Pull Apart Garlic Bread

Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a delicious and shareable bread loaded with buttery garlic goodness and melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe uses a round loaf of bread that is sliced, filled with a flavorful garlic butter mixture, and baked until golden and crispy. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and interactive bread that’s perfect for sharing
• Packed with buttery, garlicky flavor and melty cheese
• Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
• Great for parties, gatherings, or as a side for pasta and soups
• Customizable with your favorite cheeses and herbs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 round loaf of bread (sourdough, Italian, or crusty bread)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Prepare the Bread:
   • Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Using a sharp bread knife, cut the bread into a grid pattern, making slices about 1 inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom of the loaf.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
   • In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
4. Fill the Bread:
   • Gently separate the bread pieces and spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture into all the cuts.
   • Stuff shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the crevices, ensuring even distribution.
5. Wrap and Bake:
   • Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
   • Bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
6. Serve:
   • Serve warm, allowing guests to pull apart pieces of the bread. Enjoy as an appetizer or side dish!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Mix in cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a cheesier version.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a bit of heat.
• Herb and Cheese Mix: Use fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
• Bacon Garlic Bread: Add cooked and crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
• Pizza Pull Apart Bread: Add mini pepperoni slices and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled (uncooked) bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

1. What kind of bread is best for pull apart garlic bread?

A round, sturdy loaf like sourdough, Italian bread, or French bread works best.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the bread with garlic butter and cheese, then wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Use a crusty bread and avoid using too much butter to prevent sogginess.

4. Can I add different cheeses?

Yes, mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or any melty cheese works well.

5. What dipping sauces go well with pull apart garlic bread?

Serve with marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or a cheesy dipping sauce.

6. How do I make this recipe vegan?

Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese to make the bread vegan-friendly.

7. Can I use pre-made garlic butter?

Yes, pre-made garlic butter can save time. You can enhance it with extra garlic, herbs, or cheese.

8. How do I keep the bread warm for serving?

Keep it wrapped in foil and place it in a warm oven or serve immediately after baking.

9. Can I cook this bread on the grill?

Yes, wrap the bread in foil and grill over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

10. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free round bread to accommodate dietary needs.

Conclusion

Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for sharing. With its buttery garlic flavor, melted cheese, and crispy bread, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that fits any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, a side with pasta, or a party snack, this pull apart bread is sure to disappear quickly!

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