5 from 8 votes
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Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread (with Mozzarella Cheese)

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This Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread recipe combines two classic versions of garlic bread: cheesy pull apart garlic bread and traditional Italian garlic bread. The result is delicious!

Bread with zigzag cuts topped with cheese and parsley.

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Garlic bread is one of the most popular comfort foods around. And with good reason! It’s crunchy on the outside, soft and gooey inside, and the perfect side dish for pasta meals.

Want more delicious garlic recipes to try out?  If you have garlic left, why not try making this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Roasted Garlic Dip to serve at your next party? Or get your air fryer into action to make these Garlic Parmesan Fries.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this Pull-Apart Pepperoni & Mozzarella Pizza Monkey Bread recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavorful – This cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is packed with garlic, butter, parmesan cheese, and Italian spices and of course melted mozzarella cheese.
  • Easy to Make – This pull-apart garlic cheese bread recipe is very simple with just a few steps! You can make this easy appetizer in less than 20 minutes.
  • Perfect for Sharing – Who doesn’t love pulling apart soft fluffy bread? This bread is perfect for parties, family gatherings, and watching the game!

What’s In This Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe?

Ingredients for garlic cheesy bread sitting on a countertop.
  • French bread: The ideal base for this recipe, French bread’s crisp crust and fluffy interior make it perfect for soaking up all the garlicky, buttery goodness while retaining a satisfying texture.
  • Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully, blanketing the bread in a gooey, stretchy layer of cheese that complements the garlic flavor perfectly.
  • Salted butter: Acts as the delicious medium that carries the garlic and parsley flavors while also adding to the richness of the bread.
  • Garlic: The star ingredient infuses the bread with its distinct, aromatic flavor, making each bite irresistibly enticing.
  • Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish, balancing out the rich flavors with its light, herbaceous notes.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

  • You can also use cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack cheese.
  • For a flavor twist, you can crush your bread with olive oil instead of melted butter.
  • Add pepperoni to the bread before baking for a pepperoni pull-apart bread.
  • Italian seasoning can be sprinkled on the top of the bread for additional flavor.

How To Make Homemade Pull Apart Garlic Bread Step by Step

Collage of slicing the bread into zigzags and a bowl of melted butter.
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Cut your bread in a zigzag manner, ensuring not to slice all the way through. Use chopsticks as a guide to prevent the knife from cutting completely through the bread. (Photo 1)
  3. Melt butter and finely chop your garlic. Combine them in a small bowl. (Photo 2)
  4. Generously apply the garlic butter mixture within the cuts of the bread, as well as on the top surface to ensure even coverage.
Collage of unbaked and baked garlic cheesy bread.
  1. Distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese within the slits of the bread. (Photo 3)
  2. Wrap the entire loaf with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.
  3. After the initial baking, remove the aluminum foil and return the bread to the oven for another 8-10 minutes or until the cheese has thoroughly melted.
  4. Once removed from the oven, garnish the bread with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. (Photo 4). 
  5. Serve warm and enjoy the pull-apart goodness!
Bread with cheese and parsley on a wooden board.

Recipe Tips

  • I lay chopsticks or wooden skewers on the cutting board to prevent me from cutting the bread all the way through.
  • Make sure to check the cheesy pull-apart garlic bread frequently after you remove the aluminum foil because oven temperatures vary.
  • Allow the bread to cool slightly before pulling apart to prevent burns from the hot cheese.

Storing Tips 

Once completely cooled, wrap in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to three days.

To freeze, wrap the bread securely in aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container, squeezing out as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.

To reheat, there’s no need to thaw if you’ve frozen the bread. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If the bread is refrigerated, unwrap it and place it on a baking sheet. If it’s frozen, keep it wrapped in the foil and place it directly in the oven. 

Bake refrigerated bread for 10-15 minutes and frozen bread for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is bubbly. This method helps revive the bread’s crispy exterior while ensuring the cheese is melted and gooey.

Garlic cheesy bread sitting on a wooden board.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Garlic Bread is a versatile accompaniment that enhances a wide array of main dishes. Imagine it alongside a steaming bowl of classic minestrone soup, its garlicky, cheesy goodness offering the perfect crunchy contrast to the soup’s richness. 

It also pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, such as Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with Pasta or a Baked Ziti Pasta With White Alfredo Sauce, where the bread can be used to sop up any delectable sauces left on your plate. 

For a heartier meal, serve it beside a roasted chicken or grilled steak, allowing the flavors to complement each other. 

Recipe FAQs

How do you know when the cheesy bread is done?

You can tell this cheesy pull-apart bread is done when the cheese is melted, and the top of the bread is golden brown.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, however, I suggest reheating the bread when it’s time to serve. As it’s best served warm.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella?

Yes, you can use fresh mozzarella, but ensure to slice it thinly so it melts evenly. Fresh mozzarella may release more moisture than shredded mozzarella, so you might want to slightly reduce the amount or pat the slices dry before adding them to the bread.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the French bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf of bread. Keep in mind that gluten-free bread textures may vary, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Always ensure that the other ingredients you are using, including the cheeses and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.

More Cheesy Recipes You May Enjoy

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Sliced Garlic Cheesy Bread on a wooden board.
5 from 8 votes

Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread (with Mozzarella Cheese)


Author: Kim Schob
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Is there anything better than warm, cheesy garlic bread? This Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread (with Mozzarella Cheese) is easy to make and even more delicious than the original. You'll be surprised at how quickly it disappears. Trust me, this bread is irresistible!

Want To Save This Recipe?

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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 French bread
  • 1 cup (112 g) Shredded Mozzarella
  • ½ cup (113 ½ g) Salted Butter
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1 Parsley bunch

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350℉ degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Cut your bread in a zigzag manner, ensuring not to slice all the way through. Use chopsticks as a guide to prevent the knife from cutting completely through the bread.
    1 French bread
  • Melt butter and finely chop your garlic. Combine them in a small bowl.
    ½ cup Salted Butter,4 cloves Garlic
  • Generously apply the garlic butter mixture within the cuts of the bread, as well as on the top surface to ensure even coverage.
  • Distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese within the slits of the bread.
    1 cup Shredded Mozzarella
  • Wrap the entire loaf with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.
  • After the initial baking, remove the aluminum foil and return the bread to the oven for another 8-10 minutes or until the cheese has thoroughly melted.
  • Once removed from the oven, garnish the bread with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
    1 Parsley
  • Serve warm and enjoy the pull-apart goodness!

Notes

  • I lay chopsticks or wooden skewers on the cutting board to prevent me from cutting the bread all the way through.
  • Make sure to check the cheesy pull-apart garlic bread frequently after you remove the aluminum foil because oven temperatures vary.
  • Allow the bread to cool slightly before pulling apart to prevent burns from the hot cheese.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 387kcal (19%) Carbohydrates: 39g (13%) Protein: 12g (24%) Fat: 21g (32%) Saturated Fat: 13g (81%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 55mg (18%) Sodium: 595mg (26%) Potassium: 113mg (3%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 2g (2%) Vitamin A: 613IU (12%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 132mg (13%) Iron: 3mg (17%)

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5 from 8 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This garlic bread is always requested in our family! We love to make it ahead and freeze to enjoy anytime! Thank you for sharing another great recipe

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