If you love the irresistible aroma of fresh garlic and herbs mingling with warm, gooey cheese inside crusty bread, then you’re going to adore this Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe. It’s not just a simple appetizer; it’s that crowd-pleasing, pull-apart masterpiece perfect for sharing with friends and family. Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of fragrant herbs, melty mozzarella and Parmesan, and the tangy tang of sourdough that will make you want to reach for more. Whether it’s a game night, a casual get-together, or just a cozy night in, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but pack a punch of flavor that is essential to making this Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe shine. Each item plays a vital role in creating the perfect mix of taste, texture, and aroma that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Sourdough Bread (1 round loaf, 10–12 inches): The tangy, chewy base with a crusty exterior perfect for holding the filling.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings richness and helps carry the garlic and herbs deep into the bread.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds that unmistakable fragrant kick that defines this recipe.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a fresh, bright note and a pop of green color.
- Fresh Thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings a subtle earthiness to balance the sharpness of the garlic.
- Fresh Rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers a piney aroma that complements the sourdough beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors of the bread and fillings.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a slight warmth and depth of flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully to create gooey pockets throughout the bread.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a sharp, nutty finish that contrasts with the milder mozzarella.
How to Make Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cut the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your sourdough loaf and place it on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp bread knife, make deep diagonal cuts across the top of the loaf to create a crisscross pattern. The trick is to cut deeply enough to reach close to the bottom but not all the way through, creating pockets for the buttery herb mixture and cheese to nestle into.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the heart and soul of your Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe, infusing every slice with layers of luscious flavor.
Step 3: Infuse the Bread with Butter and Herbs
Gently pull apart the cuts you’ve made in the bread, allowing you to spoon or brush the garlic herb butter evenly into every crevice. This step ensures every morsel is beautifully moist and fragrant.
Step 4: Stuff with Cheese
Next, stuff the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses generously between the cuts in the bread. The cheeses will melt during baking, creating irresistible pockets of creamy, cheesy goodness throughout.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Wrap your stuffed loaf snugly in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes to warm the bread through and melt the cheese. Then, unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and slightly crispy. The aroma at this point will fill your kitchen with pure comfort and anticipation.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Pull Apart
Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit for just a minute or two—enough to cool slightly but keep the cheese molten. Serve warm and encourage everyone to pull apart the bread, enjoying the layers of garlic, herbs, and cheese in every bite.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh touch, sprinkle extra chopped parsley or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese on top before serving. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the flavors and add a glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of warm tomato soup. These sides cut through the richness of the cheese and butter, creating a well-balanced meal or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this pull-apart bread on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of olive tapenade, sun-dried tomatoes, or a spicy marinara sauce for dipping. You can even add roasted garlic cloves tucked between the bread layers for an extra burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days, though fresh is always best with this stuffed sourdough bread.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed bread unbaked by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. This way, you can enjoy the Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe anytime without the fresh prep.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the crust. This maintains the cheese’s gooey texture and the bread’s crusty exterior beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread instead of sourdough?
Absolutely! While sourdough adds a fantastic tang and texture, rustic Italian or French bread can also work well. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the cheese and butter without falling apart.
What cheeses work best for this recipe?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are a classic combo for that creamy and sharp contrast. Feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or a sprinkle of feta for different flavor profiles.
Can I add extra ingredients to the stuffing?
Yes! Cooked bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions make excellent additions. They add complexity and make the dish even more special.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
This particular Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe is vegetarian if you skip any meat add-ins like bacon, as it contains no meat by default.
How do I know when the bread is fully cooked?
The bread is perfectly done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, the top is golden brown, and the aroma is irresistible. The crust should be crisp while the interior stays soft and cheesy.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed Recipe is more than just food—it’s an experience. The blend of vibrant herbs, savory garlic butter, and melting cheeses warmed by a crusty sourdough loaf makes it a fantastic centerpiece to any meal or gathering. I truly hope you give it a go and enjoy the cozy, delicious magic that happens when you bake this beauty. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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
A deliciously cheesy and aromatic garlic herb sourdough bread, stuffed with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a pull-apart appetizer for parties or cozy gatherings, this recipe infuses fresh herbs and garlic butter deep into the bread’s crevices, baked to a golden, bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter Mixture
- 1 round loaf of sourdough bread (about 10–12 inches)
- 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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed bread.
- Score the bread: Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board and, using a sharp bread knife, make deep diagonal cuts across the top of the loaf in a crisscross pattern. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom, just deep enough to create crevices.
- Prepare garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful butter mixture.
- Spread the butter: Gently pull apart the cuts in the bread and spoon or brush the garlic herb butter evenly throughout the crevices, ensuring the flavors seep into every slice.
- Stuff with cheese: Stuff the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses into the spaces between the cuts, filling all the crevices generously.
- Wrap and bake: Wrap the prepared loaf tightly in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Finish baking uncovered: Carefully unwrap the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the top of the bread is golden brown.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Pull apart the bread to enjoy the cheesy, herb-infused slices.
Notes
- Best served immediately for optimal cheesiness and freshness.
- To reheat, place wrapped in foil back into the oven to warm through.
- For extra flavor, add cooked crumbled bacon or sun-dried tomatoes between the layers before baking.
