Quick Description
Soft, buttery pull-apart garlic bread loaded with melted cheese and herbs. Crispy edges, fluffy center, and stretchy cheese in every bite—perfect as a side, snack, or party favorite.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf of bread (Italian, French, or sandwich bread slab)
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1½ tsp garlic powder)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup cheddar or parmesan cheese, shredded (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or mixed dried herbs
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper. -
Prepare the garlic butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, chili flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. -
Slice the bread
Slice the bread in a crisscross pattern or deep vertical cuts, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. -
Butter the bread
Spread the garlic butter generously inside the cuts and over the top of the bread. -
Add the cheese
Stuff mozzarella (and cheddar or parmesan if using) into the cuts and sprinkle some on top. -
Bake
Wrap loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm and pull apart.
Additional Notes
- Wrapping with foil keeps the bread soft inside.
- Uncovering at the end melts and lightly browns the cheese.
- Use room-temperature butter for easy spreading.
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian
- Comfort Food
- Kid-Friendly
- Party Favorite
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Bread: Soft sandwich loaf makes it extra pull-apart; French bread gives crisp edges.
- Cheese: Mozzarella for stretch, parmesan for flavor.
- Butter: Can substitute with garlic-infused olive oil.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add cooked bacon bits for a savory twist.
- Make it extra cheesy with cream cheese inside the cuts.
- Serve alongside pasta, soup, or as a dipping bread.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Best eaten fresh.
- Store leftovers in foil in the fridge for 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
