Description
This Golden Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread features a golden-brown crust and gooey, melted cheese, making it an easy and delightful side dish for any family dinner. It uses simple pantry staples and is designed to disappear quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (450g) crusty bread (like a baguette or Italian loaf)
- 0.5 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted (or use salted butter and omit added salt)
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or 0.5 tsp garlic powder per clove for milder flavor)
- 1.5 cups (170g) shredded cheeses, a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar (or Monterey Jack or Fontina for a twist)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prep the Bread: Using a sharp serrated knife, slice your 450g loaf crosswise every 1-inch, almost all the way through the bottom, creating pull-apart sections but keeping the bottom intact.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt 0.5 cup (113g) butter for about 30-45 seconds. Stir in 4-5 cloves minced fresh garlic and 0.25 teaspoon salt until fragrant and well combined.
- Fill with Cheese: Gently open the bread slices and generously stuff 1.5 cups shredded cheese blend into each cut. Ensure the cheese nestles deep within the crevices for maximum gooeyness.
- Brush and Bake: Place the bread on a baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top of the bread, ensuring it seeps into the slices. Sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melting.
- Serve Warm: Let the Golden Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before pulling apart and enjoying.
Notes
Day-old bread often works best. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread; for plant-based, use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Reduced-fat cheese and less butter (around 0.25 cup) can lighten the dish. Do not slice bread all the way through to prevent it from falling apart before baking. Watch garlic carefully to prevent burning, which can turn bitter. Ensure cheese is fully melted and bubbly for the best pull-apart texture. For extra crispy edges, bake an additional 3-5 minutes. A pinch of grated Parmesan cheese (1-2 tablespoons) can boost umami flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: easy weeknight dinner, family friendly, side dish, pull-apart bread, garlic cheese, simple pantry staples, baked bread, cheesy