Save to Pinterest A warm, golden loaf loaded with melty cheese, fragrant herbs, and buttery garlic, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting snack.
The first time I made this Garlic Herb Cheesy Pull Apart Loaf, my kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic and melted cheese. Everyone gathered around the oven, waiting eagerly for the loaf to come out so they could grab a warm piece straight away.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 500 g)
- Garlic Herb Butter: 100 g unsalted butter, softened, 4 cloves garlic finely minced, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cheese: 200 g mozzarella cheese shredded, 100 g sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 50 g parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice the Loaf:
- Using a sharp bread knife, slice the sourdough loaf in a criss-cross pattern, making deep cuts without cutting all the way through so the base holds the loaf together.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Spread Butter:
- Gently open up the bread cracks and spread the garlic herb butter evenly throughout the loaf, using a butter knife or spoon.
- Add Cheese:
- Stuff the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated parmesan into the cuts, making sure to distribute the cheese evenly for maximum meltiness.
- Bake Covered:
- Place the prepared loaf on the baking tray and loosely cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the bread edges are crisp.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to pull apart pieces for sharing.
Save to Pinterest Serving this loaf brings everyone to the table, laughing and reaching for cheesy pieces with buttery fingertips. It always disappears quickly at our family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with tomato soup for a comforting meal, or serve alongside your favorite pasta dish. Add crispy bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes between slices for extra flavor.
Required Tools
Bread knife, mixing bowl, spoon or butter knife, baking tray, and aluminum foil are all you need for a perfect loaf.
Nutrition Information
Each serving has approximately 330 calories, 18 g fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 13 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This loaf is best served straight from the oven. Enjoy every melty, garlicky bite with friends and family.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you achieve the pull-apart texture?
Slicing the loaf in a criss-cross pattern and distributing butter and cheese evenly lets the bread open easily for sharing.
- → What herbs work best for flavor?
Fresh parsley, chives, and basil help create an aromatic, vibrant taste. You can try substituting with thyme or oregano if preferred.
- → Can you use different bread types?
Yes, sourdough provides structure, but Italian or French bread also work well for varied texture and flavor.
- → What cheeses melt best in this loaf?
Mozzarella gives stretch, cheddar adds sharpness, and parmesan delivers an umami kick. Combine for best results.
- → How can you add extra flavor?
Try mixing in bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes between bread slices, and consider serving with tomato soup for added richness.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian. Just confirm cheese labels to avoid hidden animal enzymes if strictly necessary.