If you’re a fan of ooey, gooey, pull-apart bread loaded with cheese and aromatic herbs, you’re in for a treat with this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread. It’s the ultimate shareable appetizer: a crusty loaf, flavored with garlicky melted butter, fresh herbs, and not one, but three types of melty cheese. Each bite pulls apart in the most satisfying way, revealing steamy, savory pockets of flavor — perfect for gatherings, game days, or any night you want something a little extra cozy and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is as easy as it is delicious, thanks to a short list of everyday ingredients that work together to create magic. Each element brings its own personality, from melty cheese to vibrant herbs, for a result that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts!
- Crusty sourdough or Italian bread: Choose a loaf with a sturdy crust and a soft interior, ideal for soaking up all the flavor while holding its shape when pulled apart.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter is the rich, luscious base for our garlic and herbs, coating every nook and cranny of the bread.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the bread with that unmistakable aroma and punch you expect from good garlic bread.
- Fresh parsley: Parsley not only brings a pop of green color but adds a fresh, grassy taste that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Fresh chives: Chives lend a mild, oniony note that builds even more depth into the herb butter.
- Dried oregano: This pantry staple adds a distinctly savory, Mediterranean hint to the mix — just the right touch!
- Salt: A little bit of salt ties all the flavors together and balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, stretching into those irresistible cheesy strings with every pull.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a punch of flavor and a vibrant color contrast in the melty cheese blend.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings a salty, umami finish that takes each bite of this bread over the top.
How to Make Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by turning your oven on to 375°F (190°C). Having a properly preheated oven ensures your Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread bakes evenly, allowing the flavors to meld while achieving that signature toasted finish on top.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Grab your crusty loaf and, using a sharp serrated knife, make deep diagonal cuts across the bread, about an inch apart. These deep slices are key, as they create the perfect pockets for stuffing. Rotate the bread and repeat in the opposite direction to form a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut through to the bottom — you want the loaf to stay together as you stuff it!
Step 3: Mix Herb Butter
In a small bowl, melt your butter and stir in the minced garlic, parsley, chives, oregano, and salt. This fragrant mixture is the foundation of the pull-apart bread’s flavor, and mixing it well ensures every bite gets a hint of each herb and that wonderful garlicky kick.
Step 4: Infuse the Bread with Herb Butter
Now comes the fun part! Gently pull apart the bread cracks and use a spoon or brush to distribute the garlic herb butter mixture as evenly as possible, making sure to reach deep into the crosshatch crevices. Don’t be shy — the more you get in there, the more delicious and moist your bread will be.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Take your shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, and start stuffing generous amounts into all the gaps and crevices of the bread. Mix up the cheeses to get a melty, stringy, golden masterpiece in every bite. The Parmesan scattered on top gives that irresistible finishing touch with its sharp, salty edge.
Step 6: Bake
Wrap the stuffed loaf loosely in foil and set it onto a baking sheet. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes, giving the cheese and butter time to melt and soak into every piece. Then, uncover for an extra 10 minutes. This final bake is when the magic happens — the cheese bubbles, and the top turns golden and crispy, perfect for pulling apart and sharing.
Step 7: Serve
Take the loaf out of the oven and let it rest for a minute (if you can resist). Serve it up warm on a platter and let your family or guests pull apart the steaming, cheesy pieces. Don’t forget those cheese stretches — they’re half the fun!
How to Serve Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top for vibrant color and a pop of fresh flavor. If you love a bit of heat, try a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes — it gives an exciting kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Side Dishes
This bread shines alongside soups like creamy tomato basil or a hearty minestrone, making any meal more special. It also pairs wonderfully with salads, antipasto platters, or your favorite pasta dish for a feast that everyone will remember. Truly, Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread turns even a simple weeknight meal into an occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, set the loaf whole on a wooden board and invite guests to pull pieces apart themselves — it’s interactive and fun! Or slice and arrange chunks in a bread basket lined with a cloth napkin. You can even make mini loaves using smaller rolls for adorable, individual portions at brunches or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply wrap the cooled bread tightly in foil and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh that way for up to three days, though chances are it’ll disappear long before that!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread! Wrap the fully baked and cooled loaf in foil and pop it into a freezer bag. It’ll last up to a month. When you want a cheesy fix, just thaw and reheat — it’ll be nearly as good as fresh baked.
Reheating
To bring back that gooey, freshly-baked texture, place leftover bread (wrapped in foil) into a warm oven set at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If you like a crispier top, uncover for the last few minutes. Avoid microwaving for best results, as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your cheese selection. Monterey Jack, Gruyère, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack would all be delicious additions or swaps for this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread.
Why shouldn’t I cut all the way through the bread?
Leaving the bottom of the loaf intact keeps the bread together, making it easy to stuff, bake, and especially to serve. This way, your pull-apart bread is easy to portion but still holds its beautiful, inviting shape on the table.
Can I prepare this bread ahead of time?
Of course! You can assemble the bread up to a day ahead (right up to stuffing in the cheese), then wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute vegan butter, your favorite melty vegan cheeses, and skip the Parmesan or choose a dairy-free version. The result is a plant-based Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread that’s just as crowd-pleasing and comforting.
How do I avoid making the bread soggy?
Use a nice crusty loaf, don’t overdo the butter, and bake uncovered at the end so any excess moisture can evaporate. This ensures your pull-apart bread is perfectly crisp on the outside and wonderfully gooey on the inside.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait for a special occasion to whip up a loaf of Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread — it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to any table, any time. Whether you enjoy it with friends, family, or just a cozy night in, each warm, cheesy pull is a taste of pure comfort. Give it a try and make this show-stopping appetizer part of your own favorites!
Print
Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of this Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread. A perfect blend of aromatic herbs, garlic, and three cheeses baked to a golden perfection on crusty bread.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf crusty sourdough or Italian bread (round or oval)
Garlic Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the bread: Make deep diagonal cuts across the bread without cutting through the bottom. Repeat in the opposite direction to create a crosshatch pattern.
- Make the garlic herb butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, oregano, and salt. Spread the mixture into the bread cracks.
- Add the cheese: Stuff mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan into the crevices evenly.
- Bake: Wrap the loaf in foil, bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve warm and pull apart to enjoy.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavors.
- Best served fresh but can be reheated.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice or portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
