Cheesy Garlic and Herb Pull-Apart Bread
This pull-apart bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. Perfect for sharing, it’s a fun, hands-on appetizer or side that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or Mediterranean dishes. The layers of cheese and herbs make it irresistible, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Bread:
1 pre-made bread loaf (pull-apart or round loaf, unsliced)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
For the Cheese Filling:
1 cup shredded mozzarella (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
½ tsp dried basil
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Prepare Garlic Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt.
Prepare the Bread:
Using a sharp knife, make vertical and horizontal cuts into the bread to create a crisscross pattern, leaving the base intact (don’t cut all the way through).
Add Cheese:
Stuff the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan into the cuts evenly.
Sprinkle dried basil or extra herbs if using.
Brush with Garlic Butter:
Drizzle garlic herb butter generously over the bread, making sure it seeps into the cuts.
Bake:
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden, and the bread is crisp on top.
Serve:
Serve warm, pulling apart sections to enjoy gooey cheese and garlic flavors.
Optional: garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips & Notes
Cheese Variations: Use provolone, fontina, or a Mediterranean blend for extra flavor.
Make Ahead: Assemble the bread and store in the fridge; bake fresh when ready to serve.
Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes to the garlic butter for a little kick.
Dipping Option: Serve with marinara sauce or tzatziki for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes, use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Yes, round artisan bread works best, but any soft loaf will do.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, assemble and wrap in foil; freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~250 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 1 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 400 mg