Name: Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large loaf of crusty artisan bread (Sourdough or Ciabatta work great); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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If you love bread, cheese, and all things garlicky, prepare to meet your new obsession: Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread. This showstopping loaf is golden on the outside, impossibly fluffy on the inside, and filled to every crevice with buttery garlic and molten cheese. It’s the kind of appetizer that brings a table together, with everyone reaching for one more gooey, flavorful piece—because let’s be honest, one piece is never enough! Whether you’re planning a cozy family night or hosting friends for a festive gathering, Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread is guaranteed to please.

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised at how an everyday list of ingredients creates a bread so spectacular! Every element on this list plays an important role in the overall taste, color, or gooey texture of your Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread, so don’t skip a single one.

1 large loaf of crusty artisan bread: Sourdough or ciabatta hold up best and let you pull apart cheesy pieces with ease.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Rich, creamy butter acts as the flavor carrier for all the garlic goodness.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides a fragrant punch—yes, five cloves is just right!
1 teaspoon garlic powder: This rounds out the fresh garlic and infuses the bread all the way through.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle, earthy note that pairs well with cheese and garlic.
1 teaspoon dried parsley: This adds color and a gentle herbal freshness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Don’t leave it out—it’s essential for balance and pop.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming heat in the background.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The ultimate melty, stretchy cheese for pillowy bites.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, aged richness that makes every piece irresistible.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A shower of green that makes the finished bread look as fresh as it tastes.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch all those glorious, melty cheese bits and make cleanup a breeze. This ensures the bread bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to your pan.

Step 2: Cut the Bread

Using a sharp bread knife, slice your loaf into 1-inch pieces, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. You want to create a crosshatch pattern, leaving the base intact. This technique creates little pockets ready to soak up your garlic butter and plenty of cheese, without the loaf falling apart.

Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter

In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, oregano, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and the spices are fragrant. This flavorful butter is the heart of your Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread, infusing every bite with savory aroma and taste.

Step 4: Brush the Butter

Take a pastry brush and generously apply the garlic butter mixture into all the grooves and gaps of the bread, making sure it seeps into every slice. Don’t be shy—this is what gives each piece that signature flavor. Save a little extra butter for a final drizzle over the top before baking.

Step 5: Get Cheesy

Gently stuff generous amounts of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan between each section of bread. Get in there and make sure every inch is filled. This is where Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread gets its irresistible stretch and gooeyness.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Now, drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the entire loaf, wrap it snugly in aluminum foil, and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. This first baking step allows everything to warm through and the cheese to begin melting without over-browning the crust.

Step 7: Bake Uncovered for Crisp and Color

Remove the foil after 20 minutes and pop the bread back into the oven for another 10–15 minutes. Watch as the cheese bubbles and the top turns golden and crispy—this step transforms the loaf from pretty good to positively irresistible.

Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Let the bread cool just a minute or two, then invite everyone to dig in. Each piece of Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread is steamy, cheesy bliss!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

Garnishes

Elevate your Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even a little extra Parmesan right before serving. A dusting of red pepper flakes can add a gentle kick, while a drizzle of good olive oil boosts richness and shine. These simple touches turn your homemade bread into a bakery-worthy centerpiece.

Side Dishes

While this bread is often the star of the show, it’s also a perfect companion for cozy soups, hearty pasta dishes, or a crisp green salad. Try pairing it with classic tomato soup, lasagna, roasted veggies, or a zesty Caesar salad for a full-on comfort meal that highlights every savory note of the Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the bread on a rustic wooden board alongside dipping bowls of warm marinara, garlic aioli, or herbed olive oil. If you’re hosting a special brunch, cut the loaf into smaller, individual pull-apart pieces for easy grabbing. You can even tie a ribbon around the loaf for a festive, gift-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread tightly in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate. The bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days, still delicious for snacking or on-the-go lunches.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf (whole or in sections) in plastic wrap followed by foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for cheesy, garlicky goodness, just thaw and reheat.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat the bread wrapped in foil at 350°F until warmed through and melty—usually about 10–15 minutes. If you want extra crispness, open the foil for the last few minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as the texture is best from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread?

Absolutely! Pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient and melts nicely. If possible, freshly grated Parmesan (from a block) brings even more flavor, but store-bought is just fine for an easy shortcut.

What’s the best artisan bread for this recipe?

A sturdy, crusty loaf like sourdough or ciabatta is ideal for Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread, as it holds up to stuffing and baking without falling apart. Avoid very soft breads, which can get soggy.

Can I prepare Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the bread (butter and cheese added) a few hours ahead, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time straight from the fridge.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

The recipe is already vegetarian as written, but for a vegan version, try using dairy-free cheeses and plant-based butter—just be sure your bread doesn’t contain any dairy or eggs.

Can I add other flavors to the bread?

Definitely! For a twist, try mixing in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread is a fantastic canvas for your favorite Mediterranean flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread at home yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and intensely satisfying in every warm, cheesy bite. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or the main event, this bread is always a hit—so preheat that oven and let the tantalizing aroma of garlic and cheese fill your kitchen!

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible combination of garlic, butter, and cheese with this Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread recipe. A perfect appetizer or side dish that’s sure to impress!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Bread: Carefully slice the loaf of bread into 1-inch pieces, creating a crosshatch pattern without cutting through the bottom.
Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
Apply the Garlic Butter: Brush the mixture between each slice of bread, ensuring it fills the crevices. Reserve some butter for drizzling.
Stuff with Cheese: Fill the slices with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, tucking into each layer.
Bake the Bread: Drizzle remaining butter over the loaf, wrap in foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
Add Color and Crispness: Unwrap the bread, bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and the top is crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley, cool slightly, and serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian