If you are craving a warm, cheesy, and irresistibly garlicky treat, then you’re in for a real delight with this Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) Recipe. This dish transforms a simple crusty loaf into a gooey, flavorful masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Every bite offers a perfect balance of melty cheese, fragrant garlic butter, and a crispy golden crust that will make your taste buds dance. It’s comfort food elevated, easy enough for a weeknight snack but special enough to impress when hosting. Let’s dive into the magic of this pull apart sensation that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about the quality and simplicity of your ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, building layers of flavor and texture that come together seamlessly for that perfect cheesy, garlicky experience.
- Crusty loaf: Choose sourdough or Vienna for a sturdy base that crisps up beautifully while staying soft inside.
- Mozzarella cheese: It melts like a dream, giving that gooey, stringy texture we all love, but feel free to use any melty cheese you prefer.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is the canvas for infusing rich garlic flavor and ensuring the bread browns delightfully.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic bite that shines without overpowering.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance the garlic butter and balance the mild cheese flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped parsley brings a bright, herby freshness that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Garlic Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 180C/350F. While it warms up, combine your softened butter with the minced garlic and salt in a heatproof bowl, then melt it gently in the microwave. Stir in the fresh parsley to infuse the butter with a herbaceous brightness that will beautifully complement the rich cheese and garlic flavors.
Step 2: Score the Bread
Take your crusty loaf and carefully cut diagonally to create 2cm (about 1 inch) diamond shapes. The key here is not to cut all the way through the bread—leaving its base intact keeps the loaf whole and makes it perfect for pulling apart later. This technique creates those irresistible crevices where the flavors will sneak in.
Step 3: Stuff the Bread with Cheese and Butter
This is the fun part! Gently pry open each crack with your fingers or a knife. Drizzle about a teaspoon of the garlicky butter inside and pop a small pinch of shredded mozzarella into each gap. It doesn’t have to be perfectly neat—part of the charm is having buttery, cheesy goodness spilling over in some spots, inviting you to dive right in.
Step 4: Apply Remaining Butter and Wrap for Baking
Brush the remaining garlic butter all over the surface of the loaf to ensure every bite is flavorful and that the crust crisps up with a golden glow. Wrap the bread with foil to lock in moisture and heat, which will help melt the cheese evenly without drying the loaf out.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the wrapped bread for 20 minutes to melt the cheese inside. Then, unwrap and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes. This final step crisps the crust beautifully, giving you that perfect crunchy exterior that contrasts with the cheesy, garlic-loaded interior. Serve it piping hot and watch it disappear quickly!
How to Serve Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. If you want a little kick, a light dusting of chili flakes or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add an exciting twist without overshadowing the main flavors.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or a bowl of rich tomato soup. It’s also fantastic alongside pasta dishes or grilled meats where the cheesy garlic bread can soak up all the delicious sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party centerpiece, place the fully stuffed and baked loaf in a nice rustic basket lined with a cloth napkin. Alternatively, slice it into wedges for individual servings, which works especially well for casual gatherings. You can even add small ramekins of marinara or ranch dip on the side for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator to keep the flavors fresh, but remember, this bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed but unbaked loaf by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, bake following the original instructions, and enjoy a freshly baked pull-apart bread anytime you want!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 180C/350F for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Unwrap during the last few minutes to regain that crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain texture consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is ideal for its melting quality, cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a mix work wonderfully. Just keep in mind the melting properties and flavor intensity to balance the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil, and use a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. The flavors might be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I prepare the bread ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed loaf and store it wrapped in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This is great for parties when you want to minimize prep during the event.
What’s the best way to cut the bread for stuffing?
Cutting diagonal slits about 2 cm apart to create diamond shapes is key. Be careful not to cut through the bottom crust; this keeps the loaf intact and makes serving easier.
How do I make sure the bread stays crispy after baking?
Baking the loaf uncovered for the final 5-10 minutes crisps the crust nicely. Serving immediately also helps maintain that delicious crunch before the cheese cools and hardens.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about pulling apart warm bread bursting with melted cheese and garlicky butter. This Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings joy to any table. Whether you’re sharing it at a casual get-together or indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe is bound to become one of your favorites. Give it a try and watch your loved ones savor every gooey, flavorful bite with smiles all around!
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Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread is a delightful pull-apart loaf featuring a crusty exterior and a gooey, cheesy garlic center. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, it combines melted Mozzarella cheese with garlic-infused butter, baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing, this savory bread will quickly become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 crusty loaf (preferably sourdough or Vienna)
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (or other melting cheese)
- 100 g / 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C (350F) to prepare for baking the bread.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a heatproof bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and salt. Melt the mixture in the microwave until fully combined and warm, then stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Score the Bread: Cut the bread diagonally into 2cm (about 1 inch) diamond shapes, being careful not to cut all the way through the loaf to maintain the structure for stuffing.
- Fill the Cracks: Gently pry open each scored section using your fingers or a knife. Drizzle a teaspoon of the garlic butter into each crack, then stuff in a small pinch of shredded cheese. Don’t worry about neatness; some butter over the crust adds to the flavor.
- Butter the Surface: Use remaining garlic butter to brush the surface of the bread generously.
- Bake the Bread: Wrap the bread loosely in foil and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is mostly melted. Then unwrap the bread and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to get a crispy, golden crust.
- Serve: Serve the bread immediately while warm and gooey for the best eating experience.
Notes
- For make-ahead preparation, assemble the bread, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
- You can substitute Mozzarella with other melting cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere for different flavor profiles.
- To add extra flavor, consider sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
