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Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

cheesy garlic pull-apart bread - featured image

A warm, buttery garlic bread loaded with melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for game days, movie nights, or casual dinners. This easy homemade snack is a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large round loaf of bread (sourdough or Italian bread works best)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 45 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (110g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the loaf into a grid pattern: slice vertically about 1 inch apart, cutting almost through but leaving the bottom intact, then slice horizontally about 1 inch apart to create square sections.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
  4. Use a pastry brush or spoon to drizzle the garlic butter generously into every cut of the bread, ensuring it seeps into all the nooks and crannies.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly between the cuts, pressing them gently so they nestle inside the bread. Add chopped parsley on top if desired.
  6. Loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Check that the bread is soft, warm, and the cheese melted throughout with some crispy golden spots on top.
  9. Let the bread cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your fingers.

Notes

Use fresh minced garlic for best flavor. Do not slice all the way through the bread to keep it intact. Keep the garlic butter warm for easier spreading. Cover bread loosely with foil while baking to prevent burning. Shredding your own cheese melts better than pre-shredded. For a crispy bottom crust, try baking in a cast-iron skillet. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

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