Garlic bread is a classic side dish that goes with almost anything. The combination of buttery, garlicky toast is the perfect accompaniment to just about any main course. But if you’re looking for something special to pair with your garlic bread, look no further!
We have compiled 11 delicious dishes that go perfectly with garlic bread to make your meal even more delicious. From hearty soups to meaty entrees, you’ll find something to love in this list of garlic bread pairings. So let’s get cooking!
What Goes With Garlic Bread?
Garlic bread is a type of bread, typically a baguette or sourdough loaf, which has been brushed with olive oil or butter and garlic. It can be served as an accompaniment to pasta dishes such as spaghetti, lasagna, and macaroni and cheese. It can also be used in sandwiches or eaten on its own as a snack. Other ingredients that go well with garlic bread include marinara sauce, cheese, parsley, oregano, and chives.
1. Salads
Salads are a great accompaniment to garlic bread and are a perfect way to add some extra nutritional value to the meal. For heartier salads, consider adding simple ingredients such as some sliced roasted chicken breast strips or shredded cheese for protein.
Raw vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and onions give salads a much-needed crunch, while lettuce remains the base of choice. Edamame beans, kidney beans and chickpeas can add a protein boost to any salad.
Meanwhile, for an extra dose of flavor, try incorporating different dressings – from creamy Caesar to sweet balsamic – or different nuts and seeds like pine nuts or pumpkin seeds. Make it your own with croutons or bacon bits too.
With so many possibilities available, you can easily create the perfect side salad to fit any desired flavor profile that pairs deliciously with everyone’s favorite – garlic bread!
2. Pasta Dishes
It should come as no surprise that pasta dishes are a natural partner for garlic bread. Rich and flavorful, pasta helps to absorb the lovely garlicky aromas emanating from freshly-baked garlic bread, creating a decadent dining experience.
From classic Italian pasta dishes such as spaghetti bolognese or carbonara, to fusion options like pesto cream penne or seafood alfredo – there is something for everyone.
Plus, it’s nearly impossible to beat the satisfaction of having indulged in a delicious meal without slaving away in the kitchen all night – perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Soups
When it comes to pairing delicious comfort food with garlic bread, few things beat a hearty bowl of soup.
Whether you’re looking for a creamy chowder packed with seafood or potatoes, a steaming bowl of fresh vegetable soup, or a rich and savory broth-based classic like chicken noodle, soup provides the perfect accompaniment to garlic bread.
Moreover, aside from being an ideal partner for garlic bread and other accompaniments, many soups can be satisfying on their own–just add a bit of freshly grated parmesan for extra flavor.
With so many varieties of soups ranging from simple to complex in taste and texture, there’s something sure to please everyone!
4. Stews
Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold autumn evenings and cozy winter meals. It can be as simple or as complex in flavor as you’d like.
If you want to keep it classic, stew beef with potatoes, carrots, onions, and perhaps some diced celery and tomatoes to create a savory base for your favorite herb seasonings. For grilled garlic bread, a zesty Mediterranean-inspired stew could be filled with fennel, olives and artichoke hearts in a robust tomato sauce with rosemary and oregano.
No matter what type of stew you choose to make, the wonderful aroma of slowly-simmered herbs and vegetables will be sure to please your palate – not to mention the essential addition of warm crusty garlic bread on the side.
5. Roasted Vegetables
You might think that garlic bread is best suited to savory dishes, however, roasted vegetables can also be a great side dish when served with garlic bread. When cooked at a high oven temperature, these delicious vegetables become tender and caramelized around the edges adding an extra layer of flavor.
Roasting brings out their sweetness, increasing their appeal for any meal – not just garlic bread! You can go with any combination of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, onions, squash and bell peppers.
Cut your vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly then toss them in olive oil and seasonings to give them an irresistible roasted flavor. If you’re looking to mix up your diet with some healthier options while enjoying all the warm garlicky goodness of garlic bread, roasted veggies are definitely worth giving a try
6. Egg Dishes
Egg dishes like omelettes, frittatas, and quiches are a great way to take advantage of the wonderful flavors garlic bread can bring to your meal.
These egg dishes are incredibly versatile, allowing you to add any combination of flavors and ingredients you like.
For instance, you could make a classic cheese omelette and fill it with mozzarella and basil for an Italian-style feast. On the other hand, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a quiche with mushrooms, spinach and feta cheese for a delicious combination.
7. Grilled Meats
Who can resist the alluring aroma of grilled meats? Grilling has been enjoyed around the world for generations, bringing out the natural flavors found in meat and adding a delicious smokiness that delights the palate.
Whether it’s steak, chicken, pork, or fish, all these meats pair wonderfully with garlic bread, offering the eater an indulgent combination of robust meats and flavorful garlic butter that is sure to please.
The zesty contrast between the succulent natural flavors in grilled meats with the slightly sweet, garlicky butter on a thick slice of crunchy garlic bread is pure culinary bliss.
Some may argue there’s nothing better than gathering friends and family around the dinner table to linger over this classic side dish perfectly paired with grilled entrees.
8. Meatballs
This couldn’t be more true – meatballs and garlic bread are a match made in Italian cuisine heaven. Meatballs are an incredibly versatile dish; they can be cooked on their own, in pasta sauce, or topped with sauce and cheese to make the all-time favorite – spaghetti and meatballs.
Many cultures enjoy their own unique take on meatballs, from Italian to Asian fusion. What makes the pairing of garlic bread with meatballs so delightful is that each component of the meal offers not only its own flavor, but also an extra dimension when combined together.
The creamy, buttery garlicky toast can help balance out the savory flavor of the juicy meatball bites and pull it all together coherently.
9. Pesto Sauces or Other Herby Sauces
Adding a few dollops of pesto sauce or other herby sauces to your meal can be a great way to bring out the garlic bread’s flavor.
Pesto or other herby sauces can add freshness, peppery notes and a pop of color to your plate, while kickstarting your taste buds with a burst of flavor.
It’s especially great to have when you’re looking for an extra punch of flavor on a cold winter evening, or when you want to create an extra-special dinner for special occasions.
Using garlic bread to scoop up pesto sauces or herby sauces is a great way to make your meal even more enjoyable.
10. Cheese Dip or Other Dips
Garlic bread is great for dipping into cheese dip or any other type of dip. The crunchy texture of the garlic bread and the creamy, savory flavor of cheese dip make for a delicious combination.
Whether you’re watching your favorite sports game or hosting an event, this mouth-watering combination is sure to keep your guests coming back for more.
For an even bigger flavor boost, you can opt to spread the garlic butter on the bread before baking it or grilling it. You’ll be sure to wow your guests with this delicious and easy-to-make snack.
11. Seafood Dishes
Last but not least, seafood dishes go well with garlic bread just as much as they go with buttery crackers. From lobster to delectable shrimp, garlic bread can elevate the flavors of your seafood dishes.
The delicious combination between the crunchy, garlicky toast and the succulent seafood will give you an unforgettable dining experience.
For a truly indulgent experience, you can opt to top the garlic bread with feta cheese before baking it. The salty and creamy flavors of the feta cheese contrast perfectly with the light, succulent seafood flavors – perfect for a special occasion or an extra-special meal.
Conclusion
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that can go with almost anything, and these 11 delicious dishes are the perfect accompaniments for it.
From salads to soups, roasted vegetables to grilled meats, pesto sauces or other herby sauces to cheese dip or other dips – you have plenty of options when creating meals centered around garlic bread.
With this list of pairings in mind, you’ll be able to craft amazing culinary creations that will tantalize your taste buds! So get creative and start experimenting today; who knows what delectable treats await?
