This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is like a warm hug for your taste buds! Imagine soft, fluffy bread loaded with gooey cheese and tasty garlic butter.
You won’t be able to resist pulling apart the pieces for a cheesy bite! I love serving it with pasta or as a snack. It’s perfect for sharing, but good luck with that! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A round or oval crusty loaf works best for this recipe. Choices like ciabatta or a sourdough bread are fantastic options. If you can’t find these, any sturdy bread will do, but avoid soft sandwich bread as it won’t hold up.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to substitute with a plant-based butter for similar richness. Olive oil can work too, but it will change the texture slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a strong flavor, but garlic powder could be a good alternative if you’re in a pinch. Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for a milder taste.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for its meltiness. Cheddar adds a nice tang. If you want it spicier, consider pepper jack or for a gourmet twist, use fontina or gouda. Vegan cheese is available if you need a dairy-free option!
Parsley and Chives: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use dried herbs, but reduce the amount since they’re more potent. You can mix in your favorite herbs like basil or oregano too.
How Do I Perfectly Cut the Bread Without Messing It Up?
Getting those even cuts in bread is crucial for the cheesy goodness to melt into each piece. Here’s how:
- Start with a sharp serrated knife. A dull knife can crush the bread.
- Place the loaf on a stable cutting board. Hold it steady with one hand.
- Make diagonal cuts about 1 to 1.5 inches apart. Don’t cut all the way through; leave a bit of bread intact at the bottom.
- Then, turn the loaf and make similar cuts the other way to create a crosshatch pattern.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect! Each cut just needs to allow room for that butter and cheese to seep in for a delicious result.
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 large round or oval crusty bread loaf (about 12–14 oz)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesy bread will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. In total, you should set aside about 35-40 minutes, with the result being a warm and gooey treat that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure your bread gets crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
2. Cut the Bread:
Place your bread loaf on a cutting board. With a serrated knife, make diagonal cuts about 1 to 1.5 inches apart. Cut down almost to the bottom but don’t cut all the way through! Now, rotate the loaf 90 degrees and repeat to create a crosshatch pattern. This way, every piece gets filled with that yummy garlic butter and cheese!
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Spread the Garlic Butter:
Take your garlic butter mixture and carefully spread it inside each cut of the bread. Make sure to push the butter mixture deep into the crevices so every piece gets that delicious flavor!
5. Stuff with Cheese:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and stuff it generously into each cut of the bread. Push some cheese deep inside for maximum cheesiness—this is what makes it so gooey!
6. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil, and place it on a baking sheet. This helps the bread get warm and the cheese melt perfectly.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Put the bread in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully unwrap the foil and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted and the bread to be golden and crispy around the edges.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the loaf out of the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Then serve warm! Pull apart the cheesy sections, and watch your friends and family enjoy every gooey bite. It’s perfect as a side dish or a fun appetizer!
This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy it warm and cheesy! 😋
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While a round or oval crusty loaf works best, you can use other types of sturdy bread like ciabatta or sourdough. Just avoid soft sandwich bread as it won’t hold up well during baking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the bread with the garlic butter and cheese filling a few hours ahead. Just cover it tightly with foil and keep it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What Can I Substitute for the Cheese?
If you want to change things up, feel free to use other cheeses like gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for extra flavor. For a dairy-free option, plant-based cheese alternatives will also work well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melty again!
