Description
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.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.