Cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is a delicious and indulgent appetizer or side dish made with a crusty loaf of bread stuffed with melted cheese, butter, and garlic. This dish is perfect for sharing and is ideal for gatherings, parties, or simply as a comforting treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Perfect for serving at parties, game nights, or family dinners
- Irresistibly cheesy with a rich, buttery garlic flavor
- A great way to elevate a simple loaf of bread into something special
- Pairs well with soups, salads, or pasta dishes
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Crusty bread loaf (such as sourdough or French bread)
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a serrated knife, make diagonal cuts across the bread, ensuring you do not slice all the way through. Repeat in the opposite direction to create a crosshatch pattern.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Gently pull apart the bread and brush the garlic butter mixture into the cuts.
- Stuff shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan into the slits of the bread.
- Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for a more aromatic touch.
- Different Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a unique flavor.
- Bacon Addition: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon inside the bread for a smoky, savory taste.
- Pesto Twist: Spread a layer of pesto in the cuts before adding cheese for an Italian-inspired version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.
FAQs
How do I prevent the bread from becoming too hard?
Wrapping the bread in foil while baking helps retain moisture and prevents excessive crisping.
Can I use pre-sliced bread?
It’s best to use an unsliced loaf so you can control the cuts, but if using pre-sliced bread, handle it carefully to prevent breakage.
What is the best bread for this recipe?
Sourdough, French bread, or Italian bread works best because they hold their structure well and have a sturdy crust.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the bread with butter and cheese, then wrap it in foil and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What can I serve with cheesy garlic pull-apart bread?
It pairs well with pasta, soup, salad, or as an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping.
How can I make it extra crispy?
After baking in foil, remove the cover and broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp up the top.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, assemble the bread, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I use store-bought garlic butter?
Yes, but homemade garlic butter with fresh garlic and parsley provides the best flavor.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
How do I keep the cheese from spilling out?
Press the cheese deep into the cuts, and wrap the bread in foil while baking to keep it contained.
Conclusion
Cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is a crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its golden crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful garlic butter, this bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, it is sure to be a favorite at your table.
Print
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Made with soft biscuit dough, gooey melted cheese, and a buttery garlic topping, it’s perfect for parties, game nights, or as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and place them in a greased cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and parsley in a bowl.
- Pour the butter mixture over the dough pieces and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any cheese blend, such as cheddar or parmesan, for added flavor.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer