Save A warm, golden pull-apart bread loaded with gooey cheese, fragrant herbs, and savory garlic – perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a comforting appetizer.
This cheesy herb and garlic pull-apart bread is a family favorite enjoyed during cozy evenings and festive occasions alike.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 500 g)
- Cheese: 200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded, 100 g cheddar cheese, shredded, 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Herb and Garlic Butter: 100 g unsalted butter, melted, 3 cloves garlic, finely minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Bread:
- Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, make deep cuts in a crosshatch pattern, spacing about 2 cm (¾ inch) apart. Do not cut all the way through leave the base of the loaf intact.
- Mix Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Apply Butter:
- Gently pull apart the bread sections and drizzle the herb and garlic butter evenly into all the crevices.
- Stuff Cheese:
- Stuff the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses into the cuts, ensuring cheese is distributed throughout the loaf.
- Bake Covered:
- Place the stuffed bread onto the prepared baking sheet. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and crisp.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, allowing guests to pull apart pieces of the bread.
Save This recipe has brought many memorable family moments around the dinner table with everyone sharing and enjoying the pull-apart bread together.
Tips for Variations
Try adding different herbs like rosemary or basil, or swap cheeses to customize the flavor to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a fresh salad for a complete appetizer or snack.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Save This pull-apart bread never fails to impress guests with its irresistible cheesy, herby goodness and is always a hit at any occasion.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread is best for this dish?
A large round sourdough loaf works best due to its sturdy crust and soft interior, ideal for stuffing and pulling apart.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, you can customize with your favorite melting cheeses. Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan provide a balanced flavor and texture.
- → How do I make the herb and garlic butter?
Mix melted unsalted butter with finely minced garlic, fresh parsley, chives, thyme, salt, and pepper for a fragrant, savory spread.
- → Why make crosshatch cuts in the bread?
Crosshatch cuts create pockets to hold the cheese and herb butter, ensuring even flavor distribution and easy pull-apart sections.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bread a few hours ahead, keep it wrapped in the fridge, and bake just before serving for fresh warmth.