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- 1 large Italian bread loaf - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat For this cheesy pull apart garlic bread, you need a few key items. First, grab a large Italian bread loaf. This bread has a soft inside and a crunchy crust, perfect for pulling apart. Next, you will need cheese. I suggest using one cup each of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This mix gives a great taste and stretch. Now, let’s talk about flavor. You will need half a cup of unsalted butter, melted. This adds richness. You will also need four cloves of minced garlic and two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Together, these make a tasty garlic butter. If you want to add more flavor, consider optional ingredients. A teaspoon of dried oregano works well. You can also add half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes. These ingredients are not required but can make the bread even tastier. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a delicious cheesy pull apart garlic bread! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the bread bake evenly. 2. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. This garlic butter adds great flavor. 1. Take the large Italian bread loaf and make cuts about 1 inch apart. Cut down the length of the loaf but do not cut all the way through the bottom. This keeps the bread together. 2. Gently pry open the cuts in the bread. Drizzle or brush the garlic butter mixture generously into each slit. Make sure every part gets some flavor. 1. Stuff the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the slits of the bread. Spread it out evenly so every bite is cheesy. 2. Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. This helps keep the bread moist as it bakes. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. The bread should be golden brown, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. 4. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before pulling apart and serving. The bread pulls apart easily when it cools a bit. Enjoy! Choosing the right bread is key. I suggest a large Italian bread loaf. It has a soft inside and a golden crust. This bread holds up well when you pull it apart. You can also try a French baguette for a different twist. Adjusting garlic and seasoning levels makes a big difference. If you love garlic, use more than four cloves. You can also play with herbs. Try fresh thyme or rosemary for a unique taste. Don’t forget to taste your garlic butter mix as you go! Using the right cheese blends ensures a gooey texture. I love mixing mozzarella and cheddar. Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar adds sharpness. You can also add cream cheese for extra richness. Baking tips for a crispy crust are simple. Wrap your loaf in aluminum foil first. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt. Unwrap it for the last ten minutes to crisp the top. Watch for a golden brown color—it means it's ready! Pairings with sauces or dips make this dish shine. Try serving it with marinara sauce or a garlic aioli. These dips add flavor and keep it fun. Presentation ideas for gatherings can elevate your bread. Place the loaf on a cutting board. Add fresh herbs or a small bowl of dip beside it. This makes it look inviting and ready to share! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the flavor of your garlic bread significantly. Avoid using pre-minced garlic for the best taste. Customize Your Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gouda, fontina, or pepper jack can add unique flavors to your pull-apart bread. Let It Rest: Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to pull apart without losing too much cheese. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Pair your cheesy garlic bread with marinara or a garlic herb dip for an extra layer of flavor and fun. {{image_2}} You can make Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread even better by changing the cheese. Instead of just mozzarella and cheddar, try using different cheese blends. For example, gouda or pepper jack can add a fun twist. Adding cream cheese also works well. It gives the bread a rich, smooth taste. Mix cream cheese with shredded cheese for a creamy surprise in each bite. You can spice up the flavor with herbs. Try adding fresh thyme or basil to your garlic butter mix. These herbs bring a fresh taste that brightens each bite. Another tasty addition is cooked bacon or ham. Chop them into small pieces and mix them with the cheese. The salty, savory flavor pairs well with the garlic and cheese. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. Look for brands that are soft and have good texture. This way, everyone can enjoy the bread, no matter their diet. For those who are dairy-free, choose dairy-free cheese. There are many good options now that melt well. You won’t miss out on the cheesy goodness! For leftover cheesy pull apart garlic bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it soft and fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the cheese melt again while keeping the bread soft. You can freeze cheesy pull apart garlic bread if you have extra. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This protects it from freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. When stored correctly, cheesy pull apart garlic bread stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. You can see signs of spoilage if the bread becomes hard or develops mold. If the bread smells sour or off, it's best to throw it away. Always check for freshness before eating! Can I make Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Make the garlic butter and cut the bread. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready, assemble and bake it. This saves time and adds fresh flavor. What can I serve with Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread? This bread pairs well with many dishes. Consider serving it with pasta, soup, or salad. It also complements grilled meats and dips. Try marinara or ranch dressing for extra flavor. Why is my cheese not melting properly? This issue can arise from using low-moisture cheese. Always choose high-moisture mozzarella and cheddar. Ensure you bake it long enough for proper melting. Covering the bread with foil for the first part of baking helps too. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy? To avoid sogginess, use less garlic butter. Make sure to not soak the bread. Drizzle or brush the butter mixture in the slits only. Bake it at the right temperature for a crispy crust. Can I use whole wheat bread for this recipe? Yes, whole wheat bread works well. It adds a nutty flavor and is healthier. Just ensure it is fresh for the best results. Follow the same preparation steps for great taste. How can I make it spicier? To add heat, use red pepper flakes. Mix them into the garlic butter. You can also add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This blog post showed you how to make Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread. We outlined the key ingredients, from the bread to tasty seasonings. I shared easy steps for preparing and baking the bread to perfection. You also learned tips for flavor and storage. In conclusion, this dish is fun to make and enjoy. Feel free to get creative with variations that suit your taste. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread

A deliciously cheesy and garlicky bread that pulls apart easily for sharing.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large Italian bread loaf
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Take the Italian bread loaf and make cuts approximately 1 inch apart across the top and down the length of the loaf, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom.
  • Gently pry open the cuts of the bread and drizzle or brush the garlic butter mixture generously into each crevice.
  • Stuff the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese mixture into the slits of the bread, making sure it's evenly distributed.
  • Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before pulling apart and serving.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes.
Keyword bread, cheesy, garlic, pull apart