Garlic bread has a lot in it and is delicious by itself but there is a also long list of dishes you can eat with this bread. It is a flavorful bread that pairs well with a variety of other meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
But you should know that whatever dish you are having as a complement to garlic bread should not be more flavorful than the bread. Otherwise, you risk losing the buttery, garlicky flavor of the bread.
This article contains a list of dishes, from simple to very savory, that you can eat with garlic bread. Get ready to expand your meal plan.
What is garlic bread?
Garlic bread is a crunchy, buttery, garlicky bread made with bread – baguette, sourdough or ciabatta, butter, olive oil, fresh garlic cloves, garlic powder (optional), herbs and salt.
The bread is cut lengthwise to give it its signature oval shape. Afterward, each slice is buttered, sprinkled with minced garlic or garlic powder, and drizzled with olive oil. The bread is then toasted to allow the butter to melt into and absorb the garlic flavor.
Drizzling olive oil prevents the butter from browning too quickly as the bread bakes. It also helps the butter spread better. The ingredient in the bread gives it a combination of savory and sweet taste. But it is delicious and enjoyable anyway.
What to eat with garlic bread
1. Scrambled egg
The perfect pair for breakfast if you don’t mind starting your day with garlic. It’s simple and easy to prepare.
Serve with crumbled cheese, chopped green chili, and maybe a drizzle of mayonnaise. If you are working with leftover garlic bread, reheat it in the toaster.
2. Transform your bread into French toast
French toast is one of the easiest breakfasts to make. Make a mixture of egg and milk and coat the bread with it.
Cook the bread slices on both sides on a griddle or in a skillet until it is browned on both sides. You can also use the bread slices to make any sandwich of your choice.
3. Beef lasagna
Beef lasagna is a rich and hearty meal with layers of flavor and texture. This Italian dish is a combination of pasta, cheese, vegetables, and meat.
4. Grilled chicken or fish
How about you add garlic to the marinade for your chicken or fish just before you grill it? The garlic will give your chicken or fish a more robust flavor and make it more exciting. Serve with slices of lemon for zest.
5. Spaghetti
The most common style of spaghetti that is served with this bread is spaghetti Bolognese. The meal is rich and very flavorful to match the buttery and garlicky flavor of the bread.
The sauce of the spaghetti and the pieces of meat add an extra layer of texture and flavor to the bread.
6. Mac and cheese
Now you can also have a less boring mac and cheese. Eating mac and cheese with garlic bread even makes it a perfect comfort food.
You can eat the bread by the side or cut it into cubes and bake it with the mac and cheese. Either makes a delicious meal.
7. Mushroom pasta
Mushroom pasta is a simple dish. As simple as a combination of mushrooms, garlic, cream, and pasta.
The creaminess of this dish will make you appreciate the crunchy texture of the bread more. It also adds more flavor to the bread. You can also add protein like chicken or seafood.
8. Dips
There are different types of dips you can serve with slices of garlic bread. You can have creamy dips like creamy spinach artichoke dip or a cheese dip made with a combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, sour cream, and parmesan.
If you want something sweet and savory to match the garlicky flavor of the bread, you can make a tomato dip with marinara, original ranch, olive oil, and fresh garlic. Also, you can dip your bread with cheese sauce or a beer-infused cheese dip.
9. Mushroom and pea risotto
If you want something heartier and more filling to pair with your bread, here is it. To make this dish, Arborio rice, peas, mushrooms, and parmesan are cooked in a flavorful broth until tender and creamy.
This dish can also serve as a comfort food because of its indulging taste. Eat with garlic bread for a solo dinner.
10. Chicken New Yorker
Chicken New Yorker is a dish of chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese and topped with a creamy mushroom sauce.
You can make the dish more nutritious with roasted veggies, potatoes, and carrots. The chicken is sweeter than the bread, which makes them perfect complements for each other.
11. Beef stew/soup
A bowl of soup or stew with garlic bread is a perfect comfort food on cold nights or after a long and tiring day. Make your bowl of stew or soup – creamy or spicy – rich with protein and veggies.
You can also eat garlic bread with cassoulet, a traditional French stew that consists of white beans, pork salt, duck confit, and garlic sausage. The traditional recipe takes three days to get ready, but there are some instant cassoulet recipes you can try out.
12. Creamy pesto gnocchi bake
Creamy pesto gnocchi bake is a baked creamy dish of gnocchi, pesto sauce, and three types of cheese – mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese.
It is quick and easy to prepare. Pairing this dish with slices of crunchy garlicky bread can never be boring.
It is a perfect creamy and cheesy combo to add more flavor and complement the crunchiness of the bread. Serve as an appetizer or main meal.
13. Meatballs
Bread and protein always go hand in hand. Make the meatballs tender and serve in a spicy marinara. This combo is an excellent choice of comfort food for a cold night.
14. Peri peri chicken burger
Peri peri chicken burger is made with spicy marinade and grilled chicken breast topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for creaminess.
Yes, the burger has its buns, but you will be glad you did after you eat this burger with freshly toasted garlic bread.
15. A simple bowl of salad
Throw in some tomatoes, butter lettuce, corn, avocado slices, other vegetables you like, and some protein like shrimp into a bowl.
Drizzle your favorite dressing and serve with your bread. The light and refreshing taste of the salad perfectly matches the garlicky flavor of the bread.
16. Italian sausage pasta
Classic Italian sausage pasta contains spicy sausage, garlic, tomatoes, and pasta. The spiciness of the pasta and the savory taste of the bread is matched by the sweet taste of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese. This is a perfect choice for a family dinner.
17. Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is a popular breakfast served with English muffins. Why not substitute the muffins for a different taste?
Make your eggs benedict with Canadian bacon, poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce, and garlic bread instead of English muffins. Serve with a side like hash browns.
18. Garlic parmesan salmon
Garlic can match garlic. That is if you don’t find the garlicky flavor overwhelming. Coat pieces of salmon with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and garlic and bake. Serve with freshly toasted garlic bread to get the best of its texture and flavor.
19. Greek salad with feta cheese
This classic Mediterranean dish is a combination of fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions. It also contains herbs like oregano and, of course, feta cheese.
You can make a dressing with olive oil and vinegar/lemon juice. Pair with garlic bread for lunch or a light evening meal.
20. Barbecue
Looking for what else to add to your grill? Add those slices of leftover garlic bread to the grill and heat them while you make your barbecue. You can smear the bread with garlic butter if you want a robust garlic flavor.
21. Pork chops
Pork chops make a good pair with this flavorful bread. The rich, buttery tenderness of the chops complements the crunchy texture of the bread. You can include a creamy dip as a side.
22. Baked eggplant parmesan
Baked eggplant parmesan is an Italian dish. Slices of eggplant are covered with tomato sauce and parmesan, breaded, fried, and baked.
Baking melts the cheese and makes the fried eggplant tender to match the crunchy texture of the bread.
23. Creamy garlic-paprika shrimp skillet
This dish may sound complex, but it is easy to prepare. It combines soft shrimp, creamy sauce, and smoked paprika into a delectable one-pan meal. The crunchy texture of garlic bread perfectly complements the soft texture of this dish.
You can also throw in some veggies or pasta or add a bowl of salad to the side if you are setting a complete table with this dish and garlic bread.
Is leftover garlic bread still edible?
How you keep leftover garlic bread determines whether it is edible or not.
Homemade garlic bread does not have a long shelf life. You should eat it within a few days of baking it. Homemade garlic bread should not be left out for more than 12 hours and should not be refrigerated for more than 2/3 days.
Commercial garlic bread lasts better but is best preserved in the refrigerator or freezer (long-term). If you stored the bread well, it should be edible. However, examine the bread for signs of spoilage before you eat it.
Check for mold growth, fermented or sour smell, a change in texture, and dark spots. If you find any of these on your bread, trash it.
FAQs
How long can you keep garlic bread?
Do not keep garlic bread longer than 24 hours at room temperature. Refrigerate the bread if you want to keep it for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for long-term storage.
Can you eat garlic bread alone?
Yes, you can eat garlic bread alone if you do not want to pair it with anything. By itself, it is a delicious, crunchy, and buttery bread that could be filling, depending on your appetite.
Can you eat garlic bread every day?
Eating garlic bread every day isn’t a healthy choice. The bread is made from refined flour. It is highly processed and contains 6 types of low-quality processed PUFA oils. It is also high in empty calories, low in micronutrients, and has a high glycemic index.
All of these are not healthy for overall health. Eating too much garlic bread can lead to excessive weight gain and predispose you to many other chronic diseases.
Conclusion
So, if you have never paired garlic bread with anything, I bet you have a change of mind already. Try it with soups, stews, beans, pasta dishes, salads, meat, poultry, seafood, greens, roasted veggies, etc.
The crispy texture and buttery, garlicky flavor of this bread makes it effortlessly make light meals more satisfying.
If you don’t know how to, you can look for an easy recipe and make garlic bread at home. In addition, you can easily make these garlic bread pairings by using leftovers.
Also, see a list of exciting meals you can make with pasta leftovers.
Thanks for reading.