Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pull apart bread is crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and dripping with savory garlic and cheese in every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make using store-bought or homemade dough, and it’s designed to be torn apart by hand—no utensils required. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, side, or game day snack, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bread loaf (round sourdough or Italian bread works best)
- Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- Garlic (minced)
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley or mixed Italian herbs
- Salt
- Optional: grated parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Using a sharp bread knife, cut the bread in a crosshatch pattern—slice horizontally and vertically without cutting all the way through the bottom.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt.
- Gently pull apart the bread sections and spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture into the cuts.
- Stuff shredded cheese evenly into the crevices between the bread cubes. Be generous for maximum cheesy pull.
- Wrap the bread loosely in foil and place it on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve hot and pull apart to enjoy.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6–8 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Bacon Lovers: Add crumbled cooked bacon between the layers for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the bread cuts.
- Caprese Style: Add chopped tomatoes and basil with mozzarella and drizzle with balsamic glaze after baking.
- Stuffed Pizza: Use pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella for a pull-apart pizza bread.
- Sweet Garlic Option: Use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warm and crisp again.
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change when thawed and reheated.
FAQs
What’s the best bread for pull apart bread?
A round, crusty sourdough or Italian loaf works best. It holds its shape and creates perfect pull-apart pieces.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a gooier texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the bread with butter and cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bake just before serving.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Keep the bread loosely covered with foil during the first part of baking, then uncover to brown the top.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, if you’re in a pinch. Use about ½ teaspoon garlic powder in the butter mixture.
Can I add different cheeses?
Absolutely. Mix in cheddar, fontina, gouda, or parmesan for extra flavor and meltability.
Is it messy to serve?
Not at all. The bread is pre-cut, so guests can easily pull pieces apart without slicing.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with pasta, soup, salad, or as a standalone appetizer with marinara or ranch for dipping.
Can I make a smaller version?
Yes, use a smaller loaf or halve the ingredients if serving fewer people.
How do I keep it warm for serving?
Wrap in foil and place in a warm oven or insulated container until ready to serve.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread is the ultimate comfort food made for sharing. Easy to assemble and packed with buttery, cheesy flavor, it’s perfect for entertaining or adding a fun twist to your dinner table. Serve it fresh from the oven and watch it disappear—one pull at a time.
PrintCheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread
Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread is a warm, gooey, and savory shareable loaf filled with melted cheese, garlic butter, and fresh herbs. A perfect appetizer, snack, or side for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 round sourdough or Italian bread loaf
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried Italian herbs)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Using a serrated knife, cut the bread loaf in a crosshatch pattern—slicing both horizontally and vertically without cutting all the way through the bottom.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and salt.
- Gently pull apart the bread sections and spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture evenly into the cuts.
- Stuff shredded cheese into the crevices of the bread. Sprinkle with parmesan and red pepper flakes if using.
- Wrap the bread loosely in foil and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes covered. Then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and crisp.
- Serve hot and enjoy by pulling apart pieces with your hands.
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Use roasted garlic for a milder flavor if preferred.
- Prep ahead by assembling the bread and refrigerating up to 1 day before baking.
- Serve with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
