Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is one of those perfect snack or side dishes that everyone loves. It’s soft, fluffy bread loaded with gooey melted cheese and plenty of garlicky butter that soaks into every nook and cranny. As you pull it apart piece by piece, the strings of cheese just keep stretching, making it fun to eat and even better to share.
I always make this when friends come over or for a cozy night in because it’s easy to prepare but feels special. My favorite tip is to use a good mix of cheeses—mozzarella for meltiness and a little cheddar or parmesan for flavor punch. It’s so satisfying watching everyone gather around and dig in, each grabbing their own cheesy piece.
Serve it warm right out of the oven with a side of marinara sauce or a fresh salad to balance out all that cheesy goodness. I can honestly say this bread brings people together, whether it’s for a casual movie night or just when you want something comforting. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser and one of those dishes I keep coming back to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Use a crusty loaf like sourdough or French bread. A soft bread won’t hold the fillings well. If you can’t find these, a sturdy Italian bread works fine. Avoid sandwich loaves as they get soggy.
Butter & Garlic: Butter gives richness and helps garlic flavor soak in. Use unsalted butter so you control the saltiness. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work if needed.
Cheese: Mozzarella is essential for its melting stretchiness. Adding cheddar adds flavor depth. Parmesan boosts the savory taste. If you want, swap cheddar with provolone or fontina for different flavors.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness. Dried oregano brings an herby note. If fresh parsley isn’t available, substitute with dried but reduce the amount since it’s pungent.
How Do You Cut and Stuff the Bread Without Breaking It?
Cutting the bread properly is key so it holds together while being stuffed and baked.
- Use a sharp serrated knife to avoid squishing the bread.
- Cut vertically and horizontally about 1.5 to 2 inches apart.
- Stop about 1 inch from the bottom to keep the loaf intact.
- Drizzle the garlic butter slowly between the cuts allowing it to soak in well.
- When adding cheese, press gently between slices to fill gaps but don’t force it; this keeps the loaf from falling apart.
Wrapping the loaf loosely in foil helps trap moisture while baking, keeping the bread soft inside with a golden crust on top when unwrapped. This method leads to the perfect balance of gooey cheese and soft bread.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Serrated knife – I recommend it because it cuts through the bread without crushing the crust, making the pattern easier to create.
- Cooking brush or spoon – for evenly spreading the garlic butter mixture into all the cracks of the bread.
- Aluminum foil – makes cleanup easier and helps keep the bread moist while baking.
- Baking sheet – to hold the bread as it bakes and get a nice, even finish on the crust.
- Grater – for shredding cheese quickly and easily, especially if you buy blocks of mozzarella or cheddar.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese Swap: Use provolone, gouda, or pepper jack instead of or with mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Herb Boost: Add chopped thyme, basil, or rosemary to the garlic butter for extra aroma and flavor.
- Meaty Option: Mix cooked bacon bits or shredded cooked chicken inside for a hearty twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for some heat with every pull.
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bread and Filling:
- 1 large round or oval crusty bread loaf (like sourdough or French bread)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, making it ready in around 35 minutes total. It’s quick yet delicious – perfect for when you’re craving a cheesy, garlicky treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Bread:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to keep things tidy. Take your bread and use a serrated knife to carefully cut it both horizontally and vertically, making a crisscross pattern with cubes about 1.5 to 2 inches apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through – leave about 1 inch intact at the bottom so the bread stays together.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Mix it well so the flavors come together.
3. Add the Garlic Butter and Cheese:
Gently drizzle or brush the garlic butter mixture between all the cuts in your bread, letting it soak into every crack. Then, stuff the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously into the openings between the bread cubes, pressing the cheese down so it fills all the gaps. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, pressing it gently into the crevices.
4. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap your stuffed bread loosely in aluminum foil and place it on the baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes. After that, unwrap the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the bread turn a lovely golden brown.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Take the bread out of the oven and sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the bread warm, and enjoy pulling apart each cheesy, garlicky piece with friends or family!
This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a fantastic appetizer, perfect partner for pasta dinners, or an irresistible party snack. Have fun sharing and savor every delicious, gooey bite!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh, crusty bread for this recipe since frozen bread can become soggy and won’t hold the cheese and butter as well. If you only have frozen bread, thaw it completely at room temperature before using.
Can I Prepare the Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can slice and stuff the bread with the garlic butter and cheese, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness and warm the cheese.
Can I Add Different Cheeses or Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in cheeses like provolone, gouda, or fontina for different tastes. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
