Name: Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread (Gooey Crowd-Pleaser) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 round bread loaf (about 10 inches diameter); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Introduction

Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread is a delicious and fun appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. With gooey melted mozzarella, garlic butter, and fresh parsley, this bread will quickly become a crowd favorite at any gathering.

A close-up view of a round, soft pull-apart bread with golden brown crust and melted cheese oozing from deep square cuts made evenly across the top. The bread is topped with small pieces of fresh green herbs scattered across the surface, adding a pop of color. The texture of the bread looks fluffy inside with a slightly crispy outer layer, and the cheese has browned spots showing it was baked to a perfect melt. The bread sits on a white plate against a white marbled background, giving it a clean and fresh presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 round bread loaf (about 10 inches diameter)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for evenly melting the cheese and toasting the bread.
Step 2: Take the round bread loaf and make cuts in a grid pattern across the top, being careful not to slice all the way through the bottom crust. This will keep the bread intact while allowing the cheese to melt inside.
Step 3: Carefully wedge shredded mozzarella cheese deeply into each cut of the bread, distributing it evenly so every piece gets plenty of gooey cheese once baked.
Step 4: Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave with the minced garlic until fragrant. Brush this garlic butter generously over the entire top of the bread, making sure to get it into the cracks and onto the crust for added flavor and crispness.
Step 5: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the bread to add a fresh, herby note that complements the cheese and garlic.
Step 6: Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the crust is crisp and golden brown.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the cheese is warm and stretchy for the best gooey pull-apart experience.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions along with the cheese before baking.
Use garlic powder in the butter if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.
Swap mozzarella for a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover pull-apart bread wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore the melted cheese texture and crisp crust. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

A round bread with a golden-brown crust is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bread is cut into small square pieces that are pulled slightly apart, showing a melted, gooey layer of white cheese inside each piece. The top of the bread is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, adding a fresh touch. The cheese has browned spots where it melted, giving a crispy texture to the top layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

A round sourdough or Italian loaf works best due to its firm crust and soft interior, but you can experiment with other sturdy breads that hold up well when sliced and filled.

How can I make this bread less messy to eat?

Make sure the bread is cool enough to handle before tearing pieces apart. Serving with napkins nearby helps manage the gooey cheese, and cutting the bread into smaller grid sections allows for individual pull-apart pieces.