This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a bread lover’s dream! Soft, fluffy pieces are loaded with melty cheese and rich garlic flavor. Perfect for sharing!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just tear, dip, and enjoy. I love pairing it with pasta or a cozy movie—it’s the perfect snack for any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A large round or oval loaf works best; I love using sourdough for its crusty outside and soft inside. If you can’t find it, any crusty Italian bread will do. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you more control over the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute!
Garlic: Fresh garlic has the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder in a pinch, but I recommend fresh for that strong, aromatic kick. A good rule of thumb is about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that fantastic stretch! If you’re a cheddar lover, feel free to use a mix. Low-fat cheese can work, but it won’t melt as well.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds great color and flavor. You can substitute it with dried parsley or even basil if desired. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes is a fun twist!
How Do I Get My Bread to Pull Apart Easily?
The secret to that perfect pull apart texture lies in how you cut and prepare your bread. Follow these steps carefully:
- Make sure to cut your bread in a crisscross pattern, but be gentle—avoid cutting all the way through; leave some intact at the bottom.
- When brushing in your garlic butter, make sure to get it into all the crevices. This infuses flavor right into the pulls!
- Don’t be shy with the cheese! Stuff plenty between the sliced sections to ensure that each piece is cheesy, gooey goodness.
- Wrapping the loaf in foil while it bakes traps steam, helping the cheese melt perfectly before browning the top!
By following these tips, your Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread will be a hit for sure! Enjoy pulling apart those cheesy pieces!
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round or oval crusty bread loaf (such as sourdough or Italian bread)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake. So, in total, you will need around 45 minutes from start to finish. A quick and mouth-watering treat to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get it nice and hot for the best melting cheese experience! While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make clean-up easier.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Once the oven is hot, take your bread loaf and place it on a cutting board. Carefully use a sharp bread knife to make cuts in a crisscross pattern about 1 inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom; leave about 1/2 inch intact so that the loaf stays together.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and if you like, the optional Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine the flavors.
4. Drizzle the Garlic Butter:
Now, here’s where the magic happens! Carefully drizzle or brush your garlic butter mixture evenly into all the cuts and crevices of the bread. Make sure every slice gets that delicious garlic flavor!
5. Stuff with Cheese:
Next, take the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and stuff it generously between the slices of bread. Don’t be shy! Push the cheese in slightly to fill each cut, making sure every bite will be wonderfully cheesy.
6. Wrap and Bake:
Loosely wrap the entire loaf in foil and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, just until the cheese begins to melt.
7. Crisp Up the Top:
After the first 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Return the bread to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the top to be golden and crispy, with the cheese fully melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t over-brown!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes—patience pays off! Serve the cheesy pull apart garlic bread warm, allowing everyone to dig in and pull apart their cheesy, garlicky pieces. Enjoy!
There’s nothing quite like this gooey, cheesy treat. Perfect for party snacks, game days, or just because! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the bread completely before cutting and preparing it. It’s best to let it sit at room temperature or place it in the fridge overnight to ensure even thawing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can use a gluten-free bread loaf available at most grocery stores. Just ensure that all the other ingredients, like butter and garlic, are also gluten-free. The rest of the steps remain the same!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, wrap them in foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can mix in cooked bacon, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. Just ensure that any additional ingredients don’t overpower the garlic and cheese!
