Garlic bread is one of those universally loved food items. Besides being incredibly easy to make, it packs every bite with a satisfying crunch, punchy aroma, and that buttery, garlicky flavor that goes with just about anything. Sliced thickly, you can eat it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. It never disappoints.

But as far as food combinations go, certain dishes pair better with garlic bread. It’s all about balancing flavors since garlic bread already tastes boldly on its own. Below, find six delicious meals to try with this Italian-American favorite!

1. Spaghetti Carbonara

In classic Italian cuisine, garlic bread typically accompanies pasta. Carbonara topped with crispy bacon bits is a popular choice, especially among kids. The garlic bread cuts through the richness of the carbonara’s creamy white sauce. At the same time, its crunchiness gives your taste buds a break from the pasta’s heavy mouthfeel. Overall, it’s the perfect marriage of flavors and textures.

2. Garlic Bread Tuna Melt

Need a quick lunch idea for your kids’ baon? Garlic bread tuna melt has you covered. To assemble, use garlic bread as a crunchy sandwich base. Add a layer of Lady’s Choice Tuna Spread mixed with Lady's Choice Real Mayonnaise, capers, and onion, then top with sliced cheese. Once you’ve toasted it and the cheese has melted, sprinkle a garnish of fresh herbs on top. And there you have it—a delicious sandwich your kids will ask for again and again.

3. Creamy Tomato Soup

Soup with toasty bread is a classic combination and nothing hits the spot better than tomato soup. To pair with garlic bread, make sure your soup errs on the side of creamy by adding some cream into the mix. It will balance out the acidity and brightness you get from the tomatoes and garlic bread.

You can kick it up a notch by turning your garlic bread into croutons! Slice your bread into cubes, then toast it with melted butter, garlic powder, and salt. Coat with shredded cheese and toast again. To serve, toss the cubes on top of the soup right before eating, and voila! It’s the perfect meal for a rainy day.

4. Seafood Stew

Ever wonder why white wine pairs well with seafood dishes? White wine is more acidic than red wine, which brightens seafood flavors. Garlic does the same thing due to its natural acidity.

Garlic bread is a classic partner to a dish like a seafood stew. You can whip up a warm bowl in minutes using any mix of seafood—such as mussels, fish fillet slices, prawns—and a broth seasoned with spices, vegetables, and sour cream. Eaten with toasted garlic bread on the side, you get a comforting meal with complex flavors that shine.

5. Grilled Marinated Pork and Vegetables

Nothing brings the family together like gathering around the grill. For a healthy and mouth-watering Sunday brunch, pair your cheesy garlic bread with a plate of marinated pork and grilled vegetables. Cut the pork into steak, prep with your preferred marinade or rub, then grill. For the vegetables, simply season with salt and grill on all sides.

When serving, slice the pork steaks into bite-sized cuts and serve with the grilled veggies and garlic bread. Add a vinaigrette on the side for added flavor and moisture, if you wish.

6. Garlic Bread Bruschetta

Wanna feel fancy with just a few ingredients? Serve some bruschetta as an entrée at your next dinner party. Putting it together is super easy. First, make your garlic bread using a baguette and cut it into one-inch-thick slices. Top with diced fresh tomatoes, chopped basil, and a pinch of sea salt, then garnish with parmesan cheese. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil upon serving. Now, you have a pre-dinner appetizer that guests will rave about. Easy.

Of course, there’s no rulebook for what to eat with garlic bread. Experimenting with different flavors is key to finding the combinations you love. But as long as you have some crusty bread, garlic, butter, and cheese stocked in your pantry, you’ll always be ready to serve up some garlic bread goodness. Looking for other meal ideas? Browse the Momspiration blog for more food tips and tricks.