Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

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Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

Breakfast & Brunch

This Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is the ultimate appetizer or side dish that’s guaranteed to disappear fast! Loaded with melted cheese, buttery garlic, and herbs, each piece is soft on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, or at your next party, this bread brings gooey, garlicky goodness to the table every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for game days, holidays, or any get-together.
Irresistibly Cheesy – Every piece is packed with gooey, melted cheese.
Simple to Make – Uses basic ingredients and comes together easily.
Fun to Eat – Just pull, dip, and enjoy—no slicing needed.
Pairs with Everything – Great with pasta, soup, salad, or on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 large round or oval crusty bread loaf (sourdough or Italian works best)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added depth)
  • Olive oil for brushing (optional for extra crispness)

Tools You’ll Need

  • Bread knife or serrated knife
  • Pastry brush
  • Mixing bowl
  • Foil
  • Baking sheet
  • Small saucepan (optional for melting butter)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the bread on a cutting board.
  3. Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into 1-inch wide strips, making sure not to cut all the way through.
  4. Rotate the loaf and make cuts in the opposite direction to create a crosshatch pattern—again, don’t slice through the bottom crust.
  5. Set the loaf aside on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

  1. In a bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
  3. Optionally, warm in a small saucepan for 1-2 minutes to intensify the garlic flavor.

Step 3: Stuff the Bread with Cheese and Garlic Butter

  1. Gently pull apart the bread pieces and drizzle or brush the garlic butter into all the crevices.
  2. Use a spoon or fingers to stuff shredded mozzarella and cheddar deep into the cuts.
  3. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top for extra flavor, if using.
  4. Brush the top crust with a little olive oil for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

  1. Wrap the bread loosely in foil and place it on the baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 15 minutes to melt the cheese and warm the bread.
  3. Uncover the top and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
  4. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Place the bread on a serving board or platter.
  2. Let everyone pull apart a cheesy, garlicky piece.
  3. Serve with marinara sauce or a creamy dip for extra fun.

Tips for Perfect Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Use Crusty Bread – A sturdy loaf holds up better to cutting and stuffing.
Don’t Cut All the Way Through – Keeping the base intact holds the loaf together.
Use Softened Cheese – Let your shredded cheese sit at room temperature to help it melt quickly and evenly.
Double the Garlic Butter – If you love it extra garlicky, feel free to make a little more.
Bake in Foil First – This melts the cheese inside before crisping the outside.

Serving Suggestions
With Pasta – Serve alongside spaghetti, Alfredo, or lasagna for a perfect pairing.
Soup Companion – Great with tomato soup, creamy mushroom, or chicken noodle.
Party Appetizer – Place on a board with dips like ranch, marinara, or queso.
Snack Attack – Just enjoy it on its own—no excuse needed!

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

  • Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

  • Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat individual pieces for 20-30 seconds, though the crust may not stay as crispy.
  • Air Fryer: Great for crisping up small portions—heat at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
    Absolutely! Monterey Jack, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack are delicious choices.
  2. What kind of bread works best?
    A crusty round or oval loaf like sourdough or artisan Italian is ideal. Avoid soft sandwich bread.
  3. Can I make it ahead of time?
    Yes! Assemble the bread, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
  4. Can I freeze it?
    You can freeze the assembled (unbaked) loaf. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 30 minutes.
  5. What dip goes best with this bread?
    Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a creamy cheese dip pairs beautifully with the cheesy, garlicky flavor.

Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is everything you want in a comfort food—warm, gooey, buttery, and packed with bold flavor. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for a party appetizer. Make it once, and it’ll become a staple in your home. Just be ready—this bread disappears fast!

Make it soon, and don’t forget to tag your creations and leave a review. Happy baking!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 430mg

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Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread


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  • Author: Paula
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Description

This Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is the ultimate appetizer or side dish that’s guaranteed to disappear fast! Loaded with melted cheese, buttery garlic, and herbs, each piece is soft on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, or at your next party, this bread brings gooey, garlicky goodness to the table every time.

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large round or oval crusty bread loaf (sourdough or Italian works best)

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added depth)

  • Olive oil for brushing (optional for extra crispness)


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Place the bread on a cutting board.

  3. Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into 1-inch wide strips, making sure not to cut all the way through.

  4. Rotate the loaf and make cuts in the opposite direction to create a crosshatch pattern—again, don’t slice through the bottom crust.

  5. Set the loaf aside on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

  1. In a bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.

  2. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

  3. Optionally, warm in a small saucepan for 1-2 minutes to intensify the garlic flavor.

Step 3: Stuff the Bread with Cheese and Garlic Butter

  1. Gently pull apart the bread pieces and drizzle or brush the garlic butter into all the crevices.

  2. Use a spoon or fingers to stuff shredded mozzarella and cheddar deep into the cuts.

  3. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top for extra flavor, if using.

  4. Brush the top crust with a little olive oil for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

  1. Wrap the bread loosely in foil and place it on the baking sheet.

  2. Bake for 15 minutes to melt the cheese and warm the bread.

  3. Uncover the top and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown.

  4. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Place the bread on a serving board or platter.

  2. Let everyone pull apart a cheesy, garlicky piece.

  3. Serve with marinara sauce or a creamy dip for extra fun.

Notes

Use Crusty Bread – A sturdy loaf holds up better to cutting and stuffing.
Don’t Cut All the Way Through – Keeping the base intact holds the loaf together.
Use Softened Cheese – Let your shredded cheese sit at room temperature to help it melt quickly and evenly.
Double the Garlic Butter – If you love it extra garlicky, feel free to make a little more.
Bake in Foil First – This melts the cheese inside before crisping the outside.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Cuisine: American

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