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- 1 large loaf of sourdough or Italian bread - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper The main ingredients for cheesy pull-apart garlic bread are quite simple. You need a big loaf of sourdough or Italian bread. The bread holds all the cheese and flavors well. Next, mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese give that gooey, tasty bite. You will also need unsalted butter, which adds richness. The garlic makes it all pop with flavor. Fresh parsley or dried parsley adds a nice touch of color and taste. Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper enhance the flavors even more. - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick - Variations on cheese types For a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes. This spice works well if you like a kick. You can also switch up the cheese types. Try using gouda, provolone, or even pepper jack. Mixing cheeses can create a fun twist on this dish. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Cheesy pull-apart garlic bread is all about personal taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for perfect baking. 2. Making diagonal cuts in the loaf: Take a large loaf of sourdough or Italian bread. Place it on a cutting board. Make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart. Cut downwards but don’t cut all the way through. Then, make similar cuts in the opposite direction. This creates a nice diamond pattern, which helps with stuffing. 1. Combining ingredients in a bowl: In a small bowl, add 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Next, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. If you like spice, you can add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix these ingredients well. 2. Flavor enhancements: The garlic butter brings a rich taste. The herbs add freshness. This mixture makes the bread super tasty. 1. Brushing the butter mixture into cuts: Take a brush and dip it into your garlic butter mix. Brush it generously into each cut of the bread. Make sure every cut gets some butter. 2. Packing cheese into the bread: Now it’s time to add the cheese! Take 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of sharp cheddar. Gently stuff the cheese into the cuts. Press it in well to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious. 1. Wrapping the bread in foil: Wrap the stuffed bread tightly in aluminum foil. This helps the cheese melt evenly and keeps the bread soft. 2. Baking and toasting tips: Place the foil-wrapped bread on a baking tray. Bake it in the oven for 15-20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an extra 10-15 minutes. This step makes the bread crispy and the cheese bubbly. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. To get the best melt from your cheese, wrap your bread in foil. This helps keep the heat in while it bakes. Make sure the foil is tight around the loaf. This way, the cheese melts evenly without drying out. Adjust the baking time based on your oven. If your bread is larger or thicker, add a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the cheese to bubble and the bread to toast just right. For a great presentation, serve your cheesy pull-apart garlic bread on a wooden cutting board. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color. It looks nice and adds fresh flavor. Consider adding a small bowl of marinara sauce or a spicy dipping sauce on the side. This adds a fun twist to every bite. It's perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with family. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and parsley to enhance the flavor profile of your garlic bread. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on flavor. Prevent Sogginess: To prevent the bread from getting soggy, make sure to brush off excess garlic butter before stuffing with cheese. Serving Suggestions: Pair with marinara sauce or a spicy aioli for dipping to complement the cheesy goodness. {{image_2}} You can play with different cheese types for your pull-apart bread. Try using provolone or gouda for a unique twist. A mix of cream cheese and cheddar adds a rich flavor. You can also use pepper jack for a spicy touch. Mixing cheese types creates layers of flavor. Just ensure they melt well. Changing the herbs and spices can elevate your bread. Fresh basil or oregano brings a fresh taste. Try thyme for a warm, earthy flavor. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. Red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Feel free to combine different spices to make it your own. To keep your cheesy pull-apart garlic bread fresh, use an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. If you don't have one, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep it longer, freeze it! Just wrap it well in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and it can last up to three months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep the cheese from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you want a crispier crust, remove the foil for the last few minutes. This helps maintain that perfect cheesy texture and brings back the bread's original glory. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy? To keep the bread from getting soggy, avoid over-soaking it with the garlic butter. Use just enough to coat the cuts. Also, wrapping the bread in foil prevents steam from making it wet. This method keeps the crust nice and crispy while the cheese melts inside. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead. Prepare the bread and stuff it with cheese and garlic butter. Wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. Adjust the time if baking from cold. What can I substitute for garlic? If you want to skip garlic, try using garlic powder or garlic salt. You could also use onion powder for a different flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add great taste without garlic. Can I use a different bread type? Absolutely! You can use any bread you like. French bread, ciabatta, or even whole grain bread work well. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the cheese and butter mixture. This blog post covered the ingredients and steps to make cheesy garlic bread. You learned about different bread, cheese, and optional spices. We discussed tips to ensure perfect cheese melting and how to store leftovers. You can experiment with variations for a unique touch. In the end, making this dish can bring comfort and joy to any meal. With a few simple steps, you can impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cheesy creation!

Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

A deliciously cheesy and garlicky bread that pulls apart easily, perfect for sharing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large loaf sourdough or Italian bread
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well.
  • Place the loaf of bread on a large cutting board and make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart, cutting downwards without slicing all the way through. Make similar cuts going the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern.
  • Carefully widen the cuts slightly and brush the garlic butter mixture generously into each cut, ensuring it's well-distributed.
  • Gently stuff the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the cuts of the bread, packing it in as best as you can.
  • Wrap the bread in aluminum foil, sealing it tightly. This will help the cheese melt evenly.
  • Place the foil-wrapped bread on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve on a wooden cutting board with marinara sauce for dipping.
Keyword cheesy bread, garlic bread, pull-apart bread