Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
There are few things more comforting than the smell of warm garlic bread coming out of the oven. Now imagine taking that classic garlic bread and filling it with melted mozzarella, Parmesan, butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, then baking it until every piece is golden and bubbling.
That's exactly what makes this Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread so good.
Instead of slicing the bread all the way through, you cut it into little sections that can be pulled apart at the table. Every piece is coated in garlic butter and has plenty of stretchy, melted cheese tucked between the layers.
It's the kind of recipe that works beautifully as a party appetizer, dinner side, movie-night snack, or simply something delicious to put in the middle of the table when you're craving comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread, such as sourdough or Italian bread
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes, optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Additions
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh basil
- Dried oregano
- Chopped jalapeños
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Chopped olives
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Caramelized onions
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Place the loaf on a cutting board.
Using a sharp bread knife, make cuts across the loaf approximately 1 inch apart.
Don't cut all the way through the bottom.
Turn the loaf and make another set of cuts perpendicular to the first ones, creating a grid pattern.
The result should look like small squares that can be pulled apart once baked.
Important Tip
Keep the base of the loaf intact. This is what holds everything together and creates the pull-apart effect.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Fresh parsley
- Italian seasoning
- Chili flakes
- Salt
- Olive oil
Mix thoroughly.
If you love garlic, feel free to add another clove. Fresh garlic gives the bread much more flavor than garlic powder alone.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Gently separate the cuts in the bread with your fingers.
Start stuffing shredded mozzarella into the gaps.
Try to distribute the cheese throughout the loaf rather than putting it all in the center.
Sprinkle Parmesan over the top and into some of the gaps.
If you're using cheddar or other cheeses, add them now.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter
Slowly drizzle the garlic butter over the entire loaf.
Use a pastry brush or spoon to work the butter into the cuts.
Don't rush this step. Getting the garlic butter deep into the bread is what gives every bite that rich garlic flavor.
Step 6: Wrap and Bake
Loosely wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and place it on the prepared baking tray.
Bake for 15 minutes.
The foil helps the cheese melt while keeping the bread soft inside.
Step 7: Make It Golden and Crispy
Carefully open the foil.
Return the bread to the oven and bake uncovered for another 8–10 minutes.
The top should be golden brown and the cheese should be completely melted and bubbling.
For an extra-crispy finish, switch on the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes.
Keep a close eye on it because the bread can brown quickly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for about 3–5 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan.
Place it in the center of the table and let everyone pull apart their own piece.
Serve warm.
Watch the video recipe here:
Nutritional Value
