What To Serve With Garlic Bread? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Garlic bread is a fan favorite that's hard to resist. The combination of crispy crust, soft inside, and that garlicky, buttery flavor is nothing short of heavenly. But what should you eat with this carb-tastic treat?

Here are 16 delicious side dishes that will make your garlic bread an unforgettable feast.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with garlic bread are stuffed shells, eggplant parmesan, stuffed pepper soup, mushroom risotto, cheese dip, chili con carne, shrimp skewers, guacamole, caprese salad, tzatziki sauce, pulled pork, tomato soup, baked ziti, buffalo chicken dip, lemon garlic shrimp, beef stroganoff.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are pasta at its best: jumbo shells filled with ricotta cheese, herbs, and sometimes meat, all covered in marinara sauce. Garlic bread complements this dish wonderfully, as you can use it to scoop up any leftover filling and sauce. The richness of the cheese and the tang of the tomato sauce make it a balanced pairing.

2. Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a wonderful vegetarian option. Slices of eggplant are breaded, fried, and then baked with layers of cheese and marinara sauce. The garlic bread serves as a sturdy side that can handle the robust flavors of this dish, making each bite a cheesy, garlicky delight.

3. Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is creamy, earthy, and utterly comforting. The mushrooms add a depth of flavor that pairs well with the garlic bread. And let's be honest, what's better than using a slice of garlic bread to scrape up every last bit of that creamy rice?

4. Cheese Dip

If you're in the mood for something to dip your garlic bread into, cheese dip is a great choice. The gooey, melty cheese adds another layer of richness to the bread, and the combo is downright addictive. It's simple but so, so good.

5. Stuffed Pepper Soup

Stuffed pepper soup combines bell peppers, ground beef, rice, and a savory broth into a hearty meal. The earthy flavors of the peppers and the richness of the meat make garlic bread the perfect companion. Plus, the bread is ideal for soaking up all that delicious broth.

6. Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff features tender chunks of beef in a creamy mushroom sauce. It's a rich, comforting dish that feels like a special occasion. Garlic bread makes a great side here, providing a crunchy contrast to the creaminess of the stroganoff.

7. Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne brings a burst of spice and heartiness to the table. A bowl of chili filled with meat, beans, and spices can be a meal on its own, but when you add garlic bread, it's a match made in heaven. Use the bread to scoop up the chili or to wipe the bowl clean.

8. Shrimp Skewers

If you're looking for something a bit lighter, shrimp skewers can be a great option. The seafood is usually marinated in a mix of garlic, lemon, and herbs before being grilled to perfection. Garlic bread makes a wonderful side, adding a crunchy texture that complements the tender shrimp.

9. Guacamole

Yes, guacamole can work with garlic bread! The creamy avocado spread offers a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the rich, buttery garlic bread. It's a less conventional pairing, but trust me, it works. You get the crunch of the bread and the creaminess of the guacamole all in one bite.

10. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a light and refreshing side that works wonders with garlic bread. It consists of slices of fresh tomato, mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The cool, juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella offer a nice contrast to the warm, crunchy bread.

11. Tzatziki Sauce

If you're a fan of dips, you'll love tzatziki sauce with garlic bread. This Greek dip made of yogurt, cucumber, and herbs adds a tangy, refreshing twist. It's especially great if your garlic bread is on the richer side, as the tzatziki helps cut through the richness.

12. Pulled Pork

Pulled pork brings a whole lot of savory, meaty goodness to the table. Slow-cooked until tender and then shredded, this pork dish is often served with barbecue sauce. Pile some onto a slice of garlic bread for a mouthful of comforting flavors and textures.

13. Tomato Soup

Tomato soup and garlic bread are a classic pairing. The tangy, comforting warmth of the tomato soup blends perfectly with the buttery, garlicky crunch of the bread. It's like a cozy hug for your taste buds.

14. Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is another pasta dish that's a hit with garlic bread. Ziti pasta is mixed with marinara sauce and loads of cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. The garlic bread is perfect for scooping up all those cheesy, saucy bites.

15. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip brings the heat with a blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and sometimes a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing. The spicy, creamy dip contrasts well with the buttery garlic bread, making each bite a flavor explosion.

16. Lemon Garlic Shrimp

If you can't get enough garlic, lemon garlic shrimp is a great option. The shrimp are sautéed in a mix of lemon juice and minced garlic, making for a zesty and flavorful dish. The garlic bread complements the shrimp beautifully, as you'd expect.