Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Pull-apart Garlic Bread is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering or cozy night in. Crispy on the outside, gooey and flavorful on the inside, this bread is loaded with garlic butter and melted mozzarella that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 120 g unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 sourdough loaf or thick pane di casa
• 225 g freshly grated mozzarella

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) fan-forced.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with parsley, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Score the bread diagonally to create diamond shapes, making sure not to cut all the way through.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the garlic butter mixture into the crevices of the bread using a spoon. Stuff the grated mozzarella into all the cuts. Don’t worry about perfect distribution—the rustic look is part of the charm.
5. Step 5: Wrap the bread tightly in foil and place it on a baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil from the top and bake uncovered for an additional 8 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy.
6. Step 6: Serve warm and encourage everyone to pull apart and enjoy together.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika into the garlic butter.
• Try mixing mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a richer taste.
• Use day-old bread for best results, as it holds its shape better when scored and baked.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added for a different herbal note.

Storage

Store any leftover pull-apart garlic bread in an airtight container or foil-wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, crusty breads like French baguette or ciabatta work well, but sourdough or pane di casa gives the best texture for pulling apart.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the bread with garlic butter and cheese, then wrap and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 73 reviews

A deliciously cheesy pull-apart garlic bread featuring crusty sourdough loaf generously filled with garlic butter and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a shareable appetizer or side, this recipe combines the fragrant flavors of fresh parsley and garlic with gooey, golden-brown cheese baked to perfection.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Garlic Butter Mixture

• 120 g unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Bread and Cheese

• 1 sourdough loaf or thick pane di casa
• 225 g freshly grated mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) if using fan-forced.
2. Make Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
3. Score the Bread: Using a sharp knife, score the sourdough loaf on an angle to create diamond-shaped cuts. Be careful not to slice all the way through the bread to preserve the loaf structure while allowing filling to penetrate.
4. Apply Garlic Butter and Stuff Cheese: Drizzle the garlic butter mixture into every crevice created by the scoring. Then stuff the grated mozzarella generously into the cuts, allowing the cheese to fill the spaces. It can be rustic and uneven for best effect.
5. Wrap and Bake: Wrap the prepared bread tightly in a large sheet of aluminum foil and place it on an oven-safe tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to melt the cheese thoroughly.
6. Finish Baking Without Foil: Carefully remove the foil from the top of the bread and continue baking for an additional 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top surface turns golden and crispy.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm so everyone can tear apart the pull-apart bread and enjoy the cheesy garlic goodness.

Notes

• Use a serrated knife to score the bread to avoid squashing the loaf.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella.
• Ensure the bread is fresh but firm to hold the fillings well.
• Leftovers can be reheated wrapped in foil at 180°C for 10 minutes.
• Adjust garlic quantity based on preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.

Keywords: cheesy garlic bread, pull-apart bread, sourdough bread, mozzarella, garlic butter, appetizer, party bread