Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 medium sourdough boule or artisan sourdough loaf
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
For the Garlic Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4–6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt, if needed
Optional Toppings
- Extra Parmesan
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Dried oregano
Step 1: Choose Your Sourdough
Start with a sturdy sourdough loaf.
A round boule works especially well because it is thick enough to hold plenty of cheese and garlic butter.
You can also use a large oval artisan loaf. The important thing is that the bread should be sturdy rather than extremely soft.
A slightly day-old sourdough loaf is often easier to cut because it holds its shape better.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Place the softened butter into a bowl.
Add the finely minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Mix everything together until the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
Taste a tiny amount if desired and adjust the seasoning.
The garlic butter should be soft enough to spread easily but not completely melted.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese
Shred the mozzarella and cheddar if they are not already shredded.
Mozzarella is excellent for creating long, stretchy melted cheese, while cheddar adds a stronger savory flavor.
You can use other cheeses as well. Monterey Jack, provolone, or a mild cheese blend can work nicely.
Keep the cheese ready in a bowl while you prepare the bread.
Step 4: Cut the Sourdough
Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board.
Using a sharp serrated bread knife, carefully make slices across the loaf.
Do not cut all the way through the bottom.
The goal is to create deep cuts that separate the loaf into sections while leaving the base connected.
Next, turn the loaf and make another set of cuts in the opposite direction.
You should end up with a grid-like pattern.
Be careful during this step and keep your fingers away from the knife blade.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter
Gently open the cuts in the sourdough.
Use a butter knife or small spoon to push garlic butter into the spaces.
Try to distribute the butter throughout the loaf rather than placing it only on the surface.
This is where the flavor really develops. The garlic butter will soak into the sourdough as the bread bakes.
Do not worry if some butter gets onto the outside of the loaf.
Step 6: Stuff the Cheese
Now begin adding the shredded cheese.
Take small handfuls of mozzarella and cheddar and gently push them into the cuts in the bread.
Try to place cheese throughout the loaf so that each section contains plenty of melted cheese.
Do not force the cheese too aggressively into the bread because you do not want to tear the loaf apart.
If you are using Parmesan, you can sprinkle some between the cuts as well.
Step 7: Add Extra Garlic Butter
After stuffing the bread with cheese, brush or spoon a little more garlic butter over the top.
This gives the surface a deliciously seasoned finish and helps the bread become golden during baking.
If you have leftover garlic butter, save it for serving or use it on another piece of bread.
Step 8: Wrap the Bread
Place the stuffed sourdough loaf onto a large sheet of aluminum foil.
Wrap the loaf loosely but securely.
The foil helps keep the bread moist while the cheese melts.
If you want the exterior to become particularly crisp and golden, you will unwrap the bread toward the end of baking.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Place the wrapped sourdough loaf onto a baking tray.
Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes.
During this time, the butter melts into the bread and the cheese begins to melt throughout the cuts.
The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of your loaf and your oven.
Step 10: Unwrap and Continue Baking
Carefully open the foil.
Return the bread to the oven uncovered.
Bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Keep an eye on it during this final stage because garlic and cheese can brown quickly.
If you prefer a softer crust, remove it once the cheese is melted.
For a crispier exterior, allow it to brown a little longer.
Step 11: Add Fresh Herbs
Remove the bread from the oven.
Immediately sprinkle the top with fresh chopped parsley.
You can also add a little grated Parmesan or a small pinch of dried oregano.
For a spicy version, sprinkle a few red pepper flakes over the top.
Step 12: Let It Rest Briefly
Allow the bread to rest for a few minutes before serving.
The cheese will be extremely hot immediately after baking.
Resting also gives the melted cheese a moment to settle into the bread.
Then gently pull apart the sections and serve.
How to Make the Best Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread
Use Fresh Garlic
Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger and more fragrant flavor than garlic powder alone.
You can still use garlic powder alongside fresh garlic for an extra savory taste.
Do Not Slice Completely Through
Keeping the bottom of the loaf intact makes it easier to stuff, bake, and serve.
It also helps hold all the melted cheese inside the bread.
Use Plenty of Cheese
The combination of mozzarella and cheddar gives you both stretchiness and flavor.
Make sure you distribute the cheese throughout the cuts rather than concentrating it in one area.
Avoid Too Much Butter
Garlic butter is delicious, but using excessive amounts can make the bottom of the loaf overly greasy.
Spread enough to flavor the bread without completely soaking it.
Flavor Variations
Cheesy Herb Sourdough
Add extra parsley, oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning to the garlic butter.
Spicy Garlic Bread
Add red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili seasoning to the butter.
Three-Cheese Version
Use mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan together.
Parmesan Garlic Bread
Use mozzarella as the main filling and add plenty of Parmesan over the top during the final minutes of baking.
Roasted Garlic Version
For a sweeter, milder garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw minced garlic.
What to Serve With It
This sourdough garlic bread is incredibly versatile.
Serve it alongside:
- Tomato soup
- Creamy vegetable soup
- Pasta
- Spaghetti
- Lasagna
- Roasted vegetables
- Salads
- Chicken dishes
- Baked pasta
- Tomato-based sauces
It also makes a fantastic appetizer for a family meal.
Air Fryer Method
You can also prepare smaller portions in an air fryer.
Cut the sourdough into smaller sections and stuff them with garlic butter and cheese.
Place the pieces into the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Cook at approximately 175°C / 350°F for 5–8 minutes, checking frequently.
The exact time depends on your air fryer and the size of the bread pieces.
Because cheese can melt quickly, keep an eye on the bread during the final few minutes.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover garlic bread to cool.
Place it in an airtight container or wrap it well and refrigerate.
For the best texture, reheat it in an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave.
Reheat until the bread is warmed through and the cheese is melted again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought sourdough?
Yes. Store-bought sourdough works perfectly well for this recipe.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. You can cut and stuff the bread ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella is excellent for melting and stretching. Cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan can be combined with it for additional flavor.
Can I make this without fresh garlic?
Yes. Garlic powder can be used, although fresh garlic gives the bread a stronger garlic flavor.
Why is my bread too hard?
Overbaking can make sourdough dry and hard. Wrapping the bread during the first part of baking helps retain moisture. Unwrap it only near the end to brown the exterior.
Final Thoughts
This Sourdough Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread is a delicious way to transform a simple loaf into something special. The combination of tangy sourdough, buttery garlic, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese creates a bread that is crisp on the outside, soft inside, and wonderfully flavorful.
Whether you serve it with pasta, soup, salad, or simply enjoy it as a snack, this recipe is easy to customize. Try different cheeses, add herbs, make it spicy, or use roasted garlic for a different flavor.
The most important steps are to use a sturdy sourdough loaf, avoid cutting completely through the bottom, distribute the garlic butter evenly, and stuff the cheese throughout the cuts. Once baked, the result is a warm, golden loaf filled with delicious melted cheese and fragrant garlic butter.
