Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread
Intro
Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread, also known as “pull-apart bread,” is a show-stopping appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or game nights. A crusty loaf of bread is cut into a grid pattern, stuffed with buttery garlic and melted cheese, and baked until golden, gooey, and irresistible. Each piece pulls apart easily, making it fun to share while delivering bold garlic flavor and stretchy cheese in every bite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6–8 people (as an appetizer/side)
Ingredients
1 large crusty loaf (sourdough or artisan bread works best)
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella + cheddar mix)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with foil.
Prepare the Bread
Place the loaf on a cutting board.
Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the bread diagonally in one direction (about 1-inch apart), being careful not to slice all the way through.
Rotate the bread and cut diagonally the other way to create a crisscross grid pattern. The bread should remain connected at the base.
Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the Bread
Gently pry apart the bread cracks with your fingers.
Drizzle or brush the garlic butter evenly into the cuts.
Stuff shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into all the slits. Be generous—it’s what makes it gooey and delicious!
Bake
Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and place it on the baking tray.
Bake for 15 minutes, then open the foil and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes, until cheese is fully melted and the top is golden.
Serve
Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Place on a serving board and let guests pull apart pieces by hand.
Tips
Use sourdough bread or another sturdy loaf so it holds up well.
Add extras like cooked bacon bits, jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes after baking (watch closely!).
Best served immediately, but can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread is the ultimate cheesy, garlicky crowd-pleaser. Its fun pull-apart design makes it a centerpiece for gatherings, while the flavors are comforting and indulgent. Whether you serve it as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer, this bread will always disappear quickly!