This Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread made with garlic butter and melted mozzarella is the ultimate easy, crowd pleasing appetizer. Crispy, gooey, and perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread (The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser)
This Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread is everything we love in a shareable appetizer: warm, buttery, crispy on the outside, and irresistibly gooey on the inside. Each pull reveals melted cheese, garlicky butter, and a soft, tender crumb that makes it impossible to stop at just one piece.
Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer, game-day snack, holiday side, or cozy family treat, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients—and zero stress. It’s one of those “everyone hovers around the pan” recipes that disappears in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy but impressive – looks fancy, tastes indulgent, but is surprisingly simple
- Perfect for sharing – no slicing required, just pull and enjoy
- Customizable – switch up the cheese, herbs, or add-ins
- Comfort food at its best – buttery garlic bread + melty cheese = perfection
Tips for the Best Pull-Apart Bread
- Choose the right bread: A sturdy, crusty loaf holds its shape and absorbs the butter without falling apart.
- Don’t rush the stuffing: Getting butter and cheese into each crack ensures flavor in every bite.
- Foil first, then uncovered: This melts the cheese evenly before crisping the crust.
- Serve right away: This bread is at its best fresh from the oven.
Variations & Substitutions
Cheese Options:
- Cheddar (sharp or mild)
- Monterey Jack
- Gruyère
- Provolone
- A mozzarella + cheddar blend for extra flavor
Herb Swaps:
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
- Italian seasoning
- Chives or green onions
Flavor Boosters:
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Tuck thin slices of pepperoni or cooked bacon into the cracks
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before the final bake
Dairy-Free Option:
- Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free shreddable cheese alternative that melts well.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes:
Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
Cheesy pull-apart bread made with garlic butter and melted mozzarella is the ultimate easy appetizer. Crispy, gooey, and perfect for parties or family gatherings!
Servings: 3
- 1 loaf crusty bread sourdough or Vienna works best
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or other good melting cheese
- 1 stick butter softened
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley minced
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a heatproof bowl, combine butter, garlic, and salt. Microwave until melted, then stir in parsley.
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Using a sharp knife, cut the bread on a diagonal into 1-inch diamonds, being careful not to cut all the way through.
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Gently pry open each cut and drizzle in about 1 tsp of the garlic butter, then tuck in some of the cheese.
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Brush the outside of the loaf with the remaining butter, letting it drip into the cracks.
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Cover the loaf loosely in foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and gooey. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
