Pull Apart Garlic Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, featuring soft, buttery bread infused with garlic, herbs, and cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack, this bread is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with buttery, garlicky flavor
- Soft and fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings
- Easy to customize with different cheeses and herbs
- Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bread loaf (such as sourdough or Italian bread)
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional for extra crispiness)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the bread loaf on a cutting board and make diagonal cuts without slicing all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Using a spoon or brush, spread the garlic butter mixture into the cuts of the bread.
- Stuff the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan into the slits.
- Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Unwrap and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 people
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in cheddar or provolone for a richer cheese blend.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate dried oregano or basil for more flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and cheese substitutes.
- Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits inside for added crunch and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftovers in foil or place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
How do I prevent the bread from drying out?
Wrapping it in foil while baking helps retain moisture and prevents drying.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread, wrap it in foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What’s the best bread to use?
Sourdough, French, or Italian bread work best for structure and flavor.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but pre-minced can be used in a pinch.
How do I make it crispier?
Drizzle a little olive oil on the top before baking uncovered.
Can I freeze garlic bread?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen.
What dipping sauces go well with this?
Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter are great options.
Can I use store-bought garlic butter?
Yes, but adding fresh herbs and garlic will enhance the flavor.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free loaf that has a firm structure to hold the ingredients.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Pepperoni, cooked sausage, or shredded chicken can be stuffed into the slits.
Conclusion
Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and rich garlic butter flavor, this bread will be a hit at any table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this garlic bread is sure to impress!
PrintPull Apart Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread, Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft, buttery pull-apart bread infused with garlic, herbs, and gooey cheese. Perfect for parties, side dishes, or just indulging in comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 large round loaf of sourdough or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Prepare the bread: Using a sharp knife, cut a grid pattern into the bread, slicing almost to the bottom but not all the way through.
- Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the bread: Gently pull apart the bread sections and drizzle the garlic butter evenly into the cuts. Stuff shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the gaps.
- Wrap and bake: Loosely wrap the bread in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, open the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before pulling apart and enjoying!
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or Gruyère for different flavors.
- Use garlic-infused oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
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