Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a total crowd-pleaser with golden, crispy edges, gooey melted cheese, and that wonderful burst of garlicky flavor. It’s basically a loaf of bread transformed into a warm, cheesy, fun-to-share snack or side that everyone can’t get enough of.
I love making this when friends come over or for cozy nights in because it brings people together so easily. The best part is pulling apart each cheesy, buttery chunk right off the bread—it feels like a little celebration every time! I always make extra garlic butter to brush on top because you can never have too much garlic in my book.
Serving it alongside a big salad or some easy pasta makes for a perfect meal, but honestly, I’m more than happy to eat this all on its own. And if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare), it toasts up beautifully the next day. This bread just makes any moment feel a bit more special and super delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A crusty round loaf like sourdough or boule works best here. It holds the fillings well and crisps up nicely. If you can’t find these, any large, sturdy bread loaf will do, but avoid soft sandwich bread.
Butter & Garlic: Melted butter mixes beautifully with fresh garlic. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor punch. Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness.
Cheese: Mozzarella is perfect for meltiness. Adding sharp cheddar brings a nice tangy bite, but you can swap it with Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a bit of Parmesan for different flavors.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note. If you don’t have parsley, you can use fresh basil, chives, or omit herbs altogether for a classic garlic cheese bread.
How Do I Cut and Fill the Bread Without It Falling Apart?
The secret is to score the bread deeply but not all the way through the bottom so the loaf stays in one piece. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp serrated knife to make vertical cuts about 1-1.5 inches apart.
- Turn the bread and cut horizontally in the same way, creating a checkerboard pattern.
- Stop cutting just before you reach the bottom crust. This keeps the base intact.
- Gently pull apart the sections to fit in your garlic butter and cheese.
Being gentle while pulling apart helps keep the loaf together for baking. Wrapping the bread in foil traps moisture so it cooks through without drying out. Removing the foil near the end lets the top get golden and crispy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large serrated bread knife – I recommend it because it cuts through crusty bread cleanly without squishing it.
- Mixing bowl – for blending your garlic butter and herbs; it’s simple and keeps everything together.
- Aluminum foil – helps to keep the bread moist while baking and easy to unwrap for that crispy top.
- Baking sheet – provides a sturdy surface where you can bake and handle the bread easily.
- Large spoon or spreading brush – to evenly distribute the garlic butter into all the cuts.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace mozzarella with pepper jack or pepperoni slices for a spicy, meaty twist.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms, cooked spinach, or cooked bacon for added flavor and texture.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or basil instead of parsley for a different aromatic touch.
- Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking for extra flavor.
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bread:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or boule)
For The Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
For The Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes for preparation plus 25 minutes of baking time. So, in just about 35 minutes, you’ll have a hot, cheesy, garlicky bread ready to pull apart and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a serrated bread knife, carefully cut your round bread loaf vertically and horizontally about 1 to 1.5 inches apart, creating a checkerboard pattern. Make sure not to cut all the way through the bottom so the loaf stays in one piece.
2. Mix Garlic Butter And Fill The Bread:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Gently pull apart the bread squares just enough to brush or drizzle the garlic butter between the cuts. Then, stuff the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly between all the sections, pushing the cheese deep inside.
3. Bake The Bread:
Wrap the stuffed bread loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then unwrap the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden and crispy.
4. Serve Warm:
Take the bread out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then serve warm and enjoy pulling apart the cheesy, flavorful garlic bread pieces with friends or family!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh bread for this recipe to ensure a crispy crust and soft inside. If you only have frozen bread, thaw it completely at room temperature before preparing to avoid sogginess.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare and stuff the bread, then wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since the bread will be cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melty again.
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute mozzarella or cheddar with your favorites like provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing cheeses can add great flavor and texture variety.