Homemade Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love this Homemade Garlic Parmesan Bread

Flavor explosion. This isn’t your average garlic bread—it’s a buttery, cheesy masterpiece that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven.

The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a soft interior, while the parmesan creates those irresistible browned bits everyone fights over.

What makes this recipe special? It’s the perfect blend of herbs—basil, oregano, and rosemary—mingling with the rich mayo-cheese spread.

Plus, using sourdough adds that subtle tang that balances all that savory goodness. Can you imagine dunking this into your favorite soup or serving alongside pasta? Game-changer, trust me.

What Ingredients are in Homemade Garlic Parmesan Bread?

When it comes to creating that perfect garlic parmesan bread, having the right ingredients makes all the difference. This recipe combines creamy, savory elements with aromatic herbs to create that irresistible flavor we all crave when we think of garlic bread. The beauty of using a sourdough base is that it provides the perfect sturdy canvas for our rich topping, while still maintaining that wonderful chew that makes good bread so satisfying.

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1½ teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons dried basil, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
1 pound round sourdough loaf, halved horizontally
2 tablespoons butter, softened

A few things to take into account about these ingredients – fresh garlic is always preferable to pre-minced for the most robust flavor, but in a pinch, the jarred variety works too. And while the recipe calls for dried herbs, you could certainly substitute fresh if you have them on hand (just remember to roughly triple the amount). As for the parmesan, try to get the freshly grated kind rather than the shelf-stable pre-grated version – it melts better and has a richer flavor profile. The mayo might seem unusual if you’re used to butter-only garlic bread, but trust me, it creates an incredibly creamy, moist base for all those herbs and cheese.

How to Make this Homemade Garlic Parmesan Bread

Making this garlic parmesan bread couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely worth it. Start by preheating your broiler – this is essential because we want that high heat to create a perfectly crisp, golden exterior.

While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1½ teaspoons minced garlic, 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon dried rosemary. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, aromatic spread that will make your kitchen smell like an Italian restaurant. The herbs should be crumbled between your fingers first to release their essential oils – a small step that makes a huge difference in flavor.

Next, take your 1 pound sourdough loaf and slice it horizontally, creating two equal halves. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet, then generously spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter across both surfaces. This first layer of butter creates a moisture barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy while adding that rich, buttery foundation we all love.

Pop the buttered bread under the broiler, keeping a close eye on it – we’re looking for that perfect crisp, golden-brown color, which can happen quickly, sometimes in as little as 2-3 minutes. Once toasted, remove the bread and spread your parmesan-herb mixture evenly across both halves, making sure to go all the way to the edges for maximum flavor coverage.

Return your topped bread to the broiler for the final transformation. In just a few minutes (again, watch it carefully!), the cheese mixture will become bubbly, puffed, and beautifully golden-brown. The top will develop these little caramelized spots that are basically flavor bombs waiting to explode in your mouth.

When it looks irresistible, pull it out and let it cool just slightly – enough so you don’t burn yourself but not so much that it loses that wonderful warm gooeyness. Then slice each half into wedges, almost like you’re cutting a pizza. Serving immediately is non-negotiable – this bread is at its absolute peak when it’s fresh from the broiler, with the cheese still stretchy and the herbs fragrant.

Homemade Garlic Parmesan Bread Substitutions and Variations

This gorgeous garlic parmesan bread recipe has plenty of room for creative tweaking, so let’s explore some delicious substitutions and variations that’ll work even if you don’t have all the original ingredients on hand.

Don’t have sourdough? Any sturdy bread loaf works—try ciabatta, French bread, or even a baguette cut lengthwise. Swap the parmesan for romano, asiago, or a mix of cheeses for different flavor profiles. Mayo-averse? Greek yogurt creates a tangy alternative with less fat. Fresh herbs elevate this dish beautifully—try doubling quantities when substituting for dried. Feeling adventurous? Add red pepper flakes for heat or sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness.

What to Serve with Homemade Garlic Parmesan Bread

Garlic parmesan bread deserves worthy companions on your dinner table since its rich, savory profile complements so many dishes.

I love pairing it with classic Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti marinara, lasagna, or a creamy fettuccine alfredo. It’s also perfect alongside hearty soups—think minestrone or tomato bisque where you can dunk those flavorful slices.

For something lighter, serve it with a crisp Caesar salad or Mediterranean-inspired antipasto platter.

And don’t forget about simple roasted meats like chicken or beef—they’re transformed when accompanied by this bread’s aromatic garlic-herb goodness.

Honestly, what can’t you serve with it?