There’s something about the smell of fresh garlic bread baking in the oven that just feels like home. It fills the kitchen with a warmth that goes beyond temperature—it’s the kind of smell that brings everyone to the table before you’ve even called them. This Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is one of those magical creations that’s not only incredibly satisfying to make but also brings people together with every gooey, buttery bite.
I still remember the first time I made this bread on a chilly fall evening. The windows were fogged from the oven heat, and my kids hovered around the kitchen island, watching as I stuffed pockets of mozzarella into every little slice. It wasn’t fancy—just a simple round loaf transformed into something indulgent and shareable. Since then, it’s become our go-to for movie nights, potlucks, and holiday get-togethers. It’s the kind of dish that disappears faster than you can blink—and always leaves someone asking, “Did you make two of these?”
This recipe takes a humble loaf of bread and turns it into a pull-apart masterpiece. Every crevice is filled with melty cheese, buttery garlic, and fresh herbs. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or just a cozy weekend treat, this bread delivers on flavor, comfort, and that all-important “wow” factor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Ridiculously easy – no fancy dough-making or rising time needed.
- Crowd-pleaser – everyone, from kids to grown-ups, devours it.
- Perfect for sharing – made to be pulled apart and passed around.
- Versatile – switch up the cheeses or herbs to match your taste.
- Comfort food at its best – warm, cheesy, garlicky, and buttery in every bite.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 round artisan loaf of bread
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes (or fresh chopped parsley)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY GARLIC PULL-APART BREAD:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—this will help with easy cleanup later (trust me, cheese gets everywhere in the best way).
Step 2: Score the Bread
Place your round loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the bread into a grid pattern—about 1-inch slices across the top, going both ways, but be sure not to cut all the way through to the bottom. The goal is to create pockets for all that garlicky cheese goodness to nestle into.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, and parsley flakes. Give it a good stir—this is where the magic begins. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water.
Step 4: Stuff the Bread
Using your fingers or a small spoon, gently pry open the bread sections and drizzle the garlic butter mixture into all the nooks and crannies. Don’t be shy—make sure every bit gets a taste of that buttery goodness.
Now, it’s cheese time. Stuff shredded mozzarella into each pocket you can find. This part can get a little messy, but that’s half the fun. The more cheese you can tuck in, the better the final result.
Step 5: Wrap and Bake
Once your loaf is loaded up, wrap it loosely in foil and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes wrapped, then open up the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or so until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the bread cool for a minute or two (if you can wait that long), then place it on a serving board. Tear off a piece and watch that cheese stretch—it’s pure comfort in bread form.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Don’t cut all the way through the bread. You want a solid base to hold all the melty goodness.
- Use freshly shredded cheese if you can—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Customize with your favorite herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil if parsley’s not your thing.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch for extra fun.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES:
- Make sure your loaf is crusty and firm. Softer sandwich bread won’t hold up well during baking.
- Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 310
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 420mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 11g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the bread with butter and cheese, wrap it tightly in foil, and refrigerate it for a few hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella is great for meltiness, but you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for added flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Definitely—just use a gluten-free round loaf that holds its shape well. Everything else in the recipe stays the same.
Can I make this in a skillet or Dutch oven?
Absolutely. If you want extra crustiness, place the loaf in a preheated cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven and bake as directed.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap the bread in foil and refrigerate. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely crust intact.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
CONCLUSION
Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is one of those rare recipes that feels like a party every time you make it. It’s rustic, indulgent, and irresistibly shareable. Whether you’re baking it for guests or just treating yourself after a long week, this bread is guaranteed to spark joy—one cheesy pull at a time. So grab your loaf, melt that butter, and get baking. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.
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Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Description
There’s something about the smell of fresh garlic bread baking in the oven that just feels like home. It fills the kitchen with a warmth that goes beyond temperature—it’s the kind of smell that brings everyone to the table before you’ve even called them. This Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is one of those magical creations that’s not only incredibly satisfying to make but also brings people together with every gooey, buttery bite.
I still remember the first time I made this bread on a chilly fall evening. The windows were fogged from the oven heat, and my kids hovered around the kitchen island, watching as I stuffed pockets of mozzarella into every little slice. It wasn’t fancy—just a simple round loaf transformed into something indulgent and shareable. Since then, it’s become our go-to for movie nights, potlucks, and holiday get-togethers. It’s the kind of dish that disappears faster than you can blink—and always leaves someone asking, “Did you make two of these?”
This recipe takes a humble loaf of bread and turns it into a pull-apart masterpiece. Every crevice is filled with melty cheese, buttery garlic, and fresh herbs. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or just a cozy weekend treat, this bread delivers on flavor, comfort, and that all-important “wow” factor.
Ingredients
1 round artisan loaf of bread
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon parsley flakes (or fresh chopped parsley)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—this will help with easy cleanup later (trust me, cheese gets everywhere in the best way).
Step 2: Score the Bread
Place your round loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the bread into a grid pattern—about 1-inch slices across the top, going both ways, but be sure not to cut all the way through to the bottom. The goal is to create pockets for all that garlicky cheese goodness to nestle into.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, and parsley flakes. Give it a good stir—this is where the magic begins. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water.
Step 4: Stuff the Bread
Using your fingers or a small spoon, gently pry open the bread sections and drizzle the garlic butter mixture into all the nooks and crannies. Don’t be shy—make sure every bit gets a taste of that buttery goodness.
Now, it’s cheese time. Stuff shredded mozzarella into each pocket you can find. This part can get a little messy, but that’s half the fun. The more cheese you can tuck in, the better the final result.
Step 5: Wrap and Bake
Once your loaf is loaded up, wrap it loosely in foil and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes wrapped, then open up the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or so until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the bread cool for a minute or two (if you can wait that long), then place it on a serving board. Tear off a piece and watch that cheese stretch—it’s pure comfort in bread form.
Notes
-
Make sure your loaf is crusty and firm. Softer sandwich bread won’t hold up well during baking.
-
Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
