Is there anything more comforting than warm, melty, pull-apart cheesy garlic bread fresh from the oven? Probably not. This homemade cheesy garlic bread is loaded with layers of mozzarella, cheddar, and garlic butter nestled into a crusty French loaf, baked until golden brown and bubbling. It’s the kind of bread you set down on the table and watch disappear faster than the main dish. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, a game night snack spread, or a show-stopping appetizer for guests, this easy cheesy garlic bread is your go-to indulgence.
Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Bread
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Baking sheet a standard rimmed one works great
Serrated knife for slicing into the loaf without squishing it
Mixing bowl for combining the butter and seasonings
Pastry brush or spoon to spread the garlic butter evenly
Aluminum foil to tent the bread during the first part of baking to prevent over-browning
- 1 large loaf of French bread or Italian bread – choose one with a crisp crust and soft interior
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – for stretch and gooeyness
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – for bite and deeper flavor
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick – softened
- 6 cloves garlic – minced finely you can use garlic paste for ease
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – chopped optional but adds freshness and color
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – optional but it adds a great herbaceous balance
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – to help toast the bread evenly
- Crushed red pepper flakes – optional for a little heat
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Slice the bread
Using a serrated knife, make cross-hatch cuts into the bread about an inch apart, cutting about ¾ of the way through – do not cut all the way to the bottom. This gives the bread its signature “pull-apart” texture and holds in all that cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Mix until it becomes a smooth, spreadable paste.
Step 4: Fill the bread
Use a small spoon (or your fingers) to gently pry open the slits in the bread. Spread the garlic butter deep into the cuts, making sure every crevice gets coated. Next, stuff shredded mozzarella and cheddar into each slit. Be generous – this is not the time to hold back.
Step 5: Drizzle and wrap
Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the loaf to help crisp the crust. Wrap the entire loaf loosely in foil and place it on your baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake in two stages
Bake the foil-wrapped loaf for 15 minutes, until the cheese is mostly melted. Then, unwrap the top and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden, and the crust is crisp.
Step 7: Serve hot
Let it cool just a minute or two (as molten cheese can burn your tongue!) and then serve while still warm. Each piece pulls apart in a gloriously cheesy, garlicky ribbon.
Perfect Pairings for Your Garlic Bread
This pull-apart bread goes far beyond just being a side—it can elevate any meal into a feast. If you're thinking about Garlic Bread Dinner Ideas, here are a few perfect pairings:
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup – A classic match. Dip the bread and let that cheesy garlic punch blend with the tang of tomato.
- Spaghetti Carbonara or Bolognese – Italian pasta dishes always pair well with Cheesy French Bread.
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad – For a lighter option that still allows the bread to shine.
- Lasagna or Stuffed Shells – Cheesy dishes go hand-in-hand with this bread.
- Chili or Beef Stew – Use this as your dunking sidekick for hearty meals.
For a fun twist, slice up leftovers (if you have any!) and serve them with scrambled eggs the next morning – breakfast garlic bread is a thing, and it’s divine.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely. While French bread is ideal for its texture and shape, ciabatta or sourdough loaves also work well. For a more rustic feel, try a crusty boule. If you're doing a garlic bread recipe from scratch, even homemade dough can be baked and then used for this method.
2. What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Mozzarella is key for that iconic melt, but mixing in sharp cheddar, provolone, or even fontina adds depth. If you’re making a homemade garlic cheese bread and want a stronger flavor, smoked gouda or blue cheese crumbles can also work.
3. Can I make this without an oven?
Yes! You can follow a garlic bread recipe without oven by wrapping the prepared loaf in foil and cooking it in a covered pan on low heat for 20–25 minutes. Just check to ensure the cheese melts fully and the crust gets slightly crispy. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes.
4. Can I prep this in advance?
Definitely. Assemble the bread (stuffed and all) and wrap it tightly in foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes of bake time.
5. What type of garlic should I use?
Fresh minced garlic delivers the most pungent and authentic flavor. However, garlic paste or pre-minced garlic in oil can work for convenience. If you're going for a simple garlic bread variation, even garlic powder can do in a pinch—just use a light hand.
