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Gooey Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread

cheesy garlic herb pull-apart bread - featured image

This easy party appetizer features a sturdy loaf stuffed with gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and fragrant garlic herb butter. Perfect for sharing, it’s irresistibly cheesy, crispy, and comforting—ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large round loaf of sourdough or Italian bread (about 1 lb, unsliced)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes
  • Optional: Finely chopped rosemary or thyme
  • Optional: Crumbled cooked bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the unsliced loaf on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut deep parallel slits into the bread, about 1 inch apart, without slicing all the way through. Rotate and make perpendicular cuts to create a grid pattern, keeping the bottom crust intact.
  3. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in garlic, parsley, chives, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Gently pry open the bread cuts and stuff in the cheese mixture, alternating mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan. Fill every crack for maximum gooeyness.
  5. Brush the garlic herb butter liberally over the top and into all crevices. Pour any remaining butter over the loaf.
  6. Loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown and crispy.
  8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pull apart pieces and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Use sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian for best results. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely. Fresh herbs and garlic give the best flavor. Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions. Prep ahead and refrigerate before baking for convenience. Serve hot with dips like marinara or ranch.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy bread, garlic bread, pull-apart bread, party appetizer, comfort food, easy recipe, mozzarella, cheddar, herbs, sourdough