Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

$- 1 large loaf of crusty bread (sourdough or Italian) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste I love making cheesy pull-apart garlic bread because it is simple and tasty. You need just a few ingredients to create this warm, gooey delight. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need: 1. Crusty Bread: Choose a large loaf of sourdough or Italian bread. This gives the best texture and flavor. The crust holds the cheesy goodness inside. 2. Unsalted Butter: Half a cup of melted unsalted butter adds richness. It helps the garlic and spices stick to the bread. 3. Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic give that strong flavor we crave. Garlic powder adds a nice touch too. 4. Cheese: Use one cup of shredded mozzarella and half a cup of grated Parmesan. These cheeses melt well and provide a creamy texture. 5. Fresh Parsley: Two tablespoons of chopped parsley add a pop of color and freshness. 6. Seasoning: Don’t forget salt and pepper! They enhance the flavor of all the ingredients. Gather these items, and you’ll be ready to create a dish that everyone will love. The mix of flavors and textures makes this garlic bread hard to resist! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat will help our bread bake perfectly. 2. Mixing the garlic butter In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything blends well. This mix brings great flavor. 3. Cutting the bread Take your large loaf of crusty bread and place it on a cutting board. Use a serrated knife to cut the bread every 1 inch. Be careful not to cut all the way through. This keeps the loaf intact. 4. Stuffing the bread with cheese Gently pull apart the cuts in the bread. Brush the garlic butter mixture inside these slits. Then, stuff the cheese inside. Use 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Make sure every slice gets cheesy goodness. 1. Wrapping and baking the loaf Wrap your stuffed loaf in aluminum foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. This keeps the bread warm and moist. 2. Unwrapping and final baking After 15 minutes, carefully unwrap the foil. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step lets the cheese melt and bubble, making the top golden brown. - To serve the cheesy pull-apart bread, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, pull it apart and enjoy warm. This bread pairs well with soups or salads. It’s great for parties or family dinners! - Selecting the Best Bread: Choose a large loaf of crusty bread. Sourdough or Italian bread works best. Look for a loaf with a thick crust for a great texture. The crust helps hold the cheese and flavors inside. - Adjusting Garlic and Cheese Types: Use fresh garlic for a bold taste. You can add more or less to suit your liking. Try different cheeses for unique flavors. Cheddar or gouda can add a nice twist. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. - Ensuring Gooey Cheese Throughout: Stuff cheese into every cut. Make sure each slice gets a good amount. The more cheese, the better! You can also use a mix of cheeses for extra creaminess. - Avoiding Burnt Tops: Cover the bread with foil for the first part of baking. This helps the cheese melt without burning. Unwrap it near the end to get that golden brown crust. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: A crusty loaf like sourdough or Italian adds a delightful texture and holds the cheesy filling well. Customize Your Cheeses: Feel free to mix in different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor profile. Don’t Skip the Garlic: For extra garlic flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or using garlic oil in the butter mixture. Serve Immediately: This bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven for the ultimate cheesy pull-apart experience. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this pull-apart bread to make it your own. While mozzarella is a classic choice, I love using cheddar for a sharp flavor. Gouda adds a rich, smoky taste that is hard to resist. You can mix different cheeses, too. Try a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda for a cheesy explosion. Adding herbs or spices can take your garlic bread to another level. Fresh basil or oregano works great with the garlic. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. You can also add some cooked bacon bits for a savory crunch. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs well with the cheese. Get creative and mix in your favorite flavors for a unique twist! To keep your leftover cheesy pull-apart garlic bread fresh, wrap it in foil. This keeps the bread moist and soft. Store it at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in an airtight container. You can also put it in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember, cold storage can dry it out. To reheat your bread without losing its lovely texture, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil and place it in the oven for about 10 minutes. This method warms the bread evenly and keeps it soft. If you like a crispy top, remove the foil for the last two minutes. If you want to save some bread for later, freezing works great. First, let the bread cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bread in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy later, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To make cheesy pull-apart garlic bread from scratch, you need a few simple steps. First, gather your ingredients: crusty bread, butter, garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the melted butter with minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cut the bread into 1-inch slits without slicing through. Brush the garlic butter between the slices. Stuff the slits with mozzarella and Parmesan. Drizzle more garlic butter on top, wrap in foil, and bake for 15 minutes. Unwrap and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Enjoy warm! Yes, you can! While sourdough and Italian bread are great choices, feel free to experiment. French bread or ciabatta can work too. Just ensure the bread is crusty and can hold the filling. The type of bread can change the taste and texture, making it a fun option to try out. Cheesy pull-apart garlic bread pairs well with many dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, like Caesar or a garden salad. It also goes great with pasta dishes, soups, or stews. Try it with marinara sauce for dipping! This bread can elevate any meal. To make this recipe vegan-friendly, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative. Use vegan cheese instead of mozzarella and Parmesan. Check labels for dairy-free options. The garlic and herbs will still give it a great flavor, making it a tasty vegan treat! This post covered everything you need to know about making cheesy pull-apart garlic bread. You learned about the ingredients, preparation steps, baking techniques, and storage tips. Experiment with different cheeses and flavors to make your bread unique. Remember, this bread is perfect for sharing at gatherings. Whether fresh or reheated, it stays delicious. Enjoy creating this dish that will impress everyone!$

A deliciously cheesy and garlicky bread that's perfect for sharing.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 large loaf crusty bread (e.g., sourdough or Italian)
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place the loaf of bread on a cutting board and, using a serrated knife, make cuts in the bread every 1-inch, being careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom.
Gently open up the cuts in the bread and brush the garlic butter mixture generously in between the slices.
Stuff the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses into the slits of the bread, ensuring that each slice is filled with cheesy goodness.
Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top of the loaf and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
Unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then pull apart and serve warm.

Notes

Serve warm for the best experience.

Keyword cheesy, garlic bread, pull-apart