Baked to golden perfection, this pull apart bread’s flavor fills every crack and crevice. Enjoy it warm out of the oven for game day or any day in between! With just 7 simple ingredients, each bite-sized piece is covered in gooey cheese and garlic butter for the best twist on classic garlic bread.
This pull apart bread is a football season staple! It’s like the MVP of game day snacks, with its gooey cheese, garlicky goodness, and buttery bread that’s begging to be torn into. Whether you’re tailgating with friends or lounging on the couch, this bread is a must-have.
And the best part? It’s easy to make! Just throw together a few simple ingredients, pop it in the oven, and in no time, you’ll be diving into cheesy perfection. It’s a true showstopper. When I say that, I mean it. My husband actually looks up from the game to grab pieces! For any football fan out there, (or their spouse), you know this is a MAJOR accomplishment.
Looking for more finger-licking good food? Try my Garlic Parmesan Wings or Bacon Wrapped Asparagus!
Why You’ll Love This Pull Apart Bread
- Finger-food fun! The whole family will love to “tear and share” this garlic bread masterpiece! No need to use a fork or knife…it’s the perfect bite-size finger food.
- Perfect taste and texture. A golden, crispy exterior paired with a tender and gooey center? Yes, please! Plus, the extra grooves and nooks catch all the goodies so none of it is left behind. It doesn’t taste or look like it took less than an hour to make!
- Versatility. This pull apart bread can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. Dress it up for a dinner party or keep it casual for a football game– regardless of the occasion, it’s a winner!
My Recipe Video
Ingredients
- French or sourdough loaf – the better quality the bread, the better the pull apart bread!
- Salted butter – salted butter helps the top of the loaf crisp up and while keeping the inside of the loaf moist and rich with a touch of salt.
- Mozzarella cheese – mozzarella cheese adds stringy goodness. You can use just mozzarella cheese instead of both mozz and parmesan, if preferred.
- Parmesan cheese – parmesan cheese adds rich flavor. You can use just parmesan cheese instead of a blend, if preferred.
- Garlic powder – we’re making garlic bread, guys!
- Onion powder – onion powder adds complementary flavor to the garlic.
- Italian seasoning – Italian seasoning is a blend of Italian herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram.
- Chives (optional) – fresh chives add a pop of green and a hint of fresh onion.
- Marinara sauce (optional) – You can buy jarred marinara or make your own Homemade Tomato Sauce to serve with the pull apart bread.
How To Make Pull Apart Bread
Learn how to make pull apart bread! Full instructions in the recipe card; this is an outline!
- Cut.
Preheat oven to 350℉. Cut the loaf into a 1-inch grid pattern, without cutting through the bottom crust of the loaf. Start by cutting in 1-inch wide strips in one direction.
- Turn.
Turn the loaf 90° and cut 1-inch strips in the other direction, cutting the bread into diamond-shaped chunks.
- Add.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to melted butter. Stir well.
- Brush.
Using a spoon and a basting brush, brush the garlic butter over the top of the loaf and into the cracks of the grid.
- Stuff.
Blend mozzarella and parmesan together. Using your fingers, push the cheese into the cracks of the grid so that every piece of the pull apart bread is surrounded by cheese.
- Bake.
Tightly tent the loaf with foil and place the bread on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove.
Remove the foil, and let it bake for another 5-10 minutes.
- Serve.
Serve immediately as-is, or sprinkle with chives and serve with a side of marinara.
How To Serve Pull Apart Bread
Pull apart bread is best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven! Here are a few of my favorite serving options:
- As an appetizer: place in the center of the table and serve alongside other finger-food appetizers like Bacon Wrapped Asparagus and some Italian Meatballs.
- Paired with soup: this bread paired with soup is a match made in heaven. Serve with Tuscan Soup, Split Pea Soup, or a creamy broccoli cheddar soup.
- As a side dish: serve as a side dish to grilled steak, creamy Marry Me Chicken or your favorite pasta to help soak up all of the sauce.
- Serve with a dip or spread: enjoy with a variety of dips like a spinach artichoke dip, Beer Cheese, or homemade marinara. The bread’s cheesiness pairs well with a range of savory dips– the sky’s the limit!
- Alongside a charcuterie board: include in your charcuterie board with an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, Marinated Olives, shelled pistachios, and veggies.
- Game day snacks: serve this bread as a part of a game day spread alongside buffalo chicken wings, Pulled Pork sliders, chips and dip like this Avocado Salsa, and a veggie platter of your choice! Whether you’re there to enjoy the game or just the snacks, it will be a tasty game day feast.
Storage
- Store: pull apart bread is best enjoyed hot out of the oven, however store any leftovers in an airtight container or Ziploc bag on the counter for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: you can freeze pull apart bread before it’s baked, for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before baking off according to the normal recipe instructions.
- Reheat: to reheat, place in a 350℉ oven for 10-15 minutes, lightly tented with foil until warm. Rejuvenate with a drizzle of melted butter and sprinkle of cheese if desired.
More Bread Recipes You’ll Love!
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients
- 1 crusty firm French or sourdough loaf of bread
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh snipped chives, to garnish (optional)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Cut the loaf in a 1-inch grid pattern, without cutting through the bottom crust of the loaf. Start by cutting the bread in 1-inch wide strips in one direction, being careful not to cut through the bottom crust.
- Turn the bread 90° and cut strips in the other direction, cutting the bread into diamond-shaped chunks.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to melted butter. Stir well.
- Use a spoon and a basting brush to spoon and brush garlic butter over the top of the loaf and in the cracks of the grid.
- Once all butter is used, blend mozzarella and parmesan together. Use your fingers to push cheese into the cracks of the grid so that every piece of pull apart bread is surrounded by cheese. It’s okay if some cheese is left on the top of the bread!
- Tightly tent loaf with foil, and place bread on baking sheet in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil, and let bake for another 5-10 minutes.
- Serve immediately as-is, or sprinkled with chives & a side of marinara! Wear your stretchy pants…
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Best garlic bread!
Thanks so much for the review! I agree, it is so divine!
Grace