Name: Pull-Apart Cheese Bread with Garlic, Parmesan, and Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 loaf crusty bread (sourdough or Italian); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 8 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce for dipping)

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Introduction

Pull-apart cheese bread is a delicious and fun appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. With gooey melted cheese, garlic butter, and fresh herbs baked inside a crusty loaf, it’s irresistible and easy to make.

A round loaf of bread is cut into a grid pattern, creating many thick, square layers. Between the layers, melted white cheese and green herb bits are spread, with some of the cheese visibly oozing out. The crust of the bread is golden brown and crispy, while the inside looks soft and full of gooey cheese and herbs. The bread is placed on white parchment paper over a wooden surface replaced by a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf crusty bread (sourdough or Italian)
8 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce for dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the loaf of bread diagonally into 1-inch slices, being careful not to cut all the way through. Turn the loaf a quarter turn and slice again to form a diamond grid pattern. Place the loaf on a piece of foil on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in the garlic powder. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the inside of the bread slices with the garlic butter. Stuff the cracks with shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley.
Step 4: Wrap the loaf tightly in foil and place it on the baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, then unwrap the top of the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add finely chopped cooked bacon or sliced jalapeños between the bread slices before baking.
Try using a combination of different cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a unique twist.
If you prefer less garlic, reduce the garlic powder or substitute with fresh minced garlic for a stronger bite.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and cheese is melty again, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A round loaf of bread is cut deeply into a grid pattern, creating many square layers. Each layer has melted white cheese and bits of green herbs, giving the bread a mix of golden brown crust, white cheese, and dark green spots. The bread sits on white crinkled paper on a wooden board, and behind it, there is a white bowl with blue patterns filled with bright red tomato sauce, topped with small green leaves. The overall look shows the bread as soft inside with gooey cheese and toasted edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, any crusty bread that holds its shape well, like French baguette or ciabatta, works nicely. Just ensure the loaf is large enough to slice diagonally without falling apart.

What can I use instead of marinara sauce for dipping?

If you don’t have marinara, pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or a creamy garlic dip all pair well with pull-apart cheese bread.