Description
This Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread transforms a simple loaf into a show-stopping appetizer with golden buttery crust, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic in every pull. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this interactive bread brings people together around the table.
Ingredients
1 round sourdough or Italian bread loaf (approximately 1 pound)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
6–8 cloves fresh garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Additional fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter with garlic, parsley, chives, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until fluffy and well incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, combine all three shredded cheeses and toss to distribute evenly.
4. Place bread loaf on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, make parallel cuts 1 inch apart, cutting through bread but stopping 1/2 inch from bottom. Rotate 90 degrees and repeat to create crosshatch pattern.
5. Place scored bread on prepared baking sheet. Gently separate cuts with fingers to create openings.
6. Using a butter knife, generously spread garlic butter mixture into every cut, working it deep into crevices. Use entire butter mixture.
7. Stuff shredded cheese mixture into each cut, pressing gently to pack it in. Reserve 1/4 cup cheese for topping.
8. Brush exterior of loaf with olive oil and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
9. Create loose aluminum foil tent over bread. Bake covered for 15 minutes.
10. Remove foil tent and continue baking uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and exterior is golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh bread or one-day-old bread for best cutting results. Day-old bread is actually easier to cut without squishing.
Always shred cheese yourself from blocks rather than buying pre-shredded varieties for better melting.
The garlic butter can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using.
For make-ahead convenience, assemble completely through stuffing with cheese, wrap tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before baking.
Leftover bread can be wrapped in foil and kept at room temperature for 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month.
To reheat, wrap in foil and warm at 325°F for 10-12 minutes, removing foil for the last 3 minutes to re-crisp exterior.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
Keywords: pull-apart bread, garlic bread, cheesy bread, holiday recipe, party appetizer