Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread is packed with bold, comforting flavors and a fun, shareable texture. Each piece pulls apart easily, revealing layers of melted cheese and garlicky goodness. It’s simple to prepare, perfect for gatherings, and pairs well with soups, pasta, or enjoyed on its own as a snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
crusty bread loaf (such as sourdough or boule)
unsalted butter
garlic
mozzarella cheese
cheddar cheese
fresh parsley
green onions (optional)
salt
black pepper
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Using a sharp knife, cut the bread into a crosshatch pattern, making diagonal cuts in both directions without slicing all the way through the bottom.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
Carefully spread the garlic butter mixture into all the cuts of the bread, making sure it seeps down into the crevices.
Stuff shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into each cut, distributing it evenly throughout the loaf.
Wrap the bread loosely in foil and place it on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
Unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6–8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes
Variations
Add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor or swap cheeses like Monterey Jack or gouda. You can include a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or mix in Italian seasoning for a herby twist. For a richer version, add a layer of cream cheese inside the cuts.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy.
FAQs
What type of bread works best?
A sturdy, crusty loaf like sourdough or a boule holds up best to the fillings.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread and refrigerate it before baking.
How do I keep the bread from falling apart?
Be careful not to cut all the way through the loaf when slicing.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
Can I make this without garlic?
Yes, but garlic is key to the classic flavor. You can reduce the amount if preferred.
How do I make it crispier?
Bake uncovered for the last part of cooking to crisp up the edges.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, cooked bacon or small pieces of ham work well.
Is this bread freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze it before baking and bake directly from frozen with extra time.
What herbs can I use besides parsley?
Chives, thyme, or basil are great alternatives.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free loaf of bread.
Conclusion
Cheesy garlic crack bread is a rich, flavorful, and fun dish that’s perfect for sharing. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and buttery garlic infusion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any table.
PrintCheesy Garlic Crack Bread
A crispy, pull-apart bread loaded with melted cheese, buttery garlic, and fresh herbs, creating a gooey and irresistible crowd-pleasing dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Crusty bread loaf (such as sourdough or boule)
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Green onions (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the bread into a crosshatch pattern without slicing all the way through the bottom.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture into all the cuts of the bread.
- Stuff shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into each cut evenly.
- Wrap the bread loosely in foil and place it on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Unwrap the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are crispy.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain crisp texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
