Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for that swoon-worthy appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please,” let me introduce you to Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread). Imagine a golden, crusty loaf showered with melted butter, fragrant garlic, and oozing mozzarella, each wedge inviting you for just one more bite. This is not just bread—it’s an indulgent, joyous centerpiece that begs to be shared at parties, dinners, or cozy nights in. Trust me, Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) will have everyone reaching for “just another piece” again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This savory showstopper starts with a humble list of ingredients, each doing serious heavy lifting in flavor and texture. Don’t skip a thing—each detail matters for that perfect crispy-outside, gooey-inside bite.

• Crusty loaf (preferably sourdough or Vienna): A sturdy loaf gives you those epic crunchy bits while supporting all the fillings without getting soggy.
• Shredded Mozzarella cheese (or other melting cheese): Go generous! Mozzarella brings the signature cheese-pull, but feel free to blend in Gruyère, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for extra flair.
• Unsalted butter (softened): This gets infused with garlic and brushed into every crevice, ensuring rich, flavorful bites throughout.
• Fresh garlic (minced): Don’t skimp—real garlic ensures irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
• Salt: A pinch ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned and brightens all the other flavors.
• Fresh parsley (finely chopped): This lively green herb brings a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness of the cheese and butter.

How to Make Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 180°C/350°F so it’s perfectly hot and ready to melt all that gorgeous cheese and toast the bread to golden perfection. A properly preheated oven is your secret weapon for crisp edges and gooey middles, just like a classic Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) deserves!

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a heatproof bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, and salt. Melt this fragrant blend in the microwave until it’s smooth and combined, then stir in the freshly chopped parsley. The herbed garlic butter not only flavors the inside—it’ll also give the crust a glistening finish.

Step 3: Slice the Bread

Using a sharp bread knife, carefully cut the loaf on a diagonal into 2cm (1-inch) diamond shapes. Be sure not to slice all the way through—the trick is to leave the bottom crust intact, so you get perfect pull-apart chunks that stay together.

Step 4: Fill Every Crack

Now for the fun part! Pry open each diamond-shaped crack with your fingers or a butter knife. Drizzle a bit of your aromatic butter into every gap and stuff in generous pinches of shredded cheese. Perfection isn’t the goal here; a little mess just means more cheesy, buttery goodness clinging to the crust.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Brush the remaining garlic butter all over the loaf’s surface, soaking every crusty inch. Wrap the whole thing snugly in foil, and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is mostly melted. Then, unwrap the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes—just until the outside is beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Pull your masterpiece from the oven and let it cool ever so slightly (if you can resist!). Transfer the Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) to a serving board and watch your guests marvel at that delicious aroma. There’s nothing like tearing off a cheesy, buttery piece while everything is still warm and gooey!

How to Serve Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread)

Garnishes

Sprinkle on extra chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herby brightness as soon as the bread comes out of the oven. If you love spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a light dusting of parmesan adds fantastic flavor and flair to your Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread).

Side Dishes

This bread is an absolute crowd-pleaser on its own, but it really shines next to hearty mains like roasted chicken, creamy pastas, or vibrant salads. Try serving it alongside tomato soup for dipping, or as a party starter with antipasto and charcuterie.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-factor, place the warmed loaf on a rustic wooden board with a sharp knife or let everyone just pull pieces by hand. You can make individual mini loaves for personal servings, or present the whole loaf in a lined basket at your next potluck—just be prepared to share the recipe, because Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) always steals the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil. Store the bread in the refrigerator for up to three days; it’ll stay surprisingly soft, but do expect the crust to lose some of its crunch. Warm it up a bit before enjoying—cold cheese bread just isn’t the same.

Freezing

Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) actually freezes beautifully! Before baking, wrap the prepared bread (stuffed and buttered) tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen at 180°C/350°F for 25–30 minutes until heated through and melty inside.

Reheating

To reheat, place the bread (still wrapped in foil) in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for about 10–15 minutes. For a crispier crust, open up the foil for the last few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can turn the bread a bit chewy and make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its stretch and melt, you can easily use cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack. Mixing cheeses brings even more flavor to your Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread).

What kind of bread is best?

A crusty sourdough or Vienna loaf works brilliantly because it stands up to all the filling without falling apart. Avoid soft sandwich loaves, as they might turn mushy with all that cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you sure can! Just pick a gluten-free crusty loaf and follow all the same steps. The magic is in the filling, and it works wonderfully on gluten-free bread with a robust crust.

How do I keep the bread warm for a party?

Once out of the oven, wrap your Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) back in foil and keep it in a low oven (around 90°C/200°F) until you’re ready to serve. It’ll stay oozy and irresistible for ages!

Can I add extra fillings?

Get creative! Chopped cooked bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, finely diced jalapeños, or olives tucked into the cracks before baking add amazing flavors and personalize this crowd-pleaser.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) is so outrageously delectable, I promise it will become your go-to for gatherings or indulgent nights in. Don’t be surprised if your friends and family beg you for the recipe! Dive in, tear off a warm, cheesy piece, and enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite—you’ll be coming back to this one again and again.

Print