Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

This cheesy pull-apart garlic bread recipe features a crusty sourdough loaf filled with melted mozzarella, garlic, and Italian herbs, baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for parties, family dinners, or as a side for pasta and soup. Includes a flavorful olive oil and balsamic dipping sauce for the best homemade garlic bread experience.

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Ingredients

For the Bread

• 1 (16 oz.) artisan sourdough bread loaf
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons crushed garlic
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)

For the Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ⅓ cup Asiago cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Prepare the cheese mixture:
   In a medium bowl, combine mozzarella cheese, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and set aside.
3. Cut the bread:
   Using a sharp serrated knife, make deep cuts in one direction about 1 inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through. Rotate the loaf and cut in the opposite direction to form a grid pattern.
4. Stuff the bread:
   Gently pull apart the bread sections and stuff the cheese mixture evenly into all the crevices.
5. Add butter:
   Melt the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then drizzle it over the top of the stuffed bread.
6. Bake:
   Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet, loosely cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
7. Prepare the dipping sauce:
   While the bread bakes, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, red pepper flakes, Asiago, and Parmesan in a small bowl.
8. Serve:
   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with the dipping sauce. Pull apart, dip, and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesy pull-apart garlic bread is pure comfort food — golden, crispy on the outside, gooey and garlicky inside. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners. Plus, it’s simple to make and looks impressive on the table!

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Tips

• Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
• Cut carefully: Don’t slice all the way through the bread so the loaf stays intact.
• Cover while baking: The foil helps the cheese melt without burning before you broil it.
• Serve immediately: It’s best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese swap: Try cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella.
• Add herbs: Fresh parsley, rosemary, or basil make great additions.
• Make it spicy: Add more chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Garlic butter twist: Mix the garlic directly into the melted butter for even more flavor.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Any crusty loaf like ciabatta or French bread works well.

Can I make this ahead?
You can assemble it a few hours in advance. Just wrap it tightly and refrigerate, then bake before serving.

How do I store leftovers?
Wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

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Serving and Suggestions

Serve this cheesy garlic bread as a side dish for pasta, soup, or salad — or enjoy it as a party appetizer with the balsamic dipping sauce. It also pairs beautifully with marinara sauce, ranch, or even creamy spinach dip.