What to Serve with Garlic Bread: 30+ Easy Side Dishes
Looking for what to serve with garlic bread? I love how this simple side dish can transform any meal into something special.
You’ll find plenty of delicious options that pair perfectly with the buttery, garlicky goodness of this beloved bread.
From cozy pasta dishes to warming soups, and from fresh salads to tasty dips, I’ve gathered my favorite pairings that’ll make your meals extra special.
Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a fancy feast, these side dishes will help you create the perfect combo with your garlic bread.
What is Garlic Bread?
Garlic bread is a delicious combination of bread, butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. Sometimes mozzarella or Parmesan cheese gets added too! The bread gets toasted until it’s crispy outside but still soft inside. It’s one of those simple foods that makes everything better.
Why Garlic Bread is a Great Side Dish?
Classic garlic bread goes with almost anything and I love it. Its buttery, garlicky flavor adds richness to simple meals. The crispy texture gives you something to crunch on, while the soft inside soaks up sauces perfectly.
What Goes Well with Garlic Bread?
You’ll find lots of yummy options that work great with garlic bread. I’m talking about comforting pasta dishes, warming soups, hearty meat dishes, light salads, and creamy dips. Let’s find all these tasty combinations!
Pasta Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Garlic Bread
I can’t imagine pasta without garlic bread! These classic pasta dishes make perfect partners. The bread helps you catch every bit of delicious sauce.
- Spaghetti Bolognese: The rich meat sauce and tender pasta create magic with cheesy garlic bread! I love how the bread soaks up every drop of the savory tomato sauce. Your family will fight over who gets the last piece.
- Fettuccine Alfredo: This creamy, cheesy pasta dream gets even better with crispy garlic bread. The contrast between smooth sauce and crunchy bread is amazing! For more creamy pasta inspirations, check out our fettuccine pasta recipes.
- Penne Arrabbiata: The spicy kick of arrabbiata sauce meets its match in buttery garlic bread! You’ll love how the bread helps balance the heat while scooping up the sauce. It’s my favorite way to enjoy this fiery dish.
- Lasagna: Those perfect layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce practically beg for garlic bread on the side! I always make extra bread for this combo.
- Pasta Primavera: Fresh seasonal veggies and delicate sauce make this lighter pasta shine. The garlic bread adds just enough indulgence without overwhelming the vegetables. You’ll love this balance of healthy and hearty on your plate.
- Macaroni and Cheese: This ultimate comfort food gets even better with garlicky, crispy bread! The creamy cheese sauce and crunchy bread create pure magic. For more amazing combinations, check out our side dishes for mac and cheese.
- Chicken Alfredo: Juicy chicken and creamy alfredo sauce create the perfect match for buttery garlic bread. The bread helps catch every bit of sauce!
Hearty Soups and Stews That Go Well with Garlic Bread
Nothing beats dunking garlic bread into a warm bowl of soup! These cozy combinations will make your meal extra special. Let’s explore my favorite soupy pairings.
- Tomato Soup: This classic combo never fails to make me smile! The tangy, smooth tomato soup gets even better when you dip in garlicky bread. I love watching the butter swirl into the bright red soup. Pure comfort in every bite!
- Chicken Noodle Soup: Whenever I’m feeling under the weather, this soup with garlic bread makes everything better! The bread soaks up the golden broth while adding extra flavor.
- Minestrone Soup: This veggie-packed Italian soup becomes a complete meal with garlic bread! You’ll love how the bread catches all the delicious broth. For more serving suggestions, check out our guide on what to serve with minestrone.
- Beef Stew: Rich, hearty beef stew practically begs for garlic bread on the side! The bread helps you catch every drop of the savory gravy. I always make extra bread because everyone wants more for dipping.
- Chili Con Carne: Spicy chili meets its perfect match in buttery garlic bread! The bread helps cool down the heat while soaking up those amazing flavors. For more chili pairings, check out our desserts that go with chili.
- French Onion Soup: Sweet caramelized onions in a rich broth topped with melty cheese create magic with garlic bread! You’ll love how the extra garlic flavor complements the soup’s sweetness. It’s my favorite winter comfort food combo.
- Lentil Soup: This healthy, protein-packed soup becomes even more satisfying with garlic bread! The bread adds a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy lentils. You won’t believe how filling this simple combination can be.
Savory Meat Dishes to Serve with Garlic Bread
Looking for heartier options? These meat dishes create amazing meals with garlic bread. The bread helps soak up all those delicious juices and sauces!
- Grilled Chicken Parmesan: Juicy chicken topped with marinara and melty cheese becomes even better with garlic bread! The bread helps you catch every bit of sauce. For more serving ideas, check out our side dishes for chicken parmesan.
- Meatballs in Marinara Sauce: Tender, juicy meatballs swimming in rich marinara sauce create the perfect dipping situation for garlic bread! I love using the bread to make mini meatball sandwiches. Everyone at my table fights for the last piece!
- Stuffed Pork Chops: These savory pork chops filled with herbs and cheese taste amazing with garlic bread! The bread soaks up all the flavorful juices. For more pork ideas, explore our pasta side dishes for pork chops.
- BBQ Ribs: Sticky, sweet, and smoky ribs pair surprisingly well with garlic bread! The bread helps clean your plate of every drop of sauce. For more rib combinations, check out our healthy side dishes for ribs.
- Beef Stroganoff: Creamy beef stroganoff with mushrooms finds its perfect match in garlic bread! The bread makes sure no sauce gets left behind. I always make extra because everyone wants more for dipping.
- Cajun Jambalaya: This spicy rice dish goes good with buttery garlic bread! The bread helps cool down the heat from jambalaya’s bold flavors. For more amazing combinations, check out our side dishes for jambalaya.
- Shrimp Scampi: The best garlic bread becomes even better with garlicky shrimp scampi! Many favorite garlic bread recipes suggest serving it alongside this buttery seafood dish. The bread soaks up all those amazing lemon-garlic juices.
Light and Fresh Sides to Enjoy with Garlic Bread
Balance out the richness of garlic bread with these lighter options! These fresh combinations will make your meal feel less heavy while staying totally satisfying.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and parmesan dance perfectly with garlic bread! The bread adds extra crunch and soaks up the tangy dressing. For more pairing ideas, check out our what to serve with Caesar salad.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil create magic with garlic bread! I love how the bread soaks up the olive oil and balsamic.
- Bruschetta: Turn your garlic bread into a base for fresh tomato bruschetta! The garlicky bread elevates the tomato topping to new heights.
- Greek Salad: Crispy cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese make the perfect light meal with garlic bread! The bread helps soak up the zesty dressing. For more combinations, check out our what to serve with Greek salad.
- Antipasto Platter: Load up your plate with Italian meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables alongside garlic bread! The bread helps combine different flavors into perfect bites. I love creating mini sandwiches with all the ingredients.
- Grilled Vegetables: Smoky, charred vegetables taste amazing with garlic bread! The bread adds substance to this healthy option. You’ll love how the bread soaks up the vegetable juices and olive oil drizzle.
Delicious Dips to Accompany Garlic Bread
Take your garlic bread to the next level with these amazing dips! Each one adds extra flavor and makes your bread even more irresistible.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy, cheesy dip loaded with spinach and artichokes creates pure magic with garlic bread! The warm bread scoops up this gooey dip perfectly. I always make extra because it disappears so quickly.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: Spicy, tangy buffalo chicken dip gets even better with garlicky bread! The bread helps cool down the heat while adding extra flavor. For more dipping ideas, explore our dipping sauces for chicken wings.
- Hummus: This healthy Mediterranean dip pairs wonderfully with garlic bread! The creamy chickpea spread adds protein while complementing the garlic flavor. Try different hummus flavors like roasted red pepper or olive for variety.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip might seem unusual with garlic bread, but trust me – it’s amazing! The fresh, zesty guac balances the rich bread perfectly. My friends were skeptical until they tried this surprising combo.
- Cheese Dip: Warm, gooey cheese dip turns garlic bread into something extraordinary! Watch the cheese stretch as you pull your bread away. I love mixing different cheeses and adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Cool, refreshing cucumber yogurt dip balances rich garlic bread beautifully! The herbs in tzatziki complement the garlic while adding a fresh twist. This combination reminds me of Mediterranean summer dinners.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve checked out these delicious side dishes for garlic bread, you have many options to make your meals special.
Garlic bread makes everything better, whether you’re craving pasta, soup, fresh salads, or just want something to dip. This simple side dish is so versatile and I love it. Don’t forget to try out other combinations, you might find your new favorite!
From casual weeknight dinners to fancy gatherings, these pairings will help you create memorable meals that everyone will love.
