Get ready to transform your ordinary bread into an irresistible culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at the table fighting for the first bite! This garlic herb and cheese pull-apart bread is not just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the rich, aromatic notes of fresh herbs, the warmth of melted butter, and the irresistible allure of gooey mozzarella cheese. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, looking for the perfect game day snack, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe will become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly simple to make.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (Italian or French)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bread cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Take your loaf of Italian or French bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the bread into vertical slices about 1 inch apart, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. The slices should remain connected at the base of the loaf.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped rosemary. Stir the mixture well to ensure the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
- Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously brush the garlic herb butter mixture between the slices of the bread, making sure to get it into as many crevices as possible. This will infuse the bread with flavor.
- After brushing the bread with the garlic herb butter, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the loaf, ensuring that some cheese also falls between the slices.
- Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed to retain moisture during baking. This will help the cheese melt beautifully and prevent the bread from getting too crusty.
- Place the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the bread, exposing the top. Return the loaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to handle and will allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Serve the garlic herb and cheese pull-apart bread warm. Pull apart the slices to enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness. This bread is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack!
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Select a sturdy Italian or French loaf with a good structure that can hold its shape when sliced.
- Cutting Technique Matters: Use a sharp serrated knife and cut almost all the way through the bread, but keep the bottom intact. This ensures easy pulling and even flavor distribution.
- Herb Freshness is Key: Use fresh herbs if possible. The vibrant flavors of just-chopped parsley and rosemary will elevate the entire dish.
- Don't Skimp on Butter: Make sure to generously brush the garlic herb butter between each slice for maximum flavor penetration.
- Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle cheese both between the slices and on top to create those irresistible melty pockets.
- Foil is Your Friend: Wrapping the bread in foil initially helps keep moisture in and prevents excessive browning.
- Final Crisp: Removing the foil in the last 10 minutes allows the top to get a beautiful golden-brown color and crisp texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and most dramatic pull-apart effect.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
