Introduction
Sourdough bread stuffed with garlic and fresh herbs is the ultimate savory treat. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, it boasts aromatic herbs and tangy notes from sourdough. This delightful dish is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply as a comforting side to your main meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500 g sourdough bread
100 g unsalted butter, melted
6 cloves garlic, minced
50 g fresh parsley, chopped
20 g fresh chives, chopped
10 g fresh thyme leaves
150 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 g salt
1 g black pepper
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 8 servings
To make this delicious garlic herb sourdough bread, start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut the sourdough bread horizontally and vertically into squares without cutting all the way through to keep the loaf intact. In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently spread and drizzle the garlic-herb butter mixture into the bread cuts. Stuff shredded mozzarella into the cuts and over the top of the bread.
Wrap the loaf in foil and place it on a baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then unwrap the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread is golden. Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish, and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to preheat at 180°C (350°F). This ensures an ideal baking environment for achieving a perfect, crispy crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Sourdough
Take the sourdough bread and carefully cut it horizontally and vertically, creating a grid of squares across the top. Make sure not to slice all the way through; the loaf should remain intact.
Step 3: Make the Garlic-Herb Butter Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are blended well, creating a fragrant herb-infused butter.
Step 4: Fill the Bread with Butter
Gently open up the cuts in the sourdough and drizzle or spread the garlic-herb butter mixture into each cut. Make sure the mix seeps deep into the bread, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Stuff the cuts in the bread with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Be generous! Top off the loaf with any remaining cheese for an abundantly cheesy finish.
Step 6: Wrap and Prepare to Bake
Wrap the entire stuffed loaf in aluminum foil to keep its moisture locked in. Place the wrapped loaf on a baking tray for easy handling.
Step 7: Bake the Loaf
Transfer the baking tray to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After this time, carefully unwrap the foil and return the loaf to the oven for another 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully and the bread to turn golden brown.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Offer it warm as a delightful appetizer or a side dish to complement your main meal.
Notes
Tip for Fresh Herbs
Choose the freshest herbs you can find to enhance the aroma and flavor of the bread. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh will yield a brighter taste.
Cheese Alternatives
Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or fontina, allowing for different flavor profiles in your stuffed bread.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore that crispy exterior.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffed sourdough is perfect alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer for gatherings. Pair it with a dipping sauce like marinara for a fun twist.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Bread
Cutting the sourdough bread into squares is essential for allowing the garlic-herb mixture and cheese to penetrate deeply into the loaf. Use a serrated knife for easier cutting.
Making Garlic-Herb Butter
Combine melted unsalted butter with minced garlic and fresh herbs to create a flavorful spread that infuses the bread with aromatic notes.
Stuffing the Bread
Gently spread the garlic-herb butter into the cuts of the bread and then stuff shredded mozzarella into the cuts, ensuring an even distribution for optimal flavor in every bite.
Baking Technique
Wrap the stuffed bread in foil for the initial baking phase to maintain moisture. Unwrapping in the last phase allows the cheese to melt and creates a crisp, golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish, allowing the flavors to shine. Pair it with soups or salads for a delightful meal.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute mozzarella with other types of cheese such as cheddar, fontina, or even a mixture of cheeses for added flavor.
How do I store leftover stuffed bread?
Store leftover stuffed bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I prepare this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic-herb butter and cut the bread ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
What can I serve with garlic herb sourdough bread?
This bread pairs well with soups, stews, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own as a tasty snack.
Can I freeze the assembled bread before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled stuffed bread. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
Sourdough bread stuffed with garlic and fresh herbs is a delightful dish that combines the crunchy exterior and soft interior of sourdough with the rich flavors of garlic and herbs. This versatile treat can serve as a perfect appetizer or a side dish, making it a great addition to any meal or gathering. The balance of flavors and textures makes every bite a savory experience that’s hard to resist.
Herb and Cheese Variation
Add a mix of your favorite herbs such as oregano and basil alongside different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda to create a rich and flavorful stuffing.
Spicy Pepper and Cheese Stuffing
Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the garlic-herb mixture for a kick. Pairing with pepper jack cheese will elevate the spiciness and add a creamy texture.
Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Sourdough
Sauté mushrooms and spinach with garlic before mixing them into the stuffing. This combination adds an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sourdough.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Filling
Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese into the herb butter mix for a Mediterranean touch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Sweet and Savory Combination
Combine garlic with a hint of honey and goat cheese for a unique sweet and savory stuffed bread option, creating a delightful contrast in flavors.
