Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

There’s something magical about the smell of garlic and butter wafting through the kitchen, especially when it clings to the edges of freshly baked bread and melted cheese. For many of us, garlic bread is more than just a side dish — it’s the centerpiece of comfort. It brings people together, makes any meal feel a bit more special, and always disappears faster than expected.

This cheesy pull-apart garlic bread is a twist on the traditional loaf we all know and love. It’s the kind of dish that gets people reaching across the table, laughing, sharing, and maybe even battling over the last piece. Whether it’s served at a game-day gathering, a casual weeknight dinner, or as part of a cozy weekend spread, this bread steals the show.

In our family, this bread has become a “must-have” at holidays and pizza nights. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly turns a simple evening into something memorable. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make — no special tools or baking degrees required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Perfectly crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside
• Loaded with garlic-butter flavor in every bite
• Fun to eat — no slicing needed, just pull apart and enjoy
• Easy to customize with your favorite cheese and herbs
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappears fast!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 crusty sourdough boule (or round artisan loaf)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

HOW TO MAKE CHEESY PULL-APART GARLIC BREAD:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup — trust me, that melty cheese likes to wander.

Grab your sourdough boule and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, make diagonal cuts across the loaf, about an inch apart, but don’t slice all the way through! You want the loaf to stay intact at the base. Now, rotate the loaf and make another set of diagonal cuts in the opposite direction. This creates that iconic criss-cross pattern that’s perfect for stuffing with cheesy goodness.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is liquid gold — full of flavor and ready to soak into every crevice of the bread.

Step 3: Fill and Flavor

Using clean hands or a spoon, gently pry open the cuts in the bread and drizzle the garlic butter mixture into the spaces. Don’t rush this part — the more evenly you spread it, the better the flavor in each bite. Now it’s time for the cheese! Mix the mozzarella and cheddar together, then stuff handfuls into each crack and crevice of the bread. Get generous here — cheesy pull-apart bread is no place for restraint.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the stuffed loaf onto your prepared baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the edges of the bread are crisp.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the loaf cool slightly (if you can wait!) before placing it on a serving board. Then, just pull apart and devour. No knife required — just cheesy, garlicky, golden perfection in every bite.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Choose the Right Bread: A round, crusty sourdough or artisan loaf works best. Avoid soft sandwich bread, which won’t hold its shape or texture as well.
• Don’t Overcut: Be careful not to slice all the way through the bottom of the loaf — you want it to stay intact so you can pull it apart easily.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the bread in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time if coming straight from the fridge.
• Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a big difference in flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic alone.
• Customize It: Try adding chopped green onions, crushed red pepper flakes, or swapping in different cheeses like fontina or gouda for a new twist.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

This recipe is easy to double or triple for larger gatherings. Just use multiple loaves and stagger them on your baking sheets. It also pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or a big bowl of pasta.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving – approx. based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 460mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try fontina, provolone, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for a fun twist.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free crusty bread.

What’s the best way to serve this?
Hot and fresh from the oven! Pair it with marinara sauce for dipping, or serve alongside pasta, salad, or a hearty soup.

Can I reheat leftovers?
You can! Wrap the loaf in foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occasion!), wrap the bread tightly in foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture — the microwave tends to make it soggy.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Cheesy Ground Beef Roll
• Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Rolls
• Cheesy Garlic Bliss Bombs
• Cheesy Garlic Bread with Shrimp

CONCLUSION

This cheesy pull-apart garlic bread is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again — not just because it’s delicious, but because it brings people together. It’s easy, impressive, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, this bread is a warm, gooey, garlic-packed gift to your taste buds. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new tradition in your home, too.

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