This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a fun and tasty treat! Fluffy bread filled with gooey cheese and a buttery garlic mix makes every bite a delicious adventure.
You know it’s a winner when cheese strings out like it’s trying to wave hi! 🙋♂️ I love enjoying it as a snack or side dish—perfect for sharing (or not!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A good sourdough or crusty bread is key for this recipe. Its texture holds up well to stuffing. If you don’t have sourdough, try Italian or French bread instead. Just make sure it’s sturdy!
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt flavor. If you want to cut calories, you can use a butter substitute or olive oil, but those may change the flavor slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for a rich flavor. You could use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh delivers the best punch. If you love it, feel free to add more garlic!
Cheese: Mozzarella is perfect for that stretchy cheese effect. You can replace it with provolone for a sharper taste or use cheddar for a richer flavor. A mix is always fun!
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish. If you don’t have it, try using dried parsley or even fresh basil for a different twist.
How Do I Cut the Bread Without Messing It Up?
Getting the cuts right is key to making the pull-apart bread look great and taste amazing. Here’s how you can do it:
- Use a serrated knife for a smooth cut—this helps prevent squishing the bread.
- Make horizontal cuts about 1 inch apart, stopping short of the bottom crust.
- Then, make vertical cuts in the same way to create a checkerboard pattern, ensuring all pieces stay connected at the base.
By cutting carefully, you’ll have perfectly pull-apart pieces that ooze cheese when baked!
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium round sourdough or crusty bread loaf (about 12 inches)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes of baking time. So, in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy wonder ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your garlic bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly toasted.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take a serrated knife and carefully make horizontal cuts in the loaf about 1 inch apart, stopping just before you cut through the bottom crust. Next, make vertical cuts in the same manner to create a grid pattern of cubes that remain attached at the bottom. This will help create those lovely pull-apart pieces!
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and smells delicious!
4. Spread the Garlic Butter:
Now, gently pull apart the bread cubes and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly between the cuts. Make sure you get butter into all the little crevices for maximum flavor!
5. Add the Cheese:
Stuff the shredded mozzarella cheese (and cheddar cheese, if you’re using it) generously between the bread cubes. Press it into the spaces so every piece will be cheesy and delicious.
6. Wrap the Loaf:
Loosely wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips while baking.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, carefully unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, and the bread to be golden brown.
8. Add the Parmesan (Optional):
If you love Parmesan, feel free to sprinkle it over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking to add an extra cheesy crust on top!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart those cheesy bread cubes for a delightfully gooey experience!
This cheesy pull apart garlic bread offers a delightful mix of flavors, perfect for an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish. Enjoy every gooey and cheesy bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough works best for its texture, you can use any crusty bread like Italian or French. Just ensure it’s firm enough to hold the cheesy filling without falling apart.
What Can I Substitute for the Cheeses?
If mozzarella isn’t available, try provolone or gouda for a different flavor. Cheddar adds a nice sharpness, but feel free to mix any cheese types you love!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter and cut the bread in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to bake, simply add the cheese and bake as instructed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil to keep it moist, or microwave it briefly until warm.
