Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread (Gooey Crowd-Pleaser)
This Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread is a warm, gooey crowd-pleaser perfect for sharing. A round bread loaf is sliced into a grid pattern, stuffed generously with mozzarella cheese, brushed with garlic butter, and baked until golden and melty. It’s an irresistible appetizer or snack that invites everyone to tear and enjoy together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 round bread loaf (about 10 inches diameter)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for evenly melting the cheese and toasting the bread.
- Slice the Bread: Take the round bread loaf and make cuts in a grid pattern across the top, making sure not to slice all the way through the bottom crust. This allows the bread to stay intact while letting the cheese melt throughout.
- Stuff with Cheese: Carefully wedge shredded mozzarella cheese deeply into each cut of the bread, distributing it evenly so every piece gets plenty of gooey cheese when baked.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave with the minced garlic until fragrant. Brush this garlic butter generously over the entire top of the bread, getting it into the cracks and on the crust for flavor and crispness.
- Add Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the bread to add a fresh, herby note that complements the cheese and garlic.
- Bake: Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted thoroughly and the crust crisp and golden brown.
- Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the cheese is warm and stretchy for the best gooey pull-apart experience.
Notes
- Use a crusty round loaf like sourdough or Italian bread for best results.
- Feel free to mix in other cheeses such as cheddar or fontina for extra flavor complexity.
- The garlic butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before baking.
- Best served fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.