Description
This Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) recipe is a soft, cheesy, and savory snack featuring a crisp crust, melty mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and fragrant fresh garlic butter. Perfect as an appetizer, game day treat, or comforting snack, this pull apart bread is easy to prepare, highly flavorful, and ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 soft artisan-style round pull apart bread loaf with sturdy crust
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3–4 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
- Pinch of salt
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the round loaf into a grid pattern, cutting about 3/4 way through but keeping the bottom intact to maintain the structure for easy pulling apart.
- Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the finely minced fresh garlic and a pinch of salt to create a fragrant, savory butter mixture.
- Layer the Cheese: Gently stuff shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses into the cuts of the bread, distributing them evenly so the cheeses will melt into gooey pockets.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the surface and cuts of the bread with the garlic butter, ensuring the mixture seeps into every crack.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the crust turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley (and optional Parmesan). Serve warm, encouraging everyone to pull apart and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic minced finely for the best vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Do not cut the bread too deeply; slicing about 3/4 way preserves the loaf’s structure.
- Shred cheese finely to ensure even melting and effortless pulling apart.
- Melt butter but avoid overheating it to prevent soggy bread.
- Serve the bread warm or slightly cooled for optimal gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread, Pull Apart Bread, Cheesy Bread, Garlic Bread, Appetizer, Party Snack, Game Day Snack, Easy Bread Recipe