Name: Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484821H53M51S
Total time: PT-484821H53M51S
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 large round sourdough bread loaf; 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; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup cooked spinach (optional)

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This savory and aromatic garlic herb sourdough bread is stuffed with a flavorful filling of melted cheese, aromatic herbs, and garlic. It makes a stunning appetizer or impressive side dish that's sure to become a favorite at your table. The combination of herbs and garlic infuses the bread with rich flavor, while the stuffing adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients combine for maximum flavor impact
Creates a beautiful presentation with minimal effort
Can be easily customized with your favorite fillings or herbs
Makes a great centerpiece for gatherings and dinner parties
Perfect for sharing with family and friends
The crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful interior create a delightful texture contrast
Can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving
Uses sourdough bread for added depth and complexity of flavor
Combines the comfort of bread with the indulgence of a cheesy filling

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sourdough bread loaf serves as the vessel for this delicious recipe, providing a slightly tangy flavor and sturdy structure that holds up well to the filling. Choose a round, artisan-style loaf with a good crust for best results.

Unsalted butter forms the base of the flavorful marinade that's brushed throughout the bread. It adds richness and helps the bread achieve a golden, toasty exterior. You can substitute with olive oil for a different flavor profile.

Garlic infuses the entire dish with its aromatic properties. Fresh minced garlic provides the most robust flavor, but pre-minced garlic works in a pinch if you're short on time.

Fresh herbs including parsley, thyme, and rosemary create the signature flavor profile of this stuffed bread. The combination provides earthy, bright, and aromatic notes that complement the sourdough perfectly. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried ones will work at one-third the amount.

Mozzarella cheese creates that desirable stretchy, gooey texture when melted. Its mild flavor allows the herbs and garlic to shine while providing creamy richness.

Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty element that balances the mild mozzarella. It also contributes to the golden crust that forms on top.

Spinach is an optional addition that adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from cooked spinach before adding it to the bread.

Salt and pepper are simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in this dish. Feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the top off the sourdough bread loaf, setting it aside as a "lid."
Hollow out the inside of the bread, leaving about 1-inch thick walls around the edge to create a bread bowl.
In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the garlic herb butter mixture generously over the hollowed-out bread and inside the lid.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and cooked spinach (if using) into the hollowed-out bread, layering evenly.
Place the lid back on top of the bread loaf.
Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes for a golden-brown top.

Servings and Timing

This garlic herb stuffed sourdough bread recipe makes approximately 6 servings, making it perfect for sharing as an appetizer or side dish. Each serving contains about 320 calories.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

The recipe can easily be doubled by using two loaves if you're serving a larger crowd.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the filling for a Mediterranean twist.

Spicy Version: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the butter mixture for a kick of heat.

Vegetable Medley: Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and sautéed mushrooms for an earthy vegetable-forward version.

Sweet and Savory: Incorporate caramelized onions and a drizzle of honey for a delightful contrast of flavors.

French Onion: Use Gruyère cheese instead of mozzarella and add caramelized onions for a French onion soup inspired bread.

Pesto Infusion: Replace some of the herb butter with prepared pesto for a different flavor profile.

Four Cheese: Use a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, fontina, and provolone for an indulgent cheese lover's version.

Storage/Reheating

Short-term Storage: Wrapped in aluminum foil, this stuffed bread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before storing.

Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked prepared bread (wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in a freezer bag) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating Previously Baked Bread: For the best texture when reheating, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. The foil helps prevent the bread from drying out.

Microwave Method: For a quick reheat, microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds. Note that the bread won't be as crispy with this method but will still taste delicious.

Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the bread up through wrapping it in foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread instead of sourdough?

Yes, you can substitute sourdough with other artisan breads like ciabatta, boule, or even a crusty baguette. The key is to choose a bread that has a sturdy crust and dense enough crumb to hold the filling without becoming soggy.

What can I do with the bread I remove from the center?

Don't throw away that bread! The removed bread pieces can be cubed and toasted with a bit of olive oil to make croutons, processed into breadcrumbs, or even mixed with some of the garlic butter mixture and baked alongside the stuffed loaf for dipping.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is already vegetarian. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well. There are several vegan mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives available in most grocery stores.

How do I know when the cheese is properly melted inside?

The cheese should be fully melted after the initial covered baking period of 25-30 minutes. If you're unsure, you can carefully lift the lid to check before proceeding with the uncovered baking period.

Can I prepare this bread ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can prepare the bread up to the point of baking, wrap it in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

What sides pair well with this garlic herb stuffed bread?

This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, particularly tomato or minestrone, a fresh green salad, or as part of an antipasto platter. It's also excellent served alongside pasta dishes or as an appetizer with a good olive oil for dipping.

My bread got too brown on top before the cheese melted. What did I do wrong?

Your oven might run hot or the bread might have been positioned too close to the top heating element. Next time, place the bread on a lower rack, and make sure to follow the instructions for keeping it covered with foil during the initial baking period.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones, but use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe. For example, use 1 teaspoon dried herbs in place of 1 tablespoon fresh herbs.

Is there a way to make this recipe less garlicky?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of garlic to 1-2 cloves instead of 4, or substitute some of the fresh garlic with garlic powder for a milder flavor.

How do I prevent the bottom of the bread from getting soggy?

Make sure your spinach is well-drained if using it, and consider placing a layer of cheese on the bottom of the hollowed bread before adding other ingredients. The cheese creates a barrier that helps prevent moisture from soaking into the bread.

Conclusion

This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed recipe transforms an ordinary loaf into an extraordinary treat that's perfect for sharing. The combination of melted cheese, aromatic herbs, and garlic creates a flavorful experience that's sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether served as an appetizer at your next gathering or as a side to complement your favorite soup or pasta dish, this stuffed bread offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. From a Mediterranean version with olives and feta to a spicier adaptation with jalapeños, you can make this recipe your own.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this stuffed sourdough bread delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It's a rustic yet elegant dish that celebrates the timeless appeal of good bread made even better with thoughtful additions. Give this recipe a try, and it may just become your new go-to for elevating any meal from ordinary to memorable.