If you love the idea of warm, buttery bread infused with garlic and cheese that pulls apart into irresistible, melty bites, then this Parmesan and Garlic Butter Pull Apart Bread Recipe will become your new favorite snack or appetizer. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to make but tastes like you’ve worked magic in the kitchen. Each piece is packed with layers of savory garlic butter, fresh herbs, and a gooey mix of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses that come together to create a crowd-pleasing treat everyone will want to grab again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Parmesan and Garlic Butter Pull Apart Bread Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients that each play a key role. Every component is essential for delivering the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and textured flavors—plus that golden crust that’s just begging to be torn into.
- Small loaf sourdough bread: The sturdy but soft sourdough provides the perfect base with a chewy crust to hold all the delicious fillings.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): The star for richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth garlic butter flavor.
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings that pungent aromatic punch, which is balanced perfectly when roasted in the butter.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a pop of bright color and a mild herbal freshness that brightens each bite.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors and balances the savory notes.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): This hard cheese brings nutty, salty depth and a slightly crisp finish when baked.
- Grated mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for gooey, stretchy cheesy goodness that makes the bread truly irresistible.
How to Make Parmesan and Garlic Butter Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by taking the butter out of the fridge so it softens to room temperature—this makes mixing with garlic much easier. Then, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and move your rack to the top third. This positioning helps the bread cook evenly and develop a golden crust. Line a baking sheet with foil for a quick and easy cleanup after baking.
Step 2: Slice the Bread
Next, carefully slice the sourdough loaf in a criss-cross pattern. Make sure not to cut all the way through the bottom crust, as this keeps the loaf intact but lets you stuff in all those flavorful ingredients. The criss-cross cuts create perfect nooks for the glorious garlic butter and cheeses to melt into.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheeses
While the loaf is sliced, grate your parmesan and mozzarella. Having your cheeses ready to go when it’s time to stuff the bread helps the process flow smoothly, ensuring the cheese melts perfectly into every crack.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
Combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a fork to mash and mix everything together until it forms a smooth, flavorful garlic butter. This is where the magic begins as all those ingredients meld perfectly to infuse the bread with unforgettable flavor.
Step 5: Stuff the Bread
Coat the inside of every slice with the garlic butter using a fork or a small spatula. Once coated, stuff each pocket generously with alternating layers of parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Don’t worry about the order—the cheeses will melt together into a deliciously gooey filling.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared loaf on your lined baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil. Bake for 15 minutes to let the butter and cheese begin to melt and seep into the bread. Remove the foil and continue baking another 15 minutes to develop a beautifully golden crust. For an extra touch, finish under the broiler for a minute or two if you want crispy cheese on top.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Let the bread cool just slightly before serving so the cheese is melty but not lava-hot. Then gather friends and family around to tear apart this delicious masterpiece that’s guaranteed to be the star of any table.
How to Serve Parmesan and Garlic Butter Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of parmesan on top right before serving enhances both the look and taste of this pull apart bread. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few chili flakes can offer a fun twist if you want to experiment with flavors.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with fresh green salads, hearty soups like tomato bisque, or even a rich pasta dish. Its rich, buttery cheese flavor complements a wide variety of meals, making it a versatile side that elevates any menu.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Parmesan and Garlic Butter Pull Apart Bread Recipe in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look. You can also place the loaf on a wooden cutting board and surround it with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or pesto to add layers of flavor and make it a fun interactive snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. The bread will stay fresh for 2-3 days, and the flavors only deepen as it rests, making it a great option for snacking or reheating later.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared but unbaked loaf by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and foil, then placing it in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed for a fresh-tasting treat any time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350-degree oven wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes to warm through without drying out. For crispy edges, unwrap the foil and bake a few extra minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
While sourdough is ideal because of its sturdy crust and chewy texture, you can experiment with other crusty breads like a French baguette or ciabatta. Just make sure the loaf is large enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! The garlic butter can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading to make sure it’s easy to work with during assembly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it uses no meat products. Just double-check that your parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet if you strictly avoid animal-derived ingredients.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to add rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to customize the flavor profile. Fresh herbs bring extra brightness, while spices add a little kick if you like things spicy.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
Be careful not to over-butter the bread and make sure the oven is fully preheated to 350 degrees. The initial covered bake keeps moisture in for melting, but removing the foil halfway helps develop a crisp crust that balances the soft interior.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Parmesan and Garlic Butter Pull Apart Bread Recipe enough if you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make but feels special. It’s the perfect way to bring people together around the table with something warm, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it disappears!
Print
Parmesan and Garlic Butter Pull Apart Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan and Garlic Butter Pull Apart Bread is a savory and irresistible appetizer or snack featuring a crusty sourdough loaf slathered with garlic butter and stuffed with melted parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for sharing, this pull apart bread combines aromatic garlic and fresh parsley with a cheesy, buttery filling, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 small loaf sourdough bread
Garlic Butter
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and bread: Remove the butter from the fridge to soften. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the top third. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Slice the bread: Using a sharp knife, make cuts into the loaf in one direction, slicing almost to the bottom but not all the way through. Then slice perpendicular to create a criss-cross pattern, forming small squares that will be filled.
- Prepare the cheeses: Grate both parmesan and mozzarella cheeses and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt and pepper using a fork until well combined.
- Stuff the bread: Using a fork or butter knife, spread the garlic butter generously inside each cut of the bread. Stuff the grated cheeses into the cracks, mixing the parmesan and mozzarella as you go—it doesn’t matter which order since they will melt together deliciously.
- Bake the bread: Place the stuffed loaf on the prepared baking sheet and loosely cover it with foil. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes. For a golden, bubbly top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes if desired.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and serve the pull apart bread warm as a perfect shareable appetizer or side.
Notes
- Be careful not to cut all the way through the loaf to keep the bread intact and easy to pull apart.
- Allowing the butter to soften makes it easier to mix with garlic and parsley.
- Using fresh parsley enhances the flavor, but dried parsley can be substituted in a pinch (use less).
- You can customize the cheeses by adding cheddar or other favorites.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor as the bread tends to harden as it cools.
