Garlic bread is one of those classic side dishes that elevate a meal. Garlic, butter, and bread all in one delicious place can’t be beat, so it’s no wonder this side is a staple of so many meals.

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Greek yogurt spread

adds protein power

to classic garlic bread

Healthier side dish

with less butter and

more wholesome protein

Customize your loaf

with cheese or herbs

for extra flavor

Perfect for pairing

with pasta, salads, or

entertaining guests

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Elevate the classic comfort of garlic bread with a nourishing, high-protein spin using tangy Greek yogurt. This recipe transforms ordinary slices of crusty loaf into an irresistible side dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly wholesome. Whether you’re craving a protein boost, a savory snack, or looking for something new to pair with dinner, this Greek yogurt garlic bread delivers flavor, texture, and versatility.

Why Greek Yogurt?

Garlic bread is a beloved snack and Italian-style dinner companion for good reason – the buttery, flaky crust is delicious to our fat-craving brains. Traditional garlic bread relies heavily on butter or oil for richness and moisture. While undeniably tasty, those fats don’t offer much in the way of protein. The fat content of all that butter can also turn off more health-conscious eaters.

Greek yogurt is celebrated for its thick, creamy texture and impressive protein content—typically around 15–20 grams per cup — making it an ideal base for this spread. By substituting part of the traditional butter or oil with Greek yogurt, you reduce saturated fat while adding gut-healthy probiotics and extra protein. Blending it into your garlic-herb spread helps the bread brown beautifully under the broiler and keeps each bite tender while turning a simple side into a high-protein powerhouse. Serve it up alongside salads, pasta, grilled proteins, and more.

What Bread is Best for High-Protein?

Garlic bread is usually made on a baguette or hearty loaf of Italian bread. However, consider some alternatives if you’re trying to maximize your protein intake and optimize the bread.

If you’re not worried about the tanginess of the yogurt clashing with the natural tang of sourdough, it’s a worthy high-protein vehicle for garlic bread. Otherwise, anything made with 100% whole grains will work just fine, plus they’ll bring plenty of fiber to the party. When in doubt, peek at the nutritional label when shopping for your next loaf.

Ingredients

• 1 large artisan baguette or Italian loaf, sliced ¾ inch thick
• 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Spread:
   In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, softened butter, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and fully emulsified. Fold in the garlic, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) — season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Bread:
   Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread about 1 tablespoon of the yogurt mixture onto each slice, covering the surface evenly. If you’re adding cheese, this would be the time to do so.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection:
   Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are crisp and the tops are lightly golden. Switch to the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes for an ultra-crispy finish — watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley and serve warm.

Make Your High-Protein Greek Yogurt Garlic Bread Unique

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can customize each comforting slice so it’s exactly how you like it.

Want to make it even cheesier?

Stir ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the yogurt mix and top with additional cheese before baking. If you’re looking to mitigate the fat content, find low-fat or skim cheeses to add in to the mix.

If spice is more your speed, call in an assist from fresh jalapeño.

Chop it finely and fold it into the spread before baking. If you don’t want a full heat blast, remove the seeds first. Alternatively, slice the jalapeño into rounds and place them on top of the cheese before baking to get a kick of heat in every tasty bite.

Go full-on Italian

Add ¼ cup of savory-sweet sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tablespoons (or 3-4 good-sized leaves chopped into bite-sized bits.

Or, if you’re looking for a vegan alternative to your high-protein Greek yogurt garlic bread, reach for plant-based yogurt.

Batch-Prep, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it keeps. Prepare the loaf through the stage of spreading on the yogurt mixture, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake and broil according to the steps above. Just add a couple extra minutes if the loaf hasn’t had much time to come to room temperature and is still on the chillier side. Enjoy it within five days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezer-meal fans will love this high-protein Greek yogurt garlic bread because it’s a perfect make-ahead side. After spreading but before baking, wrap your loaf twice in plastic wrap and then foil. As with any freezer meal, try to get as much oxygen out of the wrapping as possible to avoid the formation of ice crystals, which might ruin the texture of your loaf. Freeze for up to three months. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the original baking instructions.

Reheating

Though it’s unlikely, if you don’t gobble up all of the garlic bread in one night, it’s pretty easy to reheat the next day. Your best bet for preserving quality is to use the oven. Reheat at 350°F for about five minutes until warmed through and crisp again.

If you want to keep things crisp, an air fryer can also be handy. The instructions here are about the same as those for your oven.

While the microwave isn’t ideal, you can still use it to reheat your high-protein Greek yogurt garlic bread in a pinch. If possible, make sure the bread does not touch anything else in the microwave to allow heat to flow evenly around each slice. Microwave the bread in 30-second increments to keep it from going hard.

Nutrition Highlights

Thanks to Greek yogurt, each slice delivers a notable protein punch. In fact, you’ll find that it’s doubling the protein content of classic garlic bread. Exact macros will depend on your yogurt choice and loaf size, but you can easily calculate them using your favorite nutrition tracker. You’ll also reduce saturated fats compared to an all-butter spread, making this recipe a lighter yet still indulgent option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is garlic bread rich in protein?

Depending on the ingredients used, homemade garlic bread can contain a decent amount of protein—some variations can have as many as 19 grams.

Is high-protein Greek yogurt good for weight loss?

High-protein Green yogurt can help you feel fuller, potentially reducing the number of calories you eat in one sitting. Therefore, it might be helpful for weight loss.