If you’re craving a delightful blend of warm, cheesy goodness with aromatic herbs and a crusty bread bite, the Garlic Herb Stuffed Sourdough Bread Recipe is your new best friend. This dish transforms a simple sourdough loaf into a flavor-packed centerpiece that’s perfect for sharing, snacking, or impressing guests at your next gathering. The mixture of fresh garlic, buttery herbs, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible combination that fills your kitchen with heavenly aromas and your taste buds with pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and thoughtfully selected ingredients make this Garlic Herb Stuffed Sourdough Bread Recipe shine. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding richness, herbaceous notes, or that luscious cheesy pull we all love.
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf: The sturdy base with a crisp crust that holds all delicious stuffings perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a rich, creamy texture and helps infuse the herbs deeply into the bread.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of fragrant, savory flavor that is essential to the recipe’s charm.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, bright note that balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Adds earthiness and depth to the herb blend.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Provides a piney, aromatic lift to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and brings all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick without overpowering the herbs.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy cheese experience.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements mozzarella perfectly.
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach (optional): Sneaks in some green goodness with a slight earthiness.
How to Make Garlic Herb Stuffed Sourdough Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your large round sourdough loaf and carefully slice the top off, which you’ll set aside as the lid. Hollow out the bread, leaving a sturdy 1-inch wall all around to hold in the filling without collapsing. This step is crucial as it prepares the perfect bread bowl to hold all the tasty layers.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Herb Butter
In a bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. This garlic herb butter mixture is the flavor powerhouse that will soak into the bread and infuse it with incredible aromas that will have everyone’s mouths watering.
Step 3: Brush and Layer the Filling
Generously brush the garlic herb butter inside the hollowed bread and on the underside of the bread lid. This ensures every bite is buttery and herb-packed. Then, layer the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and cooked spinach (if you’re using it) into the hollowed bread evenly. The cheeses melt together to form a creamy, flavorful heart, while spinach adds a subtle earthiness and color.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Place the bread lid back on top and wrap the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Set it on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melty. For that golden, irresistible crust, unwrap the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!
How to Serve Garlic Herb Stuffed Sourdough Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Garlic Herb Stuffed Sourdough Bread Recipe at serving time, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few delicate thyme leaves over the top. These garnishes add a burst of freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This stuffed sourdough pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a light tomato soup for dipping. The freshness of these sides balances the richness of the stuffed bread and creates a well-rounded meal that satisfies without feeling heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the stuffed bread into wedges or cubes and serve it as a party appetizer with toothpicks for easy sharing. You can also hollow out smaller sourdough rounds to make individual portions, perfect for entertaining or portion control without missing out on any flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap any leftover Garlic Herb Stuffed Sourdough Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of its deliciousness and texture.
Freezing
This stuffed bread freezes beautifully wrapped in foil and placed inside an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, making it perfect for preparing ahead for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by unwrapping the foil and placing the bread in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. This method revives the crispness of the crust and warms the cheese back to gooey perfection, just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
While sourdough is ideal for its sturdy crust and tangy flavor, you can experiment with other hearty bread like French boule or Italian round loaves. Just make sure the bread is large enough and firm enough to hold the filling.
Is it necessary to cook the spinach beforehand?
Yes, pre-cooked spinach is best as it reduces moisture, preventing the bread from becoming soggy and concentrating the spinach’s flavor in the filling.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use vegan cheeses to keep that creamy texture and flavor without dairy.
How long can I prepare the bread in advance before baking?
You can prepare the stuffed bread up to a few hours ahead and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Bake it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to serve this as a party appetizer?
Cut the stuffed loaf into bite-sized pieces, place them on a serving platter, and provide toothpicks. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy without utensils and keeps the party vibe casual and fun.
Final Thoughts
Making this Garlic Herb Stuffed Sourdough Bread Recipe is like giving yourself and your loved ones a big, warm hug made of bread, cheese, and fresh herbs. Its simplicity is genius, turning a few staple ingredients into something truly spectacular. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a go-to favorite to share and enjoy time and again.
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Garlic Herb Stuffed Sourdough Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A deliciously savory Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, infused with fresh herbs and garlic butter, optionally enhanced by cooked spinach. This dish features a crispy crust and a soft, flavorful interior, perfect as a shareable appetizer or a hearty snack.
Ingredients
Sourdough Bread
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf
Garlic Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses & Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed bread.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the top off the sourdough bread loaf carefully and set it aside as a lid for later use.
- Hollow Bread: Hollow out the inside of the bread, leaving about 1-inch thick walls around the edge to form a sturdy bread bowl that will hold the fillings.
- Mix Garlic Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to create a flavorful spread.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Generously brush the garlic herb butter mixture over the hollowed-out bread interior and also on the inside of the bread lid to infuse flavor.
- Add Filling: Evenly layer the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and cooked spinach (if using) inside the hollowed bread bowl, distributing the ingredients for balanced flavor.
- Replace Lid: Place the bread top lid back onto the loaf, enclosing the filling inside.
- Wrap in Foil: Wrap the entire bread loaf tightly in aluminum foil to secure the contents and keep moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on top.
Notes
- You can omit the cooked spinach or substitute with other greens like kale or arugula.
- Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and flavor, but dried herbs can be used at about 1/3 the amount.
- Ensure the bread walls are thick enough to hold the filling without collapsing.
- Serve warm for the best gooey cheese experience.
- This recipe can be customized with additional fillings such as cooked bacon or mushrooms.
