Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is a warm, buttery, and cheesy appetizer perfect for sharing. Made with crusty bread, melted cheese, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce, this pull-apart dish is ideal for parties, game nights, or as a side to soups and pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside.
- A quick and easy crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack.
- Fully customizable with different cheeses and seasonings.
- No special skills required—just slice, stuff, and bake.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Crusty bread (such as sourdough or French bread)
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the bread: Using a sharp knife, make deep diagonal cuts across the bread, being careful not to cut all the way through. Repeat in the opposite direction to create a grid pattern.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Stuff the bread: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture into the cuts. Stuff shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan into the spaces.
- Bake: Wrap the bread loosely in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm: Sprinkle with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in dried oregano, basil, or thyme for a more aromatic flavor.
- Meaty Version: Stuff with cooked crumbled bacon or pepperoni.
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
- Sweet Option: Use cinnamon sugar and cream cheese for a dessert version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) bread in an airtight bag for up to 1 month. Thaw before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer at 325°F for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use pre-sliced bread?
No, a whole loaf is best to prevent the bread from falling apart.
What type of bread works best?
Crusty breads like sourdough, French bread, or ciabatta hold up well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread and refrigerate it, then bake it when ready to serve.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer flavor.
How do I keep the bread from burning?
Cover it with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover for the final 10 minutes.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon make great additions.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheese.
How do I make the bread extra crispy?
Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes for a crunchier crust.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, but butter adds more flavor and richness.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with soups, pasta, grilled meats, or as an appetizer on its own.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is a simple yet irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its golden crust, gooey cheese, and garlicky flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at parties, family dinners, or game nights. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear within minutes.