The 10 Best Cheeses for Garlic Bread (+7 Alternatives)

Garlic bread is a beloved comfort food that has stood the test of time.

Whether as a side dish or a meal on its own, garlic bread is a simple yet satisfying dish that is enjoyed by many.

One of the key ingredients in this dish is cheese, which can take garlic bread to the next level with its creamy and savory goodness.

In this article, we will explore the best cheese for garlic bread and provide you with a list of ten options to choose from.

We will also introduce seven alternative cheeses for those who want to try something new.

Additionally, we will provide five tips for pairing cheese with garlic bread to help you create the perfect combination.

So sit back, grab a slice of garlic bread, and let’s discover the best cheese for garlic bread together!

How To Pick The Right Cheese for Garlic Bread

Cheese is an essential ingredient in garlic bread, and selecting the right one can make all the difference. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best cheese for garlic bread:

1. Flavor: The flavor of the cheese should complement the garlic and not overpower it. A mild cheese like mozzarella or provolone can be a good choice as they don’t have a strong taste.
2. Texture: The texture of the cheese is also important. For garlic bread, a cheese that melts well and has a gooey texture can add to the dish’s overall appeal. Parmesan, for example, may not melt well, but it can still be a good addition if used sparingly.
3. Saltiness: The level of saltiness in the cheese can impact the overall flavor of the garlic bread. A cheese that’s too salty can overpower the garlic flavor and leave an unpleasant taste in the mouth. It’s best to choose a cheese with a moderate level of saltiness, like Gouda or Fontina.
4. Melting point: Different cheeses have different melting points, and it’s important to choose one that melts at the right temperature to achieve the desired consistency. For example, cheddar and Monterey Jack melt easily and can create a gooey and stringy texture that’s perfect for garlic bread.
5. Personal preference: Ultimately, the choice of cheese for garlic bread comes down to personal preference. Experiment with different types of cheese and find the one that suits your taste buds the best. Don’t be afraid to try unconventional options like blue cheese or smoked gouda. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite!

The 10 Best Cheeses for Garlic Bread

Now that we have a good idea of what to look for in a cheese for garlic bread, let’s dive into the ten best cheese options for this dish:

1. Parmesan – A hard, nutty cheese that adds a savory kick to garlic bread.
2. Mozzarella – A mild cheese that melts well and creates a gooey texture.
3. Provolone – A semi-hard cheese with a mild flavor that pairs well with garlic.
4. Gouda – A creamy and slightly sweet cheese that melts well and adds a unique flavor to garlic bread.
5. Asiago – A nutty and slightly sharp cheese that adds depth to garlic bread.
6. Romano – A hard and salty cheese that can be used sparingly to add a sharp and tangy flavor.
7. Fontina – A semi-soft cheese that melts well and has a mild, buttery flavor.
8. Monterey Jack – A mild cheese that melts well and creates a gooey texture.
9. Cheddar – A versatile cheese that melts easily and adds a rich and sharp flavor to garlic bread.
10. Brie – A soft and creamy cheese that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to garlic bread.

7 Alternative Cheeses for Garlic Bread

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, here are seven alternative cheeses that you can use in your garlic bread:

1. Blue cheese – A strong and pungent cheese that can add a bold flavor to garlic bread.
2. Feta – A crumbly cheese with a tangy and salty taste that can add a Mediterranean twist to garlic bread.
3. Pepper Jack – A spicy cheese that can add a kick to garlic bread.
4. Ricotta – A creamy and mild cheese that can create a smooth and velvety texture in garlic bread.
5. Goat cheese – A tangy and slightly sweet cheese that can add a unique flavor to garlic bread.
6. Pecorino Romano – A hard and sharp cheese that can be used sparingly to add a salty and nutty flavor to garlic bread.
7. Smoked Gouda – A smoked version of Gouda cheese that can add a rich and smoky flavor to garlic bread.

By trying out these alternative cheese options, you can create a unique and flavorful twist on classic garlic bread.

5 Tips for Pairing Cheese and Garlic Bread

Pairing cheese and garlic bread can be a fun and creative process. Here are five tips to help you create the perfect combination:

1. Consider the garlic content – If your garlic bread has a strong garlic flavor, choose a mild cheese that won’t overpower it. On the other hand, if your garlic bread has a mild garlic flavor, you can choose a stronger cheese to add more depth to the dish.
2. Balance bold flavors with milder cheese – If you’re using a bold cheese like blue cheese or Pecorino Romano, balance it out with a milder cheese like mozzarella or provolone to avoid an overpowering taste.
3. Match the texture of cheese with bread – If your garlic bread is soft and fluffy, choose a cheese that melts well and creates a gooey texture. If your garlic bread is dense and crusty, a crumbly cheese like feta or goat cheese may be a better option.
4. Choose cheeses with complementary flavors – Look for cheeses that have flavors that complement the garlic, such as nutty cheeses like Parmesan or Asiago, or sweet cheeses like Gouda or Brie.
5. Experiment with unconventional pairings – Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and mix and match different cheeses. You never know what amazing flavor combinations you might discover!

Conclusion

In conclusion, cheese is an essential ingredient in garlic bread, and choosing the right cheese can take this classic comfort food to the next level.

In this article, we have discussed the factors to consider when selecting the best cheese for garlic bread and provided a list of ten cheese options to choose from, as well as seven alternative cheese options for those feeling adventurous. We have also shared five tips for pairing cheese and garlic bread to help you create the perfect combination.

Whether you prefer a mild and gooey cheese like mozzarella or a bold and pungent cheese like blue cheese, there is a cheese out there that can enhance the flavor of your garlic bread. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new combinations, and remember to consider the flavor, texture, saltiness, and melting point of the cheese when making your selection.

In the end, the best cheese for garlic bread is the one that satisfies your taste buds and leaves you craving for more. So go ahead, explore different cheeses, and find your perfect match for the ultimate garlic bread experience!