Description
Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
This cheesy, garlicky pull-apart bread is the ultimate comfort food! Fluffy bread filled with melted mozzarella cheese and topped with a delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
1 loaf of soft bread (like French bread or sourdough)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Bread: Slice the bread into cubes or individual sections, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through the bottom—leaving the bread connected at the base.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stuff the Bread: Carefully spoon the garlic butter mixture into the cuts of the bread. Be generous, making sure the butter gets inside each section of the bread. Afterward, stuff the shredded mozzarella cheese between the bread slices.
Bake the Bread: Place the stuffed bread in the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is warm and the cheese is melted. For a crispy top, uncover the bread for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy pulling apart the cheesy, garlicky goodness!
This cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is perfect for any occasion, whether as a side dish for dinner or as a snack for gatherings! Would you like to share this recipe with your followers?
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect pull-apart bread every time. First, select a fresh, soft loaf like French or sourdough; a stale loaf won’t absorb the butter well. Using a sharp serrated knife, make deep, evenly spaced cuts across the loaf in a crosshatch pattern, stopping about 1/2 inch from the bottom to keep the base intact. For the garlic butter, gently cook the minced garlic in melted butter just until it becomes aromatic—overcooking will make it bitter. Use a pastry brush or a small spoon to meticulously work the sauce into every crevice. When stuffing the cheese, take small handfuls of shredded mozzarella and firmly press it into the cuts. Covering with foil for the initial bake is crucial; it steams the bread, ensuring the center is warm and the cheese melts completely before you uncover it for the final crisp.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile bread pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Serve it as a standout appetizer alongside marinara or ranch dip for dipping. It makes a fantastic side for soups like tomato bisque or stews. For a hearty meal, pair it with pasta dishes, grilled chicken, or a fresh garden salad. For parties, place the entire baked loaf on a board with charcuterie and olives for a shareable centerpiece.
How-to Summary
To make Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread: Slice a loaf without cutting through the base. Make a sauce by cooking minced garlic in melted butter, then add parsley. Brush the sauce into the bread’s cuts, stuff with shredded mozzarella, and bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the bread up to 4 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella? A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar offers great melt and flavor. For a sharper taste, try provolone or gouda.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh? Yes, but use only 2 teaspoons of dried parsley, as it has a more concentrated flavor.
My bread is soggy. What went wrong? Sogginess usually results from underbaking while covered or using too much butter. Ensure you bake covered for the full time to “steam” the interior properly, and consider uncovering for a few extra minutes at the end.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting through the bottom: This causes the loaf to fall apart. Always leave a solid base.
- Overcooking the garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Cook it just until fragrant.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that hinder melting. Shred your own cheese from a block.
- Skipping the foil cover: Baking uncovered from the start can dry out the bread before the cheese melts.
- Not letting it cool slightly: Serving it straight from the oven can cause burns from hot cheese.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that masterfully combines fluffy bread, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic butter. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a delicious, shareable dish perfect for any event. Its interactive, fun nature makes it a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!