Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is the perfect mix of gooey cheese, buttery garlic, and soft, warm bread that you can’t help but tear into piece by piece. Each bite is loaded with melted cheese and that irresistible garlic flavor, making it a great snack or side for any meal.
I love making this bread when friends come over because it’s fun to share and everyone’s always reaching for the next cheesy chunk. What’s great is that it’s so easy to prepare—just slice the bread, stuff it with cheese and garlic butter, then bake until golden and melty. It fills the kitchen with such a tasty aroma that I find myself sneaking pieces before it’s even done.
My favorite way to enjoy this pull apart bread is fresh out of the oven with a bowl of tomato soup or alongside a simple salad. It’s one of those comforting recipes that always brings people together, and honestly, it never lasts long on the table. If you want a quick, crowd-pleasing treat, this garlic bread is a must-try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Choose a crusty round loaf like sourdough or Italian bread. Their firm crust holds the shape well and keeps the inside soft. If you can’t find these, a good quality French boule works too.
Butter & Garlic: Softened unsalted butter is best to blend with fresh minced garlic and herbs. You can use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available, but fresh garlic has the best aroma and flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and stretches well. Adding cheddar gives a stronger flavor and extra color. If you want, try gouda or Monterey Jack as tasty alternatives.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a fresh, bright note. If you don’t have oregano, Italian seasoning or basil work fine to keep it flavorful.
How Do I Make Perfect Cuts Without Slicing Through the Bread?
The cutting step is really important for pull apart bread. You want to slice deep enough to fill with the butter and cheese, but not so far that the bread falls apart.
- Use a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts through the crust without squishing the bread.
- Cut about 1 inch apart, making diagonal slices from top down, only going about 3/4 through the loaf.
- Turn the bread and repeat the cuts at 90 degrees to form a grid pattern—this helps you get even-sized chunks that pull apart nicely.
- Handle the bread gently when stuffing with butter and cheese so it keeps its shape.
Taking your time with these cuts helps the bread warm evenly and the cheese melt perfectly into each piece.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Serrated bread knife – I recommend a sharp one to make clean, even cuts without squishing the bread.
- Mixing bowl – for blending the garlic butter and herbs, keeps everything tidy and easy to stir.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the right amount of butter, garlic, and herbs for a balanced flavor.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased – so the bread doesn’t stick and is easy to handle after baking.
- Aluminum foil – for covering the bread early in baking to keep it moist, then removing it to brown the top nicely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Add cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms inside the slits for extra texture and taste.
- Mix in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika with the butter for a spicy or smoky kick.
- Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives on top before baking for a Mediterranean flair.
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bread and Butter Mixture:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (e.g., sourdough or Italian bread)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For The Cheese Filling:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
For Baking:
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil (for greasing)
- Aluminum foil (to cover the bread while baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 to 30 minutes to bake. Plan for around 40 minutes total from start to finish, perfect for a quick and delicious homemade treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Using a serrated bread knife, carefully make diagonal cuts across the bread about 1 inch apart, slicing about ¾ through the loaf but not all the way through. Then turn the bread 90 degrees and make the same cuts to create a crosshatch pattern of little cubes.
2. Making the Garlic Butter:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined. This flavorful butter will soak into every slice of bread.
3. Stuffing the Bread and Baking:
Use a knife or spoon to spread the garlic butter mixture into all the cuts and crevices of the bread, making sure to coat each side. Then gently stuff the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the gaps between the bread cubes, pressing it down evenly throughout. Place the loaf on your prepared baking sheet and loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden and crispy.
4. Finishing Touch and Serving:
Take the bread out of the oven and sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch. Serve immediately and enjoy pulling apart warm pieces packed with gooey cheese and garlicky goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh bread for the best texture and flavor. If you only have frozen bread, thaw it completely at room temperature before preparing to avoid sogginess.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can slice the bread, prepare the garlic butter, and stuff the cheese a few hours ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes to revive the gooey cheese.
Can I Add Other Flavors or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Try adding cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for extra flair.