There's always demand for quick, easy and satisfying appetizers, and this cheesy pull-apart bread is exactly that! Perfect for a crowd, each bite of this bread is buttery, cheesy and perfectly garlicky.
How to Make Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
Updated on Jan. 06, 2023
You can never have too many appetizer recipes up your sleeve. This recipe for cheesy pull-apart bread is simple and can be made ahead. And did I mention it feeds a crowd? That’s a win-win-win.
How to Make the Best Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
The key is to start with good bread. Seek out a loaf of bread that has a crunchy crust and soft-tender interior. We like any French loaf, Italian loaf or sourdough loaf. Then it’s on to the cheese. Simple is best, so this recipe uses a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella.
You’ll need plenty of good butter to keep the bread tender and supple, and finally, fresh garlic is a must. Everything is better with garlic!
Easy, Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf crusty bread, such as French, Italian or sourdough
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: fresh herbs, such as parsley, scallions or chives
Directions
Step 1: Prepare bread
Heat oven to 350ºF. Coat a large piece of foil with non-stick cooking spray.
Cut a 1-inch grid-like pattern into the bread loaf without slicing all the way through (stop about 1/2-inch before the bottom of the loaf). Place bread on prepared foil.
Step 2: Make garlic butter
Combine melted butter, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Gently separate the bread squares with your fingers, then spoon the garlic butter between seams. Wrap foil around the loaf and place on the middle rack in your oven; bake for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Stuff the bread with cheese and bake
Meanwhile, combine cheddar, mozzarella and a teaspoon of black pepper in a large bowl.
Remove the loaf of bread from the oven, then increase the oven temp to 425º.
Open foil and carefully stuff cheese into seams. Return loaf to the oven, uncovered, and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly and starting to brown, about 15 minutes more.
Let cool briefly before serving. Top with fresh herbs, if using.
How to Serve Pull-Apart Bread
I recommend cooling the bread briefly before serving. Don’t let it cool too long, though, or the cheese will start to set up. I like to serve this cheesy pull-apart bread with homemade marinara sauce, but ranch dressing is also a great option. Or you could add some blue cheese crumbles to the cheese mixture and serve this bread with our blue cheese dressing. For something bright and herby, we love a creamy basil dressing, too!
Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread Variations
Once you make this recipe a few times, start to play around with the flavors and fillings. Mix up the kind of shredded cheese you use, add green onions or herbs or kick up the heat with jalapenos or hot sauce. The options are endless!
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