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To make cheesy garlic pull-apart bread, you need the following ingredients: - 1 large loaf of fresh sourdough or Italian bread - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. The bread gives a great base. The butter adds richness, while garlic brings a strong, savory taste. Oregano and parsley add depth and freshness. Mozzarella provides gooeyness, and Parmesan adds a sharp bite. When you choose your bread, go for fresh and crusty. Sourdough adds a tangy taste, while Italian bread is soft and fluffy. Either way, you want a loaf that can hold all that cheesy goodness. Gather your ingredients before you start cooking. This makes the process smooth and fun. Plus, it helps you stay organized! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheating the oven First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. - Mixing the garlic butter mixture In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. This mixture adds great flavor. - Cutting the bread for pull-apart style Take a serrated knife and carefully cut the loaf into 1-inch slices. Be sure not to cut all the way through. You want the loaf to hold together. - Creating the cheesy fillings Stuff each slice with mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese between the cuts. This makes every pull apart cheesy and delicious. - Drizzling garlic butter Drizzle half of the garlic butter mixture over the bread. Make sure to get it in between the slices for extra flavor. - Wrapping the bread for baking Place the bread on a large piece of aluminum foil and wrap it up. This helps keep the bread moist while baking. - Baking times and methods Bake the wrapped bread for 15 minutes. Then, open the foil to expose the top. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should be golden brown. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen! - Choosing the right bread type I love using fresh sourdough or Italian bread. These breads hold up well when cut. They also soak up the garlic butter nicely. - Ensuring even cheese distribution When cutting the bread, make sure to slice evenly. This helps the cheese melt throughout. Each bite should burst with cheesy goodness. - Tips for a crispy crust Bake the bread wrapped in foil for part of the time. This keeps it moist. Unwrap for the last few minutes to get that perfect golden crust. - Cutting too deep into the loaf Avoid cutting all the way through the bottom. This keeps the loaf intact for easy pulling apart. - Overbaking the bread Watch the time closely. Overbaking can dry out the bread and ruin the texture. Remove it when the cheese bubbles and the top is golden. - Missing flavor enhancements Don’t skip the garlic and herbs. They add loads of flavor. Also, consider adding extra cheese for a richer taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and high-quality cheeses. Fresh garlic delivers a stronger, more aromatic flavor, while good mozzarella and Parmesan enhance the overall taste. Let the Bread Rest: After baking, allow the bread to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to pull apart without losing too much filling. Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even feta for a unique flavor twist. Perfect the Cut: When slicing the bread, be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. This keeps the loaf intact and allows for easier pulling apart later. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the flavor of your cheesy garlic pull-apart bread. Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs pair well with garlic and cheese. They add a nice touch of freshness. Just sprinkle them in with the garlic butter mix. You can also play with different types of cheese. While mozzarella is classic, consider using sharp cheddar or creamy gouda. Each cheese adds its own unique taste. Mixing cheeses creates a delightful combination that will surprise your taste buds. If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free bread. There are many tasty gluten-free loaves available today. They work well with this recipe. Just make sure to check the labels for good quality. For a vegan twist, swap out the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. You can also use plant-based cheese. There are great vegan cheeses that melt nicely. These substitutes keep the dish creamy and rich, without dairy. To keep your cheesy garlic pull-apart bread fresh, store it in an airtight bag or wrap it tightly. This will help prevent it from drying out. If you have leftover bread, it’s best to eat it within two days. When you reheat the bread, wrap it in foil. This keeps the cheese gooey and the crust soft. Heat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the bread a bit soggy. You can freeze cheesy garlic pull-apart bread for later enjoyment. To do this, first let the bread cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer without losing flavor. When you are ready to enjoy it, take the bread out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For faster thawing, leave it at room temperature for a few hours. After thawing, you can reheat it in the oven as mentioned before. This will help restore its warm, cheesy goodness. I recommend using a large loaf of fresh sourdough or Italian bread. These breads are soft yet sturdy, making them perfect for pulling apart. They soak up the garlic butter well, adding flavor to every bite. Yes, you can prepare the bread before baking. Just cut and fill it with cheese and garlic butter. Wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, bake it right from the fridge. This saves time and still gives you that fresh, warm bread. This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can last for about 2 days at room temperature. Just keep it wrapped in foil or in an airtight container to keep it moist. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. This pull-apart bread pairs well with soups and salads. You can also serve it as a fun appetizer at parties. Try it with marinara sauce or your favorite dip for extra flavor. In this post, we covered cheesy garlic pull-apart bread from ingredients to storage tips. You learned about the right bread to use, the easy steps for preparation, and common mistakes to avoid. Remember, using fresh herbs and cheeses can enhance flavors. Try making this dish and enjoy the wonderful taste it brings. With a few simple changes, you can adapt it for dietary needs. This recipe is a great blend of flavor and fun, perfect for sharing. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

A deliciously cheesy and garlicky bread that's perfect for sharing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large loaf fresh sourdough or Italian bread
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  • Using a serrated bread knife, carefully cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch slices, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. You want the loaf to remain intact.
  • Place the bread on a large piece of aluminum foil, open up slightly.
  • Drizzle half of the garlic butter mixture all over the bread, making sure to get it between the slices.
  • Stuff each slice with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese between the cuts.
  • Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top of the loaf.
  • Wrap the bread in the aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, open the foil to expose the top of the bread and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve warm, pulling apart the cheesy, fragrant slices to enjoy!

Notes

Serve warm for the best experience.
Keyword bread, cheesy, garlic, pull-apart