven if needed.
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked crumbled bacon or sun-dried tomatoes between the bread layers before baking.
