Golden, gooey, and loaded with garlicky, cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is the ultimate party appetizer or side dish. A crusty loaf is sliced, stuffed with buttery garlic and a blend of melted cheeses, then baked to perfection. It’s fun to eat, impossible to resist, and perfect for game nights, gatherings, or pairing with pasta dishes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super Cheesy – Every bite is loaded with melty cheese.
Garlicky & Buttery – Classic flavors in every pull.
No-Fuss Prep – Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Perfect for Sharing – A fun, hands-on appetizer.
Customizable – Add herbs, spice, or your favorite cheese blend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
1 large crusty round or oval loaf (like sourdough or Italian bread)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Garlic Butter:
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Tools You’ll Need
Bread knife
Small bowl
Pastry brush or spoon
Foil
Baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cut the Bread
Using a sharp serrated knife, make diagonal cuts across the bread about 1 inch apart, stopping just before the bottom—don’t cut all the way through.
Turn the loaf and repeat to create a criss-cross pattern of deep pockets.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Add Garlic Butter
Use a spoon or pastry brush to drizzle and spread the garlic butter mixture deep into all the cuts of the bread, making sure every crevice gets flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Stuff shredded mozzarella and cheddar into the slits, pressing down gently so it melts throughout the loaf. Be generous—it’s pull-apart bread, after all!
Step 6: Bake Covered
Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and place on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes to allow cheese to melt and bread to heat through.
Step 7: Uncover & Finish Baking
Uncover and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot and let everyone pull apart their own cheesy, garlicky portion!
Tips for the Best Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Use the Right Bread – A crusty, sturdy loaf holds up best.
Don’t Slice Too Deep – Leave the base intact to keep the loaf together.
Go Heavy on Cheese – It’s what makes every bite ooey-gooey.
Add Your Twist – Try sun-dried tomatoes, bacon bits, or caramelized onions in the slits.
Serve Warm – It’s at its absolute best right out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer Platter – Pair with marinara or ranch for dipping.
Pasta Night – A perfect match for lasagna or spaghetti.
Soup Side – Serve with tomato basil or minestrone soup.
Game Day Snack – Set it in the middle of the table and watch it disappear.
Holiday Table – A delicious twist on traditional dinner rolls.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Air Fryer: Reheat individual pieces at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
Microwave: Use short bursts, but be aware the bread may soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded melts better and gives smoother texture. - What bread works best?
Sourdough, French bread, or any crusty loaf with a sturdy structure. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely—use your favorite gluten-free bread. - Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is comfort food at its most fun and flavorful. From casual get-togethers to weeknight dinners and festive celebrations, it’s guaranteed to steal the show and satisfy every cheesy, garlicky craving. One loaf, endless smiles!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American / Party Appetizer
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 8):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Sodium: 410mg
Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Golden, gooey, and loaded with garlicky, cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is the ultimate party appetizer or side dish. A crusty loaf is sliced, stuffed with buttery garlic and a blend of melted cheeses, then baked to perfection. It’s fun to eat, impossible to resist, and perfect for game nights, gatherings, or pairing with pasta dishes.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest crowd-pleasing creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
1 large crusty round or oval loaf (like sourdough or Italian bread)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Garlic Butter:
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cut the Bread
Using a sharp serrated knife, make diagonal cuts across the bread about 1 inch apart, stopping just before the bottom—don’t cut all the way through.
Turn the loaf and repeat to create a criss-cross pattern of deep pockets.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Add Garlic Butter
Use a spoon or pastry brush to drizzle and spread the garlic butter mixture deep into all the cuts of the bread, making sure every crevice gets flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Stuff shredded mozzarella and cheddar into the slits, pressing down gently so it melts throughout the loaf. Be generous—it’s pull-apart bread, after all!
Step 6: Bake Covered
Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and place on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes to allow cheese to melt and bread to heat through.
Step 7: Uncover & Finish Baking
Uncover and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot and let everyone pull apart their own cheesy, garlicky portion!
Notes
Use the Right Bread – A crusty, sturdy loaf holds up best.
Don’t Slice Too Deep – Leave the base intact to keep the loaf together.
Go Heavy on Cheese – It’s what makes every bite ooey-gooey.
Add Your Twist – Try sun-dried tomatoes, bacon bits, or caramelized onions in the slits.
Serve Warm – It’s at its absolute best right out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
