Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Few things draw a crowd faster than warm garlicky pull-apart bread bubbling with cheese and aromatic herbs. This recipe transforms a simple loaf into a show-stopping centerpiece with nothing more than humble kitchen staples and a little extra love.

The first time I threw this together for a last-minute movie night it disappeared before the popcorn was ready. Now my friends beg for it every time we gather.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Large loaf of bread: Italian or French bread works best for sturdy slices and even pull apart texture. Choose a loaf with a nice golden crust and a soft interior.
• Shredded cheese: Use a blend of mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for a sharp gooey kick. Shred your own for best texture.
• Unsalted butter: This carries all the flavors. Use fresh butter for rich taste.
• Fresh garlic: The star ingredient for real aromatic kick. Mince it finely for even flavor distribution.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens up the rich flavors. Go for flat leaf parsley with vibrant green color.
• Onion powder: Adds savory depth and rounds out flavors. Select a fresh jar for best results.
• Italian seasoning: Brings in herby complexity. Choose a blend with oregano basil and thyme.
• Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors. Use sea salt for a clean taste.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the richness. Freshly cracked delivers the best aroma.

How to Make It

Prep the Bread:

Score the bread in a grid pattern cutting almost to the bottom but not all the way through. This helps the garlic butter soak into every bite and makes the pull apart texture easy to achieve.

Prepare Garlic Butter:

Melt the butter completely and stir in the minced garlic parsley onion powder Italian seasoning salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly so every flavor is infused into the butter.

Brush and Fill:

Generously use a pastry brush to coat every crevice of the bread with the garlic butter lifting sections gently to get the mixture deep inside. Stuff the shredded cheese into all the cuts layering it for maximum coverage and melt.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly:

Place the filled loaf on a lined baking tray and bake at 375°F for about 30 to 45 minutes. The bread should turn deep golden and the cheese should be bubbling. Serve hot for the ultimate gooey pull apart experience.

I am always tempted to sneak a taste of the melty cheese as soon as it comes out of the oven. My favorite moment is watching everyone reach in for that first stretchy bite while the kitchen still smells like fresh garlic and butter.

Flavor Boosters

This bread is at its best straight from the oven but leftovers can be wrapped tightly and reheated in a warm oven the next day. For longer storage separate bite sized pieces and freeze them in a single layer. They reheat beautifully and make quick snacks.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with tomato soup for a comforting meal or serve alongside salads and grilled meats at summer barbecues. For special occasions tuck in a few pieces of pepperoni or sun dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Creative Twists

You can easily swap in sourdough or ciabatta for a different crust. Other herbs like chives or fresh basil work well and for cheese lovers a sprinkle of parmesan adds sharpness. Dairy free butter and vegan cheese can be used for a plant based version.

Brush deeply inside every score in the bread so each piece has maximum garlic butter flavor. More cheese means more ooey gooey goodness. Sharing is optional but is always more fun.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What kind of bread works best?

Sturdy loaves like Italian or French bread hold up well, allowing each cut to be stuffed with cheese and garlic butter without falling apart.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Certainly! Try mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for your favorite flavor and meltability.

→ How do I prevent sogginess?

Brush the butter mixture thoroughly yet avoid oversaturating the bread. Bake uncovered until crisp and golden for best results.

→ Which herbs go well with garlic bread?

Fresh parsley adds brightness, while Italian seasoning and a hint of onion powder build savory depth.

→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Assemble the bread up to baking, then refrigerate. When ready, simply bake and serve warm for optimal texture and flavor.