A warm, irresistible appetizer, this Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is loaded with garlic, butter and gooey mozzarella. It’s a festive, comforting dish that comes together quickly and always disappears fast.
Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
This is a truly simple and delicious recipe perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or an easy weeknight upgrade to a quick meal. Pair it with a rotisserie chicken and a salad, or serve it as the star appetizer at your next party.
Recipe Ingredients
At its core you only need bread, butter, garlic and cheese. I like a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley for brightness, but you can swap in dried herbs, basil, Italian seasoning, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper if you prefer.
- Bread: One unsliced boule (round loaf) or a large baguette.
- Butter: 8 tablespoons (one stick) unsalted, melted.
- Fresh garlic: 4 to 6 cloves, minced, or to taste.
- Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded mozzarella (or your favorite melty cheese).
What Is the Best Bread to Use?
French-style breads work best: a baguette or a boule. Sourdough boules add a tangy crunch, and a round brioche makes a softer, slightly sweeter version. Choose a loaf with a crust and crumb texture you enjoy—firmer crusts hold up well to stuffing and baking.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
This is the fun part. The method is simple and family-friendly, and kids can help with scoring and stuffing the loaf.
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Score the bread: Using a serrated knife, crosshatch the top of the loaf—slice lengthwise and widthwise without cutting through the bottom so the loaf stays intact.
- Make garlic butter: Melt the butter, then stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt and pepper.
- Brush and stuff: Generously brush the butter mixture into the crosshatch cuts and over the top of the loaf. Stuff shredded cheese into each cut so the cheese melts into the slices as the bread bakes.
- Bake: Wrap the filled loaf in foil, place it on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is heated through. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Pull apart and enjoy warm.
Tips for Success
Small adjustments make a big difference. Here are a few tips to get the best result:
- Use a sharp serrated knife: A sharp blade gives clean cuts without crushing the loaf, making it easier to stuff and bake evenly.
- Boost the flavor: Add thinly sliced scallions, chopped chives, or sautéed onions into the garlic butter for extra savory depth.
- Offer dipping sauces: Warm marinara, pesto, or a beef au jus make excellent accompaniments for dipping and elevate the dish.
What Goes with Pull-Apart Garlic Bread?
Cheesy garlic pull-apart bread pairs well with soups, salads, and other small plates. It’s versatile enough to stand alone as an appetizer or to round out a full meal.
- Appetizer spread: Combine with baked shrimp, stuffed mushrooms or a warm dip for a party platter.
- Hearty sides: Serve alongside stuffed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian option.
- Soups and stews: Dip into creamy soups like chicken gnocchi or hearty squash-and-sausage soups for a comforting meal.
How to Store Extra Bread
Leftovers store and reheat well when handled properly.
- Refrigerate: Cut into one-inch pieces, wrap tightly or seal in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Cut into one-inch pieces, remove excess air from freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
CHEESY GARLIC PULL APART BREAD
Ingredients
- 1 pound boule bread (round loaf or large baguette)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crosshatch the top of the bread with a serrated knife, slicing lengthwise and widthwise but not through the bottom.
- Melt the butter in a bowl. Stir in the minced garlic, parsley, salt and pepper.
- Brush the butter mixture into the crosshatches and over the top of the loaf. Stuff shredded cheese into each cut.
- Wrap the loaf in foil, place on a baking sheet and bake 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is warmed through.
- Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
Any French-style loaf works well—baguette, boule, sourdough or a round brioche depending on the texture and flavor you prefer.
Nutrition
Calories: 322 kcal | Carbs: 27 g | Protein: 11 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 11 g | Sodium: 507 mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary based on ingredients and tools used.
More Baking Recipes To Try
Try these other savory baked sides and dinner ideas for more inspiration.
Soft Parmesan Dinner Rolls
Eggs Benedict Casserole
Easy Homemade Flatbread