Cheesy Pull-apart Garlic Bread Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy pull-apart garlic bread is a delicious, shareable treat perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. With gooey mozzarella, fragrant garlic butter, and a crusty bread base, this recipe is both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients
- 120 g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 sourdough loaf or thick pane di casa
- 225 g freshly grated mozzarella
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) fan-forced.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with parsley, minced garlic, sea salt flakes, and cracked black pepper. Set aside.
- Step 3: Using a sharp knife, score the bread loaf diagonally into diamond shapes, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Step 4: Spoon the garlic butter mixture into all the crevices of the scored bread. Then, stuff the grated mozzarella between the cuts. Don’t worry about perfect distribution; a rustic look works best.
- Step 5: Wrap the stuffed bread in a large sheet of foil and place it on an oven-safe baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes. After this, remove the foil from the top and bake for an additional 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is crispy and golden.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, encouraging everyone to tear pieces apart and enjoy together.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the garlic butter.
- Swap mozzarella for a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper cheese flavor.
- Use a crusty artisan bread if sourdough is not available.
- Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or cooked bacon bits into the cheese layers for variation.
Storage
Store any leftover pull-apart garlic bread wrapped tightly in foil or airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–8 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic offers a brighter, more fragrant flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch. Adjust the quantity to taste, as it may be more concentrated.
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
A sturdy loaf like sourdough or pane di casa works best as it holds up to the cheese and butter without becoming too soggy. Avoid very soft or delicate breads.
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Cheesy Pull-apart Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A deliciously gooey and flavorful Cheesy Pull-apart Garlic Bread featuring melted mozzarella baked inside a crusty sourdough loaf, infused with a fragrant garlic butter and fresh parsley. Perfect as a shareable appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter
- 120 g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Bread and Cheese
- 1 sourdough loaf or thick pane di casa
- 225 g freshly grated mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) to prepare for baking the bread.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with finely chopped parsley, freshly minced garlic, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well and set aside to infuse the flavors.
- Score the Bread: Take the sourdough loaf and, using a sharp knife, score it on an angle into diamond shapes, making sure not to cut all the way through the loaf to keep it intact.
- Add Garlic Butter and Cheese: Spoon the garlic butter mixture generously into all the scored crevices of the bread. Stuff the gaps with freshly grated mozzarella, distributing it rustic and unevenly for a more authentic texture and melting effect.
- Bake Wrapped Bread: Wrap the prepared loaf tightly in a large sheet of aluminum foil, place it on an oven-safe baking tray, and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt inside and the butter to infuse the bread.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil from the top of the bread carefully, then bake uncovered for an additional 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top of the bread is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, allowing everyone to tear apart the warm, cheesy pull-apart slices to enjoy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a different taste.
- Ensure not to cut through the bread completely when scoring to keep the loaf intact for the pull-apart effect.
- Serve warm for the best melty cheese experience.
- Leftovers can be reheated wrapped in foil to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: Cheesy pull-apart garlic bread, garlic bread recipe, mozzarella bread, pull-apart bread, cheesy appetizer, baked garlic bread

