Baked Cheese & Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate comfort appetizer—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with melted cheese and buttery garlic flavor. This shareable bread is designed to be pulled apart piece by piece, making it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in.
Whether you’re serving it as a starter, a side dish, or a snack, this cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and pairs beautifully with soups, pasta, or holiday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cheese & Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
- Loaded with melted cheese and garlic butter
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for sharing
- Crispy edges with a soft, fluffy center
- Great for parties and holidays
- Customizable with different cheeses
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love garlic bread and cheesy appetizers, this recipe combines the best of both. It looks impressive but requires minimal effort, making it ideal for entertaining without stress. Plus, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast once it hits the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 round loaf of bread (sourdough or boule)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
How to Make Baked Cheese & Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Step 1 — Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Step 2 — Prepare the Bread
Using a sharp knife, cut the bread in a crisscross pattern, making deep cuts without slicing all the way through the bottom.
Step 3 — Make the Garlic Butter
In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
Step 4 — Add the Cheese
Gently stuff shredded cheese into the cuts of the bread, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 5 — Brush with Garlic Butter
Drizzle and brush the garlic butter generously over the bread, letting it seep into the cuts.
Step 6 — Bake
Wrap the bread loosely in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden.
Step 7 — Serve
Serve hot and let everyone pull apart pieces directly from the loaf.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 10g
Values may vary depending on bread and cheese used.
Tips for the Best Baked Cheese & Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
- Use a sturdy loaf to hold fillings
- Cut deep but not through the base
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting
- Don’t skip covering with foil at first
- Serve immediately while cheese is hot
Variations & Substitutions
- Add cooked bacon bits or pepperoni
- Use Parmesan or Gruyère cheese
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Make it herb-heavy with rosemary or thyme
- Use dairy-free butter and cheese if needed
What to Serve with Baked Cheese & Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
- Tomato soup
- Pasta dishes
- Salads
- Holiday appetizers
- Marinara or ranch dipping sauce
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting all the way through the bread
- Using pre-shredded cheese only
- Skipping foil during baking
- Not seasoning the butter
- Letting it cool too long before serving
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Best served fresh
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat in the oven at low heat
- Not freezer-friendly once baked
Conclusion
Baked Cheese & Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is a cheesy, garlicky appetizer that’s perfect for sharing and celebrating. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, it’s a must-have recipe for parties, holidays, or anytime you’re craving comfort food.
General Information
- Course: Appetizer / Side
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep it ahead, but bake just before serving for best results.
What bread works best?
Round sourdough or boule loaves work best.
Can I add meat?
Yes, cooked bacon or sausage works well.
Can I make it vegetarian?
It already is vegetarian as written.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, reheat in the oven wrapped in foil.