Simple Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

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Get ready to impress with this crowd-pleasing Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread recipe you can make in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party or wanting garlic bread for pasta night…this easy, cheesy bread will have you coming back for more.

This cheesy pull-apart garlic bread is so simple to make with any crusty sourdough or artisan bread loaf! The bread is stuffed with garlic butter and mozzarella cheese that’s melted to perfection in the oven. It’s an easy appetizer for holiday parties or game days and the perfect side to any pasta dinner!

What you’ll need-Grocery List

Loaf of Bread: Choose a bread with a thick crust, such as a French baguette, crusty artisan or sourdough. The bread should be fresh and slightly firm to hold up to the cheese and garlic mixture.
Cheese: Opt for a combination of cheeses that melt well and have a rich flavor. Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan are great choices
Garlic: fresh minced or garlic powder
Butter: Melted or very soft. If using salted butter, you may not need to add additional salt
Herbs and Spices: I use Italian seasoning, but for extra depth of flavor try fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano.
Salt and Pepper: Season the cheesy mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional Add-ons: Feel free to customize your cheesy pull apart garlic bread with additional ingredients like cooked bacon, caramelized onions, green onion or sliced jalapenos.

Step-by-step instructions for making cheesy pull apart garlic bread

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating the best cheesy pull apart garlic bread:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart across the top of the bread, but not all the way through. Repeat the cuts in the opposite direction to create a crisscross pattern.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Gently spread the garlic butter mixture on top and into the cuts of the bread, making sure to get it into every crevice. Use a pastry brush to help spread the mixture evenly.
Next, stuff the cheese into the cuts of the bread, ensuring that each cut is generously filled. The cheese should be evenly distributed throughout the loaf.
Place the prepared bread on the lined baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent the bread from browning too quickly while allowing the cheese to melt.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown. Watch closely so that bread doesn’t burn or become too crisp.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and serve the cheesy pull apart garlic bread while it’s still warm. Pull apart the slices and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!

Tips and tricks for perfecting your cheesy pull apart garlic bread

Creating the best cheesy pull apart garlic bread requires a few tips and tricks to ensure optimal flavor and texture. Here are a few suggestions to take your cheesy creation to the next level:

Choose the Right Crusty Bread: Opt for a bread with a thick crust and a soft interior. This will provide a sturdy base for the cheese and garlic mixture.
Cutting the Bread: Use a sharp serrated knife when slicing crusty artisan style loafs. If making fresh bread, it’s best to allow bread to cool completely before slicing.
Don’t Skimp on Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add a few extra cloves to intensify the taste.
Choosing the right cheese: While mozzarella is the most popular choice, feel free to add your own spin! I like to sprinkle parmesan cheese to the top after basting with the butter/herb mixture. Shred your own cheese for the best results!
Customize with Herbs and Spices: Play around with different combinations of herbs and spices like rosemary and thyme to personalize your cheesy pull apart garlic bread.
Serve Immediately: Cheesy pull apart garlic bread is best enjoyed when it’s still warm and fresh out of the oven. The cheese will be gooey and stretchy, making it easier to pull apart.
Store and Reheat: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations and add-ons for your cheesy pull apart garlic bread

While the classic cheesy pull apart garlic bread is already a crowd-pleaser, you can get creative and add your own twist. Here are some variations and add-ons to consider:

Cheesy Pizza Pull Apart Bread: Add pizza sauce, pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings to the cheese and garlic mixture for a mouthwatering pizza-inspired version.
Spinach and Artichoke Pull Apart Bread: Incorporate sautéed spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, and a blend of cheeses like cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a creamy and flavorful twist.
Bacon, Cheddar, Ranch Pull Apart Bread: Add dry ranch seasoning to melted or softened butter and baste on bread. Stuff the bread with cheddar and top with crumbled bacon. Serve with ranch dressing for the best cheddar bacon ranch pull-apart bread.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor profiles to create your own signature cheesy pull apart garlic bread.

Serving suggestions and pairing options

Cheesy pull apart garlic bread is a perfect side dish to add to any meal or even as an appetizer. Here are a few ideas:

Appetizer or Snack: Serve the cheesy pull apart garlic bread as an appetizer or snack at parties, game nights, or gatherings. It’s sure to be a hit!
Soup or Salad Companion: Pair the bread with a warm bowl of soup or a refreshing salad for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Pasta Side Dish: Serve the cheesy bread alongside pasta dishes such as spaghetti or lasagna for a complete and indulgent Italian-inspired meal.
Brunch Delight: Add a twist to your brunch spread by serving the cheesy pull apart garlic bread alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit.

Frequently asked questions about cheesy pull apart garlic bread

1. Can I use pre-sliced bread for cheesy pull apart garlic bread?

While pre-sliced bread can be used, it’s best to use a loaf of bread that you can slice yourself. This way, you can control the thickness of the slices and ensure that the cheese and garlic mixture seep into every crevice. If you don’t want to make a loaf yourself, buy a pre-made loaf from your local bakery!

2. How do I prevent the bread from becoming too crusty?

To prevent the bread from becoming overly crusty, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the initial stages of baking. This will help retain moisture and prevent excessive browning. Be sure to watch closely while baking without aluminum foil.

3. Can I make cheesy pull apart garlic bread ahead of time?

Cheesy pull apart garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, you can prepare the bread in advance by following all the steps up until baking. Cover the prepared bread tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap, let the bread come to room temperature, and bake as directed.

4. Can I freeze cheesy pull apart garlic bread?

Cheesy pull apart garlic bread is not ideal for freezing, as the texture may change and the bread may become soggy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store any leftovers in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Common issues with cheesy pull apart garlic bread

1. The cheese is not melting properly. What should I do?

Ensure that you have chosen cheeses that are known for their melting properties, such as mozzarella or cheddar. Additionally, make sure that the bread is properly sliced, allowing the cheese mixture to reach every crevice. If the cheese is still not melting properly, you can try increasing the baking time or adjusting the oven temperature slightly. For best results, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-packaged.

2. The bread is too crusty. How can I prevent this?

To prevent the bread from becoming too crusty, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the initial stages of baking. This will help retain moisture and prevent excessive browning. You can also try reducing the baking time slightly.

3. The garlic flavor is too strong. What can I do?

If you find the garlic flavor overpowering, reduce the amount of garlic used in the recipe. Start with fewer cloves or adjust based on your personal preference. You can always add more garlic in subsequent attempts to find the perfect balance.

4. My bread is not pulling apart easily. What went wrong?

If the bread is not pulling apart easily, it may be due to undercooking or under-stuffing the cuts. Ensure that the bread is baked until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Additionally, make sure to generously stuff each cut with the cheese and garlic mixture.

Final Thoughts-Be Sure To Save This Recipe!

Now that you’ve learned how you can make this easy, cheesy pull-apart garlic bread yourself, the store bought bread garlic bread just won’t do! With our step-by-step instructions and incorporating your own personal touch, you can indulge in this heavenly treat whenever you desire.

Remember to choose the right bread, experiment with different cheeses and flavor combinations, and serve the bread while it’s still warm for the ultimate cheesy delight. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it all by yourself, this cheesy pull apart garlic bread is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it.