This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a fluffy, delicious treat! It’s packed with gooey cheese and a tasty garlic butter mix, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Honestly, it’s hard to resist tearing off a piece! Whenever I make this, I can’t help but keep sneaking bites. Pair it with soup or pasta for a wonderful meal! 🍞🧄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A round crusty loaf, like sourdough or boule, works best for this recipe. If you can’t find those, any hearty bread will do, like Italian bread or even a French baguette cut into sections.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon for 4 cloves) instead. However, fresh will always taste more robust!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for that stretchy texture. Adding cheddar gives it a nice sharpness. For a twist, consider using pepper jack or a mix of cheeses for more flavor. Just make sure they melt well!
Butter: Unsalted is preferred to control the saltiness since we add salt later. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
How Do You Cut Bread for Pull Apart Style?
Cutting the bread correctly is key to achieving that pull-apart texture. Here’s how:
- Use a sharp, serrated knife to make diagonal cuts across the loaf about 1 inch apart. Cut almost to the bottom, ensuring you don’t slice all the way through.
- Next, turn the loaf 90 degrees and repeat the cuts, creating a grid pattern. This helps create lots of spaces for the buttery garlic goodness and cheese!
- Be gentle but firm; the goal is to create pockets without completely severing the bread’s base.
This technique ensures that every piece gets coated with that delicious garlic butter and is filled with melted cheese. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round crusty bread loaf (such as sourdough or boule)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. So, in total, set aside about 40 minutes to get this delicious cheesy treat ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to make sure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your bread.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Using a sharp bread knife, carefully make diagonal cuts across the loaf about 1 inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through—just make deep cuts. After that, turn your bread 90 degrees and make diagonal cuts again to form a grid. This will help the flavors soak in!
3. Mix the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until everything is mixed together nicely. This butter mix is going to make your bread shine!
4. Add the Garlic Butter:
Grab a spoon (or just use your hands!) and start spreading that garlic butter evenly into each cut and crevice of your bread loaf. Make sure to get it in there for maximum flavor!
5. Stuff with Cheese:
Now it’s time for the cheese! Stuff the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the cuts of the bread, pushing it deep inside so every piece gets cheesy goodness. If you love cheese, go ahead and add more!
6. Optional Topping:
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the loaf for an extra cheesy crust.
7. Wrap & Bake:
Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet to catch any melting cheese. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
8. Unwrap and Finish Baking:
After 15 minutes, carefully unwrap the foil (watch out for hot steam!) and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread top is golden brown.
9. Cool Slightly:
Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart those cheesy, garlicky pieces with your fingers! It’s perfect as a snack or a side dish with soups or salads.
Dig in and enjoy your bubbly, cheesy masterpiece! 🍞🧄🧀
Can I Use Store-Bought Garlic Butter Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought garlic butter. Just skip the mixing step and spread it directly onto the bread before adding the cheese. Just make sure to check the flavor—it can vary by brand!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder is equivalent to 1 clove of fresh garlic. Just sprinkle it into the butter mixture for flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Garlic Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore the cheesy goodness!
Can I Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared but unbaked Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread! Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake it, just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
