Name: Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 120 g (4½ oz) unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp freshly minced garlic; 1 tsp sea salt flakes; ¼ tsp cracked black pepper; 1 sourdough loaf (or thick pane di casa); 1½ cups (225 g) freshly grated mozzarella

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Introduction

Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is the perfect indulgent appetizer or side for any meal. This recipe combines fragrant garlic butter with gooey melted mozzarella inside a crusty sourdough loaf, making it irresistibly shareable and full of flavor.

A loaf of bread is cut into many square pieces, arranged in a crisscross pattern all over. The bread crust is golden brown and looks crispy, with small green herbs sprinkled on top. Between some of the cuts, melted cheese can be seen peeking out slightly. The texture of the bread inside looks soft and fluffy. The bread is on a light brown sheet, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

120 g (4½ oz) unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp freshly minced garlic
1 tsp sea salt flakes
¼ tsp cracked black pepper
1 sourdough loaf (or thick pane di casa)
1½ cups (225 g) freshly grated mozzarella

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced).
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with chopped parsley, minced garlic, sea salt flakes, and cracked black pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Score the sourdough loaf diagonally into diamond shapes, being careful not to cut all the way through the bread.
Step 4: Spoon the garlic butter mixture into all the crevices of the scored bread, then stuff the grated mozzarella into the cuts. It’s okay if the distribution is rustic — that adds to the charm!
Step 5: Wrap the prepared loaf in a large sheet of foil and place it on an oven-safe baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Carefully remove the foil from the top of the bread and continue baking for another 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and crispy.
Step 7: Serve warm so everyone can tear off cheesy, garlicky pieces and enjoy together.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or swap mozzarella for a mix of mozzarella and cheddar.
Try using fresh rosemary or thyme in place of parsley for a different herbal note.
If you prefer a softer crust, reduce the final bake time uncovered by a few minutes.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and cheese is melty again.

How to Serve

A loaf of golden-brown bread is cut into a grid pattern, creating many small square sections. The top crust looks crispy with a slightly toasted texture and is sprinkled with small green herbs. Between the cuts, you can see soft, light-colored bread inside. The bread sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall image shows a close-up view highlighting the texture and layers of the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, while sourdough or pane di casa work best for their sturdy texture, you can use other crusty breads like Italian or French baguette. Just be sure they are thick enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil and use a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, such as vegan mozzarella.