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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Crusty Bread: I love using sourdough for its texture and tang. However, if sourdough isn’t available, a round boule or even a crusty Italian bread works well too!

Unsalted Butter: The butter adds richness. You can substitute it with olive oil for a lighter option, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can work, but you’ll need to use more (about 1 teaspoon) for a similar punch!

Cheese: Mozzarella is key for that gooey texture. Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses! Provolone or havarti could also be delicious alternatives. If you’re dairy-free, vegan cheese can be swapped in, but check that it melts well.

Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the dish. If you don’t have parsley, try basil or even a bit of chives for a different flavor.

How Do You Create Those Perfect, Pull-Apart Cuts?

The cutting technique is crucial for implementing butter and cheese. Here’s how to ensure you do it right:

• Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. Make vertical slices about 1 inch apart, then repeat horizontally.
• Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom — leave about an inch so the loaf stays intact.
• Use a gentle but firm hand. If the cuts are too deep, the bread will fall apart, making it hard to pull apart later.

With this method, every piece will have that buttery, cheesy goodness, making it easy to enjoy! Remember, you can always add more garlic and cheese to match your tastes.

Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Bread:

• 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (e.g., sourdough or boule)

For the Garlic Butter Mixture:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Salt, to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for flavor variation)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Serving:

• Optional: marinara or pizza sauce for dipping

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. Overall, you will need around 45-50 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make cleanup easy, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—this helps catch any drips while baking.

2. Prepare the Bread:

Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully make cuts in the bread loaf about 1 inch apart both vertically and horizontally, creating a grid pattern. Be sure not to cut all the way through; leave about 1 inch at the bottom so the loaf stays intact and holds together nicely!

3. Mix the Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir well to blend the ingredients together!

4. Brush the Garlic Butter:

Take your garlic butter mixture and gently spoon or brush it in between all the cut sections of the bread. Make sure to get that delicious flavor throughout the bread for the best results!

5. Stuff with Cheese:

In a separate bowl, mix the mozzarella, cheddar (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Stuff this cheesy mixture evenly into the cuts of the bread, pressing the cheese gently in so it melts beautifully while baking.

6. Wrap and Bake:

Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.

7. Unwrap and Continue Baking:

After 15 minutes, carefully unwrap the foil and return the bread to the oven. Bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top of the bread is crispy and golden.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle a bit of extra chopped parsley on top for garnish. Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce if you’d like—a perfect dipping companion!

Enjoy pulling apart gooey, flavorful pieces of this cheesy garlic bread, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or delightful side dish!

Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?

Absolutely! While sourdough or boule works best for a good crust, you can also use French bread, Italian bread, or even a round ciabatta loaf. Just make sure it’s crusty enough to hold the stuffing!

How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the garlic butter and slice the bread in advance. Store the butter in the refrigerator and cover the prepped bread in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble it and follow the baking instructions!

What Should I Do If I Have Leftovers?

Store any leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave, but it may lose some crispiness.

Can I Add More Ingredients?

Definitely! Feel free to add cooked bacon bits, spinach, or even chopped jalapeños for a kick. You can get creative with different cheese varieties too. Just ensure that the bread can still hold the ingredients well!