Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread)

“Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread – the perfect pull-apart bread for any occasion! This easy recipe features a crusty loaf filled with garlic butter, mozzarella cheese, and a hint of fresh parsley, creating a gooey, cheesy, and aromatic treat. Ideal as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack, this pull-apart bread will be the highlight of any meal. The simple steps and minimal ingredients make it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Serve warm for the best cheesy experience!”

This Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread is a warm, savory, and irresistibly cheesy treat perfect for any occasion. Made with a crusty loaf, melty mozzarella, garlic, butter, and a touch of fresh parsley, this pull-apart bread is loaded with flavor. The diagonal cuts allow the buttery garlic mixture and cheese to melt into the cracks, creating a gooey, flavorful bread that’s perfect for dipping or snacking. Whether you’re serving it as a side or an appetizer, this bread will be the star of your meal!

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Ingredients

• 1 crusty loaf (sourdough or Vienna)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Use a serrated knife to make diagonal cuts into the loaf, about 1 inch apart. Make sure not to cut all the way through the bread—leave about ¼ inch of the crust intact at the bottom.
3. Mix the butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and salt. Stir until well mixed. Add the chopped parsley and stir again.
4. Stuff the bread: Pour the butter mixture evenly between the cracks in the bread. Use a spoon to fill the cuts thoroughly. If there’s any leftover butter, brush it on top of the bread.
5. Add the cheese: Stuff the cracks with the shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure each cut is filled.
6. Wrap and bake: Place the stuffed bread on a large piece of aluminum foil and wrap it tightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
7. Unwrap and bake again: After 20 minutes, unwrap the bread and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy your gooey, cheesy pull-apart bread!

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Tips

• Use a sharp serrated knife: When making the cuts in the bread, a serrated knife works best to prevent crushing the loaf.
• Don’t overstuff with butter: While the garlic butter is delicious, be careful not to add too much, as it could make the bread soggy.
• Serve immediately: This bread is best served warm right out of the oven to enjoy the melted cheese and soft interior.
• Double-check cheese amount: Ensure all cracks are stuffed with cheese to get that perfect cheesy bite with every pull.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add herbs: Try adding dried herbs like oregano or basil to the butter mixture for extra flavor.
• Use a different cheese: If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, feel free to use cheddar, parmesan, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some jalapeño slices for a spicy kick.
• Vegan version: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version of this pull-apart bread.
• Garlic butter: For an even more intense garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of minced fresh garlic.

FAQs

Can I prepare this bread ahead of time?
You can prepare the bread up to the point of baking. Wrap the prepared bread tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking.

Can I use other types of bread?
Yes! Ciabatta, French bread, or any crusty bread will work well. Just ensure the loaf is sturdy enough to hold up to the cheese and butter without falling apart.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can reheat it in the oven to help the cheese melt again, or wrap it in foil and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F.

Serving Suggestions

• Dip it! Serve with marinara sauce, cheese dip, or ranch dressing for extra dipping fun.
• As a side dish: This pull-apart bread is perfect alongside a salad, soup, or pasta dish.
• Perfect for parties: Serve as an appetizer for parties, game nights, or family gatherings.
• Great for gatherings: This is a fantastic bread for sharing with friends and family, and it pairs wonderfully with any meal that needs a side of delicious bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy goodness: Who doesn’t love melty cheese? This pull-apart bread is filled with gooey mozzarella that will satisfy any cheese lover.
• Easy to make: With only a few ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is incredibly easy and perfect for beginners or experienced cooks alike.
• Great for sharing: Perfect for parties, family dinners, or a simple snack. Everyone loves pulling apart this warm, cheesy loaf.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, making this bread as simple or as fancy as you like. Whether you add extra herbs, change the cheese, or add a spicy kick, the possibilities are endless.