Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is irresistible because it combines gooey melted mozzarella with savory garlic butter and Parmesan cheese. The pull-apart style adds a fun, interactive element, making it a hit for gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, with minimal effort, and can be easily customized with different cheeses and add-ins.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of Italian bread
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the loaf of bread in a grid pattern without slicing all the way through.
- Stuff the bread with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper, then brush it generously onto the bread.
- Wrap in foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Try a pesto garlic butter for an Italian flavor.
- Add spinach for a spinach and cheese version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers wrapped in foil for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of bread?
Yes, you can use French bread, sourdough, or any sturdy bread.
2. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, freeze the prepared but unbaked bread, then bake it when ready.
3. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
4. How can I make this spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before and bake it the next day.
6. What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is key for its meltability, but you can mix in cheddar or gouda for extra flavor.
7. Can I make this without butter?
You can substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
8. How do I store leftover bread?
Wrap it tightly and store in a cool place for up to 2 days.
9. Can I add other herbs?
Yes, try thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
10. How do I know when it’s done?
The cheese should be fully melted and the bread golden and crispy on the outside.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is an easy, cheesy, and fun dish perfect for sharing. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or alongside dinner, it’s sure to be a hit! The melty cheese and garlicky bread combine to create a comforting, indulgent treat everyone will love.
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Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate indulgence, combining gooey mozzarella, savory garlic butter, and crispy, crusty bread. Perfect for appetizers, gatherings, or as a fun side dish, it’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The pull-apart fun makes it the perfect dish to share with family and friends!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of Italian bread
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the loaf of bread into a grid pattern without slicing all the way through.
- Stuff with Cheese: Stuff the cuts with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, making sure the cheese fills all the slits.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Brush the garlic butter generously onto the bread.
- Bake: Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Notes
- Variations: Add cooked swap in pesto garlic butter for an Italian flair.
- Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers wrapped in foil for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked bread and bake it when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
