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To make cheesy pull-apart garlic bread, you need these simple ingredients: - 1 large Italian bread loaf - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for an extra kick These ingredients are easy to find. The Italian bread is key for that perfect pull-apart texture. The blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives a great taste and stretch. Fresh garlic and parsley add flavor and color. The butter helps to make everything rich and golden. Adding red pepper flakes is optional, but it gives a nice heat. This mix makes the bread simple yet so tasty. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for getting the bread nice and warm. While the oven heats, grab your large Italian bread loaf. Make vertical cuts in the bread, about 1 inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create pockets for the cheese. Next, take a small mixing bowl. Combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix these ingredients well. This garlic butter mixture will bring great flavor to your bread. Now it's time to fill the bread. Gently open the cuts you made. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture into each crevice. Make sure every slit is filled with that tasty butter. Then, take the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Stuff it into the slits of the bread. Aim for an even spread so every bite is cheesy. Carefully wrap the filled loaf in aluminum foil. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep the moisture inside. Place the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that, unwrap the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This step makes the cheese melt and gives the bread a golden crust. When it's done, let the bread cool for a few minutes before digging in. This helps avoid burning your fingers when you pull it apart. To get that perfect cheese melt, mix different types of cheese. I love using mozzarella for its stretch and sharp cheddar for its bite. This combo gives depth and flavor to every cheesy pull. Adjust the oven time based on how crusty you want your bread. If you like a softer crust, bake less. For a crispier bread, add a few extra minutes. You can pair this bread with marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy sauce adds a nice contrast to the rich cheese. For a beautiful touch, consider garnishing the bread with extra chopped parsley. This makes the dish pop and looks great on any table. If you have leftovers, store the pull-apart bread in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to two days at room temperature. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. For longer storage, freeze it, and reheat when you're ready to enjoy it again. Just make sure to wrap it well to keep it from drying out. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and high-quality cheese to enhance the flavor of your cheesy pull-apart bread. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as gouda or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile and added creaminess. Let it Cool: Allowing the bread to cool slightly before serving helps the cheese set a bit, making it easier to pull apart without burning your fingers. Make Ahead: Prepare the garlic butter mixture and slice the bread in advance. You can store the prepared loaf wrapped in the refrigerator, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheeses for more flavor. Try using Gruyère cheese for a nutty taste. Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick. If you want a creamy texture, add cream cheese. It melts well and makes the bread extra rich. Herbs can change the whole taste of your bread. Use fresh thyme or basil for a bright flavor. You can also add spices to give it heat. A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika adds a nice depth. These small changes can make a big difference. Not all bread is the same. You can use sourdough for a tangy flavor. Whole wheat bread gives a nutty taste and is healthier. Even French bread works well for this recipe. Each choice brings a unique twist to your cheesy pull-apart garlic bread. You can prepare this cheesy pull-apart bread ahead of time. First, follow the steps to cut the bread and add the garlic butter mix. Then, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This way, you can bake it fresh when you're ready to serve. To store leftovers, place the bread in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in foil. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers. Wrap the bread in foil and then in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm. Proper wrapping keeps your bread fresh. Use plastic wrap or foil to seal the loaf tightly. Make sure no air gets in, as this can cause it to dry out. If you want to keep the bread crust crispy, avoid wrapping it too tightly. Instead, store it in a paper bag for short periods. This helps maintain its texture while keeping it fresh. It takes about 40 minutes to make cheesy pull-apart garlic bread. - Prep time: 15 minutes - Cook time: 25 minutes You start by preheating the oven and preparing the bread. Then, you mix the garlic butter. The last step is baking, which includes wrapping and unwrapping the bread. This time includes all the steps, making it easy to plan for your meal. Yes, you can prepare cheesy pull-apart garlic bread in advance. - Prep ahead: Make the garlic butter mixture and cut the bread. - Storage: Wrap the prepared bread tightly in foil. You can store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you can enjoy warm, cheesy bread without a lot of fuss. A large Italian bread loaf works best for this recipe. - Bread types: Italian, French, or even a crusty sourdough. These types of bread have the right texture to hold the cheese and garlic mix. They also pull apart easily, making each bite a delight. Avoid soft bread, as it may not hold up when stuffed. This garlic pull-apart bread recipe combines simple ingredients for a tasty treat. You learned how to prepare the bread, create a flavorful garlic butter mix, and stuff it with cheese. I shared tips for perfect melty cheese and how to serve or store leftovers. Try different cheeses or spices to suit your taste. With these easy steps, you can impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in. Embrace the fun of baking and make it your own!

Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread

A deliciously cheesy and garlicky bread that pulls apart easily for sharing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf large Italian bread
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • While the oven is heating, take a small mixing bowl and combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  • With the Italian bread loaf, make vertical cuts approximately 1 inch apart along the top, extending down the length of the loaf but taking care not to slice all the way through the base. This will create pockets in the bread for stuffing.
  • Gently open up the cuts you've made in the bread. Using a spoon or a brush, generously drizzle or paint the garlic butter mixture into each crevice, making sure each slit is filled with flavor.
  • Next, take the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and stuff it into the slits of the bread. Aim for an even distribution to ensure each piece is cheesy and loaded.
  • Carefully wrap the entire filled loaf in aluminum foil, sealing it tightly to maintain moisture. Place the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking.
  • Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After this time, carefully unwrap the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. This step will allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly while giving the bread a lovely golden crust.
  • Once baked to perfection, remove the garlic bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This slight cooling will make it easier to pull apart and ensure you don’t burn your fingers.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Keyword cheesy, garlic bread, pull apart