Herby Cottage Cheese Garlic Bread

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Garlic bread walked, so this could run! Because once you’ve had this cheesy garlic bread made on pillowy challah with layers of creamy cottage cheese and herby garlic butter, there’s no going back to the basic loaf. Fully plan to make this on repeat and thank us later.

This unique twist on classic garlic bread is everything you didn’t know you needed! We love taking something familiar and elevating it enough to feel special without overcomplicating it. And this cheesy garlic bread recipe does exactly that. 

Thick slices of soft, slightly sweet challah bread are spread with a layer of cottage cheese before a spread of herby garlic butter is slathered on top. The unexpected creaminess from the cottage cheese melts beautifully into the herby garlic butter that is made with fresh minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and parsley. 

The edges of the challa bread get nice and crispy while the center is still soft. It is crispy, cramy garlicky perfection! Perfect for pasta night, serving with a side of soup or as an appetizer right off the pan. 

How to Make Herby Garlic Bread

There isn’t really a science to making garlic bread, but since we’ve added a twist to the traditional recipe, here’s our step-by-step guide for making our Herby Garlic Challah Bread.

Step 1. Turn the oven on broil and prep the baking sheet.

Broiling the bread is going to give the edges of the bread a nice crispy finish and melty top while keeping the center of the bread soft. 

Turn the broil onto 500ºF and give it some time to heat while you prepare the garlic bread. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2. Mix together herby garlic butter.

The herby garlic butter is the star of the show and is going to add so much flavor to the bread. 

Start by softening (Do not melt!) your butter. That way, it will be easier to mix in your herbs, cheese, and garlic into a seamless spread. Add in freshly minced garlic, herbs, salt, and parmesan and mix until evenly blended. 

Step 3. Spread bread slices with cottage cheese and butter. Then broil until crispy!

Slice your challah bread and spread a spoonful of cottage cheese onto the top of each loaf. 

Next, use a butter knife to spread a generous layer of herby garlic butter over the top of the cottage cheese. Repeat this for the rest of the slices and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Place the slices in the oven to toast and broil for 3-5 minutes until the edges are just browned and crispy. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before plating and serving!

Tips for Making the Best Garlic Bread

• Cut thick slices! This bread has some weight added to the top with the cottage cheese and herby butter. Since you are using a softer bread, you want to be able to support the spread on top.
• Use fresh herbs. There is nothing like the taste of fresh herbs. Which is why we recommend using them any chance you can in a recipe. Fresh herbs are going to add a vibrant flavor to the garlic bread.
• Broil for crispy edges. Broiling is going to crisp the edges and melt the butter and cheese on top. But be careful to watch the oven carefully because the bread can burn quickly. 

What is the best bread for garlic bread?

You can use almost any type of bread for garlic bread, but for the best results, we recommend you consider the size of your slices, the texture and density of the bread, and the crust. Here are some of our favorites: 

• French loaf
• Brioche bread (similar to challah)
• Sourdough

Tip: Avoid thinly sliced bread. We recommend buying a loaf of bread that isn’t pre-cut, so that you can control how thick the slices are. If you do choose a sliced loaf, go for a sourdough or French loaf that has a sturdy structure. 

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