Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish? This Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is warm, gooey, buttery, and loaded with garlic and melty cheese in every bite. It’s the kind of irresistible snack that disappears in minutes—perfect for parties, pasta night, game days, or anytime you need a comforting treat to share.
Want more show-stopping sides like this? Subscribe now for weekly recipes straight to your inbox.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Golden & Crispy – Buttery crust on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside
Ultra Cheesy – A mix of cheeses makes it irresistibly gooey
Garlic Heaven – Infused with real garlic and herbs for bold flavor
Perfect for Sharing – Ideal for pulling apart with family and friends
Quick & Easy – Uses store-bought bread for a shortcut without sacrificing taste
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 round loaf of crusty bread (sourdough or Italian boule)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Tools You’ll Need
- Bread knife
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Place the bread loaf on a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut diagonal slices about 1 inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through
Rotate and slice again in the opposite direction, creating a crosshatch pattern of cubes that stay connected at the base
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using)
Use a spoon or brush to drizzle the garlic butter into all the cracks of the bread, pulling apart gently to coat every section
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Mix together mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan in a bowl
Stuff cheese into all the cracks and crevices of the bread, packing it in generously
Step 4: Wrap and Bake
Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet
Bake for 15–20 minutes to melt the cheese
Unwrap and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp
Step 5: Serve Hot
Transfer to a serving platter and let everyone pull apart pieces
Sprinkle with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired
Serve immediately while gooey and hot
Tips for the Best Pull-Apart Bread
Use Crusty Bread – Sourdough or Italian loaves hold their shape and texture
Shred Your Own Cheese – Melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded
Don’t Overcut – Leave the base intact so the loaf stays together
Add Toppings – Try bacon bits, chopped scallions, or sun-dried tomatoes
Serve Right Away – It’s best hot and melty straight from the oven
Serving Suggestions
With Marinara Sauce – Perfect for dipping
Alongside Pasta – Great with lasagna, spaghetti, or baked ziti
At Parties – Serve as a shareable appetizer with drinks
With Soup or Salad – Makes a cozy meal with tomato soup or Caesar salad
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheating:
Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes
Air fryer: Reheat uncovered for 3–5 minutes at 350°F for a crisp finish
Microwave: Use only if needed—bread may soften too much
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a baguette or regular loaf?
You can, but a round or oval crusty loaf works best for stuffing and pulling apart
2. What other cheeses can I use?
Fontina, Gruyère, provolone, or Monterey Jack are all great melting cheeses
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Assemble the bread and refrigerate, wrapped in foil, for up to a day before baking
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free crusty bread and ensure your cheeses and seasonings are gluten-free
5. Can I make it spicy?
Add more red pepper flakes or mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy version
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort food for sharing. With buttery garlic in every layer and loads of gooey cheese, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re entertaining or just craving something fun and indulgent, this bread delivers big flavor in every bite.
Try it out and let us know how you made it your own—extra cheesy, spicy, or maybe with bacon? We’d love to see your delicious version!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 480mg

Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish? This Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is warm, gooey, buttery, and loaded with garlic and melty cheese in every bite. It’s the kind of irresistible snack that disappears in minutes—perfect for parties, pasta night, game days, or anytime you need a comforting treat to share.
Want more show-stopping sides like this? Subscribe now for weekly recipes straight to your inbox.
Ingredients
-
1 round loaf of crusty bread (sourdough or Italian boule)
-
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
-
½ tsp salt
-
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Place the bread loaf on a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut diagonal slices about 1 inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through
Rotate and slice again in the opposite direction, creating a crosshatch pattern of cubes that stay connected at the base
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using)
Use a spoon or brush to drizzle the garlic butter into all the cracks of the bread, pulling apart gently to coat every section
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Mix together mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan in a bowl
Stuff cheese into all the cracks and crevices of the bread, packing it in generously
Step 4: Wrap and Bake
Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet
Bake for 15–20 minutes to melt the cheese
Unwrap and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp
Step 5: Serve Hot
Transfer to a serving platter and let everyone pull apart pieces
Sprinkle with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired
Serve immediately while gooey and hot
Notes
Use Crusty Bread – Sourdough or Italian loaves hold their shape and texture
Shred Your Own Cheese – Melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded
Don’t Overcut – Leave the base intact so the loaf stays together
Add Toppings – Try bacon bits, chopped scallions, or sun-dried tomatoes
Serve Right Away – It’s best hot and melty straight from the oven
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American