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Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread (Soft & Buttery!)

Kev
This Garlic Butter Cheese Stuffed Bread is a savory, cheesy indulgence with the perfect balance of rich garlic butter and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s the ideal side dish for any meal or can be enjoyed as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, side
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf of round bread – A round unsliced bread like sourdough, baguette, or even a rustic Italian loaf works great for this recipe. You want a hearty, thick bread that can hold the stuffing of garlic butter and cheese.
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter – The butter adds richness and helps to keep the bread soft and moist.
  • 4 cloves of garlic minced – Garlic is the star of this dish, and the more garlic, the better! Adjust the amount to your personal taste if you like it extra garlicky.
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the bread that classic cheesy pull.
  • 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese – For that nutty savory flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
  • 1 teaspoon of dried parsley – Adds a touch of color and fresh herb flavor to the bread.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt – To balance out all the flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper – For a little extra seasoning and a slight kick.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

  • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your loaf of bread. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the bread into a grid pattern. Make sure not to cut all the way through the bottom of the loaf; you want to keep the bottom intact so the bread can hold together and allow for easy pull-apart action. A good method is to cut the bread both horizontally and vertically, creating a grid of squares.
  • Once the bread is sliced, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. You don’t want the garlic to burn, so be sure to keep an eye on it. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside. This garlic butter sauce will infuse the bread with rich, garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Stuff the Bread with Garlic Butter and Cheese

  • Now comes the fun part: stuffing the bread with all those delicious ingredients. Using a spoon or a basting brush, generously drizzle the garlic butter mixture between the slices of bread, making sure to coat every section with the buttery, garlicky goodness. Be sure to get the butter in every crack and crevice so each piece of bread will be flavorful.
  • Once the garlic butter is inside the bread, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into each of the bread slices. Press the cheese gently into the cracks to make sure it stays put when it melts. You can be generous with the cheese—this is a cheesy bread, after all!

Step 4: Bake the Bread

  • Now that the bread is fully stuffed with garlic butter and cheese, it’s time to bake it! Cover the entire loaf with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the bread is heated through, and the butter has fully melted into the bread.
  • After the initial baking time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step helps the cheese become bubbly and golden, and the bread itself will crisp up slightly on the outside, while remaining soft and tender on the inside. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and oozing out of the cracks.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Once your cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley for color and a touch of freshness.
  • Now, gather your friends, family, or anyone you’re sharing with, and dig in! The best part of this bread is the ease with which you can pull apart the pieces. Each piece comes apart effortlessly, loaded with melty cheese, garlic butter, and that soft, fluffy interior.

Notes

Bread Choice: While any hearty bread will work, sourdough adds a lovely tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter.
Extra Cheese: If you want to take it to the next level, you can use a variety of cheeses! Consider adding some sharp cheddar or even Gruyère for a deeper flavor.
Herbs and Seasonings: If you want to add a bit of variety, feel free to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or even some fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the bread up to the point of baking and store it covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This makes it perfect for prepping ahead of time for a party or gathering.