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- Crusty loaf of bread (sourdough or Italian) A good loaf gives your bread structure. Sourdough adds a tangy taste. Italian bread has a light, airy feel. Both work well for pulling apart. - Unsalted butter and its role Unsalted butter lets you control the salt. It adds richness and helps the garlic flavor shine. Melting the butter makes it easy to mix with the garlic. - Types of cheese used (mozzarella and cheddar) Mozzarella gives a stretchy, gooey texture. Cheddar adds a sharp, rich flavor. Together, they create a tasty blend that melts beautifully. - Fresh parsley for garnish Fresh parsley adds color and a bright taste. It makes your bread look nice and adds a fresh touch. - Additional seasonings (like red pepper flakes) Red pepper flakes can spice things up. They add a kick without overpowering the dish. Feel free to adjust to your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating helps the bread cook evenly. It ensures that the butter melts and the cheese bubbles just right. Next, grab a serrated knife. Make cut slits in the loaf about 1 inch apart. Go deep, but don't cut all the way through the bottom. Then, turn the loaf 90 degrees. Make another set of cuts to form a crosshatch pattern. This will let the butter and cheese sink in nicely. Now, let’s make the garlic butter mix. You need these ingredients: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well, so the flavors blend together. Next, take the garlic butter mixture. Gently open up the slits in the bread. Brush the mixture generously between the cracks. Make sure the garlic and herbs spread out well. Now, for the fun part—stuffing the cheese! Use 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Pack the cheese into the slits. The more cheese, the better! Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. After that, carefully unwrap the foil. Return the bread to the oven for an extra 5-10 minutes. Look for melted cheese and a golden brown top. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, pull apart the pieces and enjoy this cheesy delight! To boost the garlic flavor, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic packs a punch that powdered garlic cannot match. You can also add a bit more garlic powder for an extra kick. If you love herbs, mix in thyme or oregano with your garlic butter. These herbs blend well with the garlic and cheese. For cheese, I recommend mixing mozzarella and cheddar. Mozzarella gives that gooey stretch, while cheddar adds sharpness. You might also try a bit of parmesan for a richer taste. Each cheese adds a unique flavor, making every bite special. Use a serrated knife for a clean cut. This type of knife glides through crusty bread without crushing it. Cut about one inch apart, but don’t slice all the way through. This keeps the loaf intact. After making the first set of cuts, turn the loaf and cut again to create a crosshatch. This pattern lets the garlic butter soak in well. To avoid bread collapse, handle the loaf gently. Open the slits carefully to prevent tearing. You want to keep the shape for the final bake. Cheesy pull apart garlic bread pairs well with soups and salads. A hot tomato soup or a fresh garden salad complements the bread perfectly. You can also serve it as a side at gatherings. For presentation, place the bread on a wooden board or a large platter. This makes it inviting and easy to share. You can garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a crusty loaf like sourdough or Italian for the best texture and flavor. Customize Your Cheeses: Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses such as provolone or gouda for a unique twist. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to enhance the flavor profile. Serving Suggestions: Serve with marinara sauce or a side salad for a complete meal experience. {{image_2}} You can make this cheesy garlic bread even better! Start by adding herbs and spices. You can use dried oregano or thyme for a flavor boost. Adding red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Mix these spices into the garlic butter before brushing it on the bread. Want to make it heartier? You can add meats! Crispy bacon or pepperoni makes a great choice. Chop them into small pieces and stuff them between the slits of the bread along with the cheese. This adds a savory touch that everyone loves. Cheese is key to this recipe, but you can switch it up! Gouda adds a smoky taste. Feta gives a tangy flavor. If you prefer a creamier texture, try using fontina cheese. Each cheese changes the taste and makes it unique. When using different cheeses, adjust the amounts. Some cheese melts better than others. Test your choices to find out what you like best. Be creative and enjoy the flavor journey! To keep your cheesy pull apart garlic bread fresh, store it properly. Wrap leftover bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents it from drying out. Place the wrapped bread in an airtight container for extra protection. If you plan to eat it within a few days, store it in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. When reheating, you want to avoid sogginess. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to keep the moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. This will help the cheese bubble up nicely. Enjoy your warm, cheesy bread just like it was fresh! To keep your cheesy pull apart garlic bread from getting soggy, follow these tips: - Use fresh bread: Stale bread absorbs more moisture. - Brush lightly: Use less butter mixture. Too much can make it soggy. - Bake uncovered: Remove the foil for the last few minutes. This helps crisp the top. - Avoid too much garlic: While garlic adds flavor, too much can release extra moisture. Yes, you can prepare this bread ahead of time. Here’s how: - Prep the bread: Cut the slits and brush with the garlic butter. - Wrap tightly: Use foil to keep it fresh. - Refrigerate: Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Bake before serving: Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Yes, you can use gluten-free bread in this recipe. Here are some tips: - Choose a sturdy loaf: Look for gluten-free bread that is crusty, like a gluten-free sourdough. - Adjust baking time: Gluten-free bread may bake faster, so check it often. - Add a bit more cheese: Gluten-free bread can be drier, so extra cheese helps keep it moist. This blog post covered how to make perfect cheesy garlic bread. We discussed essential ingredients, like crusty bread, butter, and cheeses. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, mixing, and baking your bread. You learned tips to enhance flavor and avoid sogginess. Variations allow you to get creative, while storage tips help maintain freshness. Overall, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any gathering. Try it out and enjoy the delicious results!

Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread

A deliciously cheesy and garlicky bread that's perfect for sharing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large crusty loaf of bread (like sourdough or Italian)
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Using a serrated knife, make cut slits in the bread loaf, about 1 inch apart, going deep but not all the way through the bottom. Turn the loaf 90 degrees and make another set of cuts to form a crosshatch pattern.
  • Gently open up the slits in the bread and brush the garlic butter mixture generously between the cracks, ensuring that the garlic and herbs are well distributed.
  • Stuff the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the slits of the bread, making sure to pack it in nicely.
  • Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, carefully unwrap the foil and return the bread to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
  • Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Pull apart the pieces and enjoy!

Notes

Best served warm and fresh out of the oven.
Keyword cheesy, garlic bread, pull apart