Name: Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf of Italian bread (or your favorite soft bread); 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for extra heat

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Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread is a savory, irresistible appetizer or side dish that combines the richness of garlic, the sharpness of Parmesan, and the softness of freshly baked bread. Each bite is a pull-apart piece of heaven, infused with garlic butter and sprinkled with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. This bread is perfect for sharing at family dinners, gatherings, or as a comforting snack on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pull-apart bread is simple to make but incredibly delicious. The garlic butter mixture soaks into the layers of the bread, giving it a flavorful kick, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty finish. The best part? It’s so easy to pull apart and enjoy—no knives needed! It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy freshly baked bread, and the garlic Parmesan combination is always a crowd-pleaser.

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

Ingredients

1 loaf of Italian or French bread (unsliced)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Salt (to taste)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Bread: Place the loaf of bread on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, make vertical slices through the bread, about 1-inch apart, without cutting all the way through to the bottom. Then, make horizontal slices across the bread, creating a grid pattern, but again, do not cut all the way through the base of the loaf. You want to make sure the bread stays in one piece at the bottom.
Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
Stuff the Bread: Using a spoon or pastry brush, drizzle the garlic butter mixture into the cracks of the bread, making sure to coat each section generously. Be sure to get the butter into all the nooks and crannies of the bread.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the cracks of the bread, followed by the shredded mozzarella. Make sure the cheese gets in between all the layers of the bread.
Wrap and Bake: Wrap the loaf of bread in aluminum foil and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on how large the slices are. Prep time is 10 minutes, with a bake time of 25-30 minutes.

Variations

Add Beef: Sprinkle crispy beef bits into the cracks of the bread along with the cheese for a smoky twist.
Herbed Butter: Mix additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil into the garlic butter for more depth of flavor.
Cheese Variations: Use different cheeses such as provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a richer flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño slices or drizzle some hot sauce on the bread before baking for an extra kick of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover pull-apart bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, any sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or even challah will work well for pull-apart bread.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the bread and the garlic butter mixture a few hours ahead of time. Just cover the prepared loaf with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow the bread to come to room temperature and bake as directed.

Can I make this without mozzarella cheese?

Yes, you can skip the mozzarella or substitute it with any cheese that melts well, like Gruyère or Fontina.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Be sure to only brush the bread lightly with the garlic butter mixture and not to overfill the cracks with liquid. Also, wrapping the bread in foil while baking helps to keep it from getting too soggy by trapping steam.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version of this pull-apart bread. Just be sure to use gluten-free bread that holds up well to baking.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread is a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the best of savory garlic butter, melted cheese, and warm, fluffy bread. Perfect for gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy evening at home, this bread is sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, it’s a delightful treat that will leave everyone reaching for another pull-apart piece!