Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

Oh my goodness, where do I even start with this Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread? It’s the kind of bread that makes everyone at the table forget their manners as they tear off big, buttery, cheesy pieces, one after the other. Imagine fluffy, soft bread soaked in garlic butter and oozing with melty cheese—it’s everything you want in comfort food. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a dinner party, a side to your favorite pasta, or just devouring it with a glass of wine, trust me, this will be the star of the show.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

This bread is everything you dream of when it comes to indulgent, flavorful comfort food. Here’s why you’ll want to make it every chance you get:

Ooey, Gooey Cheese

It’s all about the cheese—pull-apart, cheesy goodness that stretches just the right amount with each bite. It’s like a cheesy dream come true!

Irresistible Garlic Butter

The garlic butter is the MVP of this recipe. It soaks into every crack and crevice of the bread, making each piece packed with flavor. You’ll want to savor every bite.

Easy & Fun to Make

This is one of those recipes that’s simple to put together and always gets rave reviews. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and pulling apart pieces of bread is just so much fun.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or just want to make something indulgent for yourself, this bread fits every occasion. You’ll get all the applause without spending hours in the kitchen.

Customizable

You can easily swap in different cheeses, add fresh herbs, or even throw in some cooked bacon for extra indulgence. Make it your own!

Ingredients

Bread Loaf

A hearty, soft loaf of bread is the base for this cheesy delight. Choose a fresh, soft white or sourdough bread for the best pull-apart texture.

Garlic Butter

The buttery, garlicky goodness is what makes this bread unforgettable. A blend of garlic, butter, and a pinch of salt creates a flavor-packed coating that seeps deep into every crevice of the bread.

Mozzarella Cheese

The melty, gooey cheese that makes this bread extra special. You can use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar if you like extra cheesiness.

Parmesan Cheese

For an added layer of flavor, parmesan gives a salty, sharp bite that complements the mozzarella perfectly.

Fresh Parsley

For a pop of fresh flavor and color, a sprinkle of chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: ~300 kcal
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your bread gets perfectly crispy on the outside while staying soft and cheesy on the inside.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Slice the Bread

Carefully slice your loaf of bread into horizontal and vertical slices, creating a crisscross pattern. Be sure not to cut all the way through the bottom, leaving the base intact so the bread holds together.

Step 4: Drizzle with Garlic Butter

Place the bread on a baking sheet and drizzle the garlic butter into all the crevices. Make sure each slice is generously coated. You want all that garlic goodness to soak in!

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Stuff the mozzarella and parmesan cheese into the crevices of the bread. Make sure every gap is filled with cheesy goodness. Feel free to add more cheese on top for that extra melty layer!

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the bread is hot and bubbly. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes to get the top nice and golden.

Step 7: Finish with Parsley

Once the bread is out of the oven, sprinkle it with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Let the bread cool for a minute before tearing it apart. Serve warm and watch it disappear in seconds.

How to Serve Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

As a Side Dish

Pair this cheesy bread with your favorite pasta, pizza, or soup for a comforting meal. It’s the perfect complement to any Italian-inspired dish.

With Dips

Serve it alongside marinara sauce, creamy ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce for a fun, shareable snack or appetizer.

As an Appetizer

This pull-apart bread makes a great start to any dinner party or gathering. People won’t be able to resist grabbing a warm, cheesy piece!

On Its Own

Sometimes, a warm piece of this bread with a cold drink is all you need. It’s so delicious you might just end up eating it all by yourself!

Additional Tips

  • Go for a Soft Loaf: Make sure to use a loaf of soft bread with enough texture to hold the cheese and garlic butter without falling apart.
  • Customize the Cheese: Feel free to add a bit of cheddar or gouda if you want to switch things up. You can even throw in a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.
  • Add Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme mixed with the garlic butter gives this bread an extra layer of flavor.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the garlic butter and even slice the bread ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of bread?

A1: Absolutely! You can use any type of bread you prefer, but a soft white bread or sourdough works best for that perfect pull-apart texture.

Q2: Can I make this bread ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prepare the bread up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?

A3: Yes, you can freeze any leftover cheesy pull-apart bread. Wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get it warm and cheesy again.

Q5: Can I make it without cheese?

A5: While the cheese is a key part of this recipe, you could skip it for a lighter version, or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is the epitome of comfort food: warm, gooey, buttery, and full of flavor. It’s so easy to make, yet so irresistible—every bite is pure cheesy bliss. Whether you’re serving it at a party, as part of a family dinner, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. So, get ready to pull apart the cheesiest, most garlicky bread you’ve ever tasted—this is one dish you’ll want to make again and again!

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Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread


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  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread, featuring a fluffy, buttery loaf infused with roasted garlic and melted mozzarella. Perfect for sharing, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!


Ingredients

Scale

Tangzhong:

  • 20g bread flour
  • 80g whole milk

Main Dough:

  • 300g bread flour
  • 15g granulated sugar
  • 6g sea salt
  • 6g instant dry yeast
  • All the tangzhong
  • 90g whole milk (room temperature, 77°F/25°C)
  • 40g cream cheese (full fat)
  • 50g egg (1 medium egg)
  • 20g unsalted butter (softened)

Roasted Garlic Butter:

  • 1 head garlic
  • ½ tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 70g unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ tbsp chopped parsley
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt

Toppings:

  • 100g grated mozzarella (plus a little extra)

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions

  • Tangzhong:
    Combine flour and milk in a small pot. Heat over medium, stirring until thickened and reaching 150°F (65°C). Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and let cool to room temperature.
  • Main Dough:
    In a stand mixer bowl with a dough hook, combine all dough ingredients except butter. Knead for 10 minutes. Add butter and knead for an additional 10-20 minutes until dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl sides. Shape into a round, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let proof in a warm spot (78°F/26°C) for 1½-2 hours until doubled.
  • Roasted Garlic Butter:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Chop the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap in foil or place in a covered dish and bake for 45-60 minutes until soft. Cool, squeeze garlic into a bowl, and mix with softened butter, parsley, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
  • Shape:
    Once doubled, roll dough on a floured surface into a 12×12-inch square. Spread garlic butter and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cut into 12 pieces and arrange in a 7×3.4-inch bread pan. Cover and proof for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  • Bake:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush bread with egg wash, sprinkle extra mozzarella, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature is 200°F (95°C). Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add herbs to the roasted garlic butter.
  • Make sure your yeast is fresh for best results.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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