This easy and delicious cheesy pull-apart bread is perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. It’s loaded with cheese and herbs, and the pull-apart nature makes it fun and interactive.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian or French bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the bread: Using a serrated knife, make diagonal cuts across the top of the bread, about 1 inch apart, going almost all the way through but not cutting the bottom crust. Then, make another set of diagonal cuts in the opposite direction, creating a diamond pattern. You should have little “squares” or “diamonds” that you can pull off.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the bread: Brush the cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the bread, making sure to get it down into the cuts. Sprinkle about half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the bread, again trying to get the cheese down into the cuts as much as possible.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
- Add remaining cheese: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Broil (optional): If you want the cheese extra bubbly and browned, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, allowing people to pull off the cheesy pieces.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- You can use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Gruyere, or fontina.
- Add some cooked bacon or ham to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- For a garlic bread variation, omit the cheese and increase the garlic to 4 cloves.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.