This gooey, cheesy pull apart garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser! It’s soft, buttery, and loaded with flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Who could resist tearing off those warm, cheesy pieces? I always seem to eat way too much, but can you blame me? Perfect for sharing—or not! 😄
It’s super easy to make, too! Just mix your ingredients, stuff the bread, bake, and enjoy. Great as a snack or a side dish for any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A round sourdough or boule is perfect for this recipe due to its sturdy crust. If you can’t find them, any crusty loaf like Italian or French bread will do just fine! I’ve even used baguettes for a fun twist.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is best as you can control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can work well here.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute—about 1 teaspoon should work. Just remember, fresh has a richer taste!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but don’t hesitate to mix cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, try vegan cheese that melts well.
How Do I Cut the Bread Without Ruining It?
Cutting the bread for pull apart garlic bread can be tricky! Here’s a simple way to get it right:
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. This makes it easier to slice through the crust without squishing the bread.
- Make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart, then turn the loaf and cut diagonally in the opposite direction to form diamond shapes.
- Be sure to leave at least 1 inch uncut on the bottom so the loaf stays intact—it’ll pull apart beautifully!
With these insights, you’ll create a perfect cheesy pull apart garlic bread that’s sure to impress! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 large round crusty bread loaf (such as sourdough or boule)
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
For the Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy pull apart garlic bread takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, making a total of approximately 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect when you need a warm, cheesy treat in a hurry!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bread bakes evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Place your bread on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart across the loaf. Then, turn the bread and make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom crust; leave about 1 inch intact to keep the loaf together!
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients!
4. Brush the Mixture into the Bread:
Gently separate the cuts in the loaf with your hands. Use a brush or spoon to generously apply the garlic butter mixture into every crevice, ensuring it gets deep inside for maximum flavor.
5. Add the Cheese:
Stuff shredded mozzarella cheese (and cheddar, if using) between all the bread pieces. Feel free to sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy kick!
6. Bake the Bread:
Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown and crispy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bread is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, pull apart the cheesy, garlicky chunks and enjoy! This delicious bread pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or makes a great party appetizer.
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen bread, make sure to thaw it completely first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or leave it out at room temperature for a few hours. Just be sure it’s at room temperature before you start cutting and stuffing it!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bread and fill it with the garlic butter and cheese mixture up to a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pull apart bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also wrap it in foil and refrigerate it for longer freshness. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again!
What Variations Can I Try?
Feel free to get creative! Add cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick!
