If you are searching for a crowd-pleaser that combines ooey-gooey cheese with the irresistible aroma of garlic and fresh herbs, look no further than this Pull Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe. This dish transforms a simple sourdough loaf into a golden masterpiece bursting with melty mozzarella and savory Parmesan, perfectly infused with luscious garlic butter and fragrant parsley. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or elevating any meal night without a fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your new go-to appetizer or snack for every gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in creating that unforgettable blend of flavors and textures. From the crispy crust of the sourdough to the creamy, bubbling cheeses and the butter-herb mixture that ties it all together, every element is essential to nailing this delicious Pull Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe.
- 1 large sourdough loaf (unsliced): A sturdy base that crisps up beautifully and soaks in the garlic butter.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melty stretch and mild, creamy flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick that perfectly complements the mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: The rich foundation of the garlic herb spread that seeps into the bread’s crevices.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the bread with a robust, aromatic punch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor and adds a fresh green pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of warmth that rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make Pull Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. This makes sure your bread doesn’t stick and catches any melting cheese drips, keeping cleanup simple.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter slowly to capture the richness perfectly. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, then remove from the heat before folding in fresh parsley. This garlic herb butter will become the star seasoning that infuses every bite of our bread.
Step 3: Score the Bread
Take your unsliced sourdough loaf and, using a sharp knife, make crosshatch cuts—about 1-inch apart vertically and horizontally—being careful not to slice all the way to the bottom crust. These cuts create pockets to hold all the delicious butter and cheese.
Step 4: Drizzle the Garlic Butter
Generously drizzle the garlic herb butter into each slice, using a spoon or pastry brush to ensure every nook and cranny is coated. This step is crucial for that perfect garlic flavor to penetrate deeply.
Step 5: Stuff with Cheese
Now for the cheesy goodness: stuff shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into every cut of the loaf. The cheeses melt together, creating ooey-gooey pockets inside the crusty bread, delivering a heavenly texture contrast.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Wrap the stuffed loaf tightly in foil and bake for 15 minutes—this helps melt the cheese and infuse the bread with garlic butter. Then unwrap the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the top is golden and the cheese bubbles enticingly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top for a vibrant finish. Serve this Pull Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe warm to enjoy the ooey gooey cheese when it’s at its best.
How to Serve Pull Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds color but refreshes each bite with a mild herbal brightness. For special occasions, a light drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of smoked paprika can add an extra flair both visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
This cheesy bread pairs wonderfully with soups like tomato basil or creamy mushroom bisque, and acts as a fantastic companion to fresh salads or grilled meats. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser whether you’re creating a casual dinner or party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the loaf on a rustic wooden board, pulling apart pieces with fingers to showcase the stretchy cheese, and offering small bowls of marinara or ranch dip. For a festive touch, place it next to a colorful antipasto platter, creating a feast that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The bread may lose some crispness but can be easily revived when reheated.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the fully wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture just right.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil to warm the cheese through without drying out the bread. Unwrap in the last few minutes to crisp up the crust again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough is ideal for its sturdy crust and tangy flavor, you can also use a rustic French bread or Italian loaf. Just make sure it’s unsliced and firm enough to hold up to the cuts and fillings.
What cheeses work best besides mozzarella and Parmesan?
Cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of fontina work wonderfully. Choose cheeses that melt well and complement garlic and herbs for the best flavor balance.
How do I make the bread less garlicky if I prefer a milder taste?
Simply reduce the minced garlic to 1 or 2 cloves or roast the garlic beforehand to bring out a sweeter, less pungent flavor.
Can I prepare this bread in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bread up to step 5, then cover and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. This is great for hosting and saving time on the day of your event.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! Most kids love cheesy, garlicky bread, and this pull-apart style makes it fun and easy for little hands to enjoy without any fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Pull Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings people together, sparking joy with every cheesy bite. It’s easy enough for any home cook to master but impressive enough to steal the show at your next gathering. So grab that loaf of sourdough and get ready to create some delicious memories—your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Pull Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pull Apart Garlic Herb Cheese Bread is a savory, cheesy, and aromatic treat perfect for sharing. Using a crusty sourdough loaf filled with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, infused with garlic butter and fresh parsley, this easy-to-make bread is baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s an ideal appetizer or side that combines the comforting flavors of garlic and herbs with gooey melted cheese in every pull-apart bite.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 large sourdough loaf (unsliced)
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat to prevent burning. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to infuse the butter with flavor. Remove from heat and mix in the fresh chopped parsley for a bright herbal note.
- Slice the Bread: Place the sourdough loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut crosshatch slices into the bread, making sure not to slice all the way through, so the loaf remains intact for stuffing.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Drizzle the garlic herb butter into all the cuts, using a brush or spoon to spread it evenly so every section is flavorful.
- Stuff with Cheese: Generously stuff the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses into the crevices of the loaf, filling all the cuts to ensure cheesy, gooey bites.
- Bake Covered: Wrap the loaf tightly in foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly inside.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to get a golden crust and bubbly cheese on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with extra fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve the bread warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Use a sharp serrated knife to easily cut through the crust without squishing the bread.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a slight kick.
- Ensure cuts do not go all the way through the loaf to keep it intact while baking.
- This bread is best served immediately but can be reheated wrapped in foil to maintain moisture.
- For a different twist, try adding cooked bacon bits or spinach to the cheese stuffing.
