Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
A warm, gooey, and irresistible appetizer made by stuffing crusty bread with melted cheese, garlic butter, and herbs. Perfect for parties, game day, or as a shareable side to pasta and soup. Each pull delivers a cheesy, buttery bite.
Ingredients
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1 large round or oval crusty bread loaf (sourdough or Italian)
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
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1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
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Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
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Prepare the Bread: Using a sharp bread knife, cut the loaf in a crosshatch pattern slice almost to the bottom but not through, making 1-inch wide sections.
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Mix Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Stuff with Cheese: Gently pull bread sections apart and stuff mozzarella and Parmesan evenly between the cuts.
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Add Garlic Butter: Drizzle or brush the garlic butter mixture into all the crevices of the bread.
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Wrap and Bake: Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and bake for 15 minutes.
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Uncover and Finish Baking: Open the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and the bread edges are crispy.
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Serve: Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Equipment
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Sharp bread knife
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Cutting board
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Small mixing bowl
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Pastry brush or spoon
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Foil-lined baking sheet
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Measuring cups and spoons
Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Serving Size
Serves 6–8 as an appetizer
Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Equipment
- Sharp bread knife
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Foil-lined baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 large round or oval crusty bread loaf sourdough or Italian
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Prepare the Bread: Using a sharp bread knife, cut the loaf in a crosshatch pattern slice almost to the bottom but not through, making 1-inch wide sections.
- Mix Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff with Cheese: Gently pull bread sections apart and stuff mozzarella and Parmesan evenly between the cuts.
- Add Garlic Butter: Drizzle or brush the garlic butter mixture into all the crevices of the bread.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Open the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and the bread edges are crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes. Any sturdy, crusty bread like French, ciabatta, or boule works well. Avoid very soft bread, as it won’t hold its shape.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and has better flavor.
Can I add other fillings?
Absolutely. Cooked bacon, pepperoni, jalapeños, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bread, wrap in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or spicy cheese blends for extra heat.
What’s the best cheese combination?
Mozzarella for gooeyness, cheddar for sharpness, and Parmesan for saltiness make a great trio.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free butter and vegan cheese shreds.
Can I cook this on the grill?
Yes. Wrap in foil and grill over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, then open foil and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
It’s typically an appetizer or side, but you can pair it with salad or soup for a light meal.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes. Bake multiple loaves on separate baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
How To Store Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Refrigerator:
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven wrapped in foil for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.
