Here’s a recipe for Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread, a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for sharing!
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of Italian bread (or French bread)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Bread:
- Cut the loaf of bread into slices, but don’t cut all the way through. Make sure the bread stays intact at the bottom, creating a “hinge” so the slices stay connected. Make cuts both horizontally and vertically to create a grid pattern.
- Place the loaf on a large sheet of aluminum foil or a baking tray.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic (or garlic powder), chopped parsley, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. Stuff the Bread:
- Using a spoon or a brush, carefully drizzle or spread the garlic butter mixture between the slices of bread. Make sure to get the butter into all the cuts to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Once the bread is well-coated, stuff the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the cuts between the bread slices. You can use a little extra cheese to top the loaf if you like it extra cheesy.
5. Bake:
- Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil, ensuring it’s covered to keep the bread moist and allow the cheese to melt.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is slightly toasted.
- For a golden, crispy top, open the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
6. Serve:
- Once the cheesy pull-apart garlic bread is hot and bubbly, remove it from the oven.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for added richness (optional), and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- Bread Choice: You can use any hearty bread like sourdough, baguette, or even dinner rolls, depending on what you prefer.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or provolone for different flavor profiles.
- Add-ins: For an extra flavor kick, try adding cooked bacon bits, herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a few tablespoons of cream cheese mixed in for extra creaminess.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bread and store it wrapped in foil in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready!
Enjoy your Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread, a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion!