This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It has soft, fluffy bread loaded with gooey cheese and rich garlic flavor, making it a perfect side for any meal.
Who can resist tearing off a piece of this cheesy goodness? I love serving it warm right out of the oven—it’s hard to stop at just one bite! 🥖🧄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Round Loaf of Bread: A crusty bread like sourdough or boule is great for this recipe. If you can’t find those, try French bread or even a baguette. Just ensure it has a sturdy crust to hold all that filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: While I love using mozzarella for its meltiness, mixing it with cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor. If you’re dairy-free, consider vegan cheese alternatives that melt well, or use a blend of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Unsalted Butter: This is a classic choice, but if you’re looking to reduce calories, you can use olive oil instead. It won’t be quite as rich, but it still adds great flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best taste, but feel free to use garlic powder in a pinch—about 1 teaspoon for a milder garlic flavor. You could also use garlic-infused oil for a subtler hint.
Fresh Parsley: While fresh herbs are wonderful for color and flavor, dried parsley works fine too! Just use about 1 tablespoon, but fresh is always my favorite when I have it on hand.
How Do You Cut Bread For Pull Apart Garlic Bread?
The cutting technique is key for pull apart bread! Start by carefully making cuts in the bread without slicing all the way through. Here’s how to do it:
- First, place the loaf on a cutting board. Use a serrated knife, which works best for bread.
- Make vertical cuts about 1 to 1.5 inches apart, then turn the bread and make horizontal cuts, creating a grid.
- Be sure to leave the bottom intact; this keeps the loaf connected, making it easier to pull apart later!
This step may take a little practice, but with a little care, you’ll have perfectly cut bread ready to be stuffed with all that delicious filling!
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or boule)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
Time Estimate:
This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, gooey bread ready to share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bread bakes just right!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Place your loaf of bread on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully make cuts about 1 to 1.5 inches apart. Make sure not to cut all the way through the bottom—the bread should stay connected. Once you’ve made the vertical cuts, rotate the bread and make cuts perpendicular to the first set, creating a grid pattern of cubes.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir until everything is well combined and smells heavenly!
4. Add the Garlic Butter:
Gently pull apart the bread cubes just a bit so there’s space for the butter. Use a brush or spoon to dollop the garlic butter mixture evenly into all the cuts, ensuring the bread gets plenty of flavor!
5. Stuff with Cheese:
Now it’s time for the best part! Stuff your shredded cheese into all those gaps between the cubes. Spread it evenly so every bite will be cheesy!
6. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil. This helps the bread steam slightly and keeps it soft. Place the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven. If you like, sprinkle a little more fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. Serve warm and get ready to tear apart those cheesy pieces!
This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is not only delicious but also a fun shareable treat perfect for parties, family dinners, or cozy nights in. Enjoy the gooey, garlicky goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bread! Just make sure to fully thaw it before cutting and preparing. You can leave it in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can lighten it up by using whole-grain or low-calorie bread options. Additionally, try substituting part of the butter with olive oil and using less cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative for reduced fat content.
What Should I Do with Leftover Garlic Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to help revive the crispiness!
Can I Add More Ingredients Like Bacon or Herbs?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or extra herbs like thyme or oregano for added flavor. Just remember not to overload the bread—balance is key for it to pull apart easily!