There’s something magical about pulling apart warm, cheesy bread with friends—especially when it’s this Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread. I make it for every game night, potluck, or cozy dinner at home because it’s foolproof and always disappears in minutes. The secret? A crusty French loaf stuffed with garlicky butter and melty cheese that oozes between every slice. My kids beg for it, my neighbors sneak extra pieces, and honestly? It’s so easy, I’ve memorized the recipe. Just wait till you see how quickly it comes together—and how fast it vanishes.
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Why You’ll Love This Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread
This bread is my go-to for a reason—it checks every box:
- Effortless: Only 10 minutes of prep before it hits the oven
- Crowd-pleaser: The pull-apart fun makes it perfect for sharing
- Flexible: Add herbs, swap cheeses, or toss in pepper flakes to make it yours
- Flavor bomb: That garlic-butter-cheese combo? Pure magic
Trust me, once you see how fast people devour it, you’ll make it on repeat like I do.
Ingredients for Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread
Grab these simple ingredients—I bet you have most already! The key is quality:
- 1 loaf French bread (16 oz, unsliced—look for a crusty exterior)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (salted works in a pinch, but reduce added salt)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp jarred in emergencies)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (dried works at 2 tsp, but fresh is brighter)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (pre-shredded melts fine, but block cheese is creamier)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (the powdery kind sticks best between slices)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (doubles the garlicky punch)
- 1/2 tsp each salt & black pepper (adjust to taste)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No French bread? Ciabatta gives a chewier bite, while baguettes make cute minis. Swap parsley for fresh basil or chives in summer. Vegan? Use plant-based butter and cashew mozzarella—it melts surprisingly well! For heat lovers, mix in red pepper flakes with the butter. And if you’re out of fresh garlic, roasted garlic paste makes it extra sweet and mellow.
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Irresistible Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make pull-apart garlic cheese bread, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread (about 16 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch slices without cutting all the way through.
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Brush the butter mixture between each bread slice.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese between the slices.
- Wrap the loaf in foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Unwrap and bake for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- For best results, use freshly grated cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
How to Make Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread
Ready for the easiest, cheesiest bread of your life? Here’s how it’s done—just don’t blame me when your kitchen smells like an Italian bistro!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives the bread that perfect crisp-tender texture.
- Slice the bread like an accordion—cut 1-inch slices almost all the way through, but leave the bottom crust intact so it stays together. (Pro tip: Place chopsticks on either side of the loaf as guides so you don’t cut too deep!)
- Whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it sit 5 minutes so the garlic infuses the butter.
- Brush generously between every slice—I use a pastry brush, but a spoon works too. Get in those crevices!
- Stuff with cheese, alternating mozzarella and Parmesan between slices. Don’t be shy—pile it in!
- Wrap in foil and bake 15 minutes to melt everything together, then unwrap and bake 5-10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
That’s it! Let it cool just enough so you don’t burn your fingers, then pull apart and watch the cheese stretch.
This gooey, pull-apart garlic cheese bread is the ultimate shareable snack that disappears in minutes. For another indulgent yet comforting dish, try this creamy twist on dessert: Cuban Bread Pudding Recipe that’s rich, moist, and full of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread
• Room-temp butter mixes smoother with garlic—30 seconds in the microwave does the trick.
• Reserve some cheese to sprinkle on top before the final bake for extra crispiness.
• Rest 3 minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly—no sad, slippery slices!
• Double the garlic if you’re feeling bold (I always do).
• Use a serrated knife for clean cuts through the crust without squashing the bread.

Serving Suggestions for Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread
This bread steals the show alongside tomato soup or creamy roasted garlic bisque. At pasta night? Pair it with spaghetti carbonara—the garlicky flavors are a match made in heaven. For brunch, serve with poached eggs and sprinkle extra parsley on top. Honestly? It’s so good, we often eat it straight off the tray!
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers? (Ha—good luck!) Wrap any surviving bread tightly in foil—it keeps beautifully for 2 days at room temp. To reheat, pop it back in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes until the cheese gets gooey again. Skip the microwave unless you enjoy sad, soggy bread. For longer storage, freeze sliced portions in ziplock bags; toast straight from frozen!
Want more mouthwatering recipes and creative food ideas? Explore our boards on Pinterest where we share daily inspiration for every craving.
Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread FAQs
Can I prep this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the whole loaf (butter, cheese and all) up to 4 hours before baking. Just wrap it tightly in foil and keep it on the counter. The garlic butter actually flavors the bread even better as it sits!
How do I freeze leftovers?
Slice any cooled leftovers, wrap portions in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When craving strikes, bake frozen slices at 350°F for 10-12 minutes—they’ll taste freshly made.
Can I use different cheeses?
Oh yes! Try sharp cheddar for tang, Gouda for smokiness, or pepper jack for heat. Just keep the total cheese quantity about the same (1 1/2 cups total) so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
Why did my cheese leak out?
Two tricks: 1) Don’t overstuff slices—cheese expands when melted. 2) Keep the foil wrapped snugly during the first bake to hold everything in. A little ooze is normal though—that’s part of the charm!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up—these numbers are estimates since brands vary. Per serving (about 2 slices): 250 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated), 22g carbs, 9g protein. Now go enjoy that cheesy goodness guilt-free!
Try this recipe and share your results in the comments!