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- 1 loaf of fresh artisan bread (round or sourdough) - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley) - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Optional: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Gathering the right ingredients is key. Start with a loaf of fresh artisan bread. I prefer round or sourdough for the best texture. Next, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This adds richness and helps the garlic flavor shine. You’ll need 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced. The more garlic, the better! For that cheesy goodness, grab 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh cheese melts better and tastes great. Don't forget the fresh parsley for color! You can use 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for flavor. If you want an extra kick, toss in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This is optional, but it adds a nice herbal note. With these ingredients, you're set to make a mouthwatering garlic Parmesan pull-apart bread! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Slice the bread in a crosshatch pattern. Start by warming your oven. This step helps the cheese melt nicely. Next, take your loaf of fresh artisan bread. Use a sharp knife to slice it. Cut a crosshatch pattern into the bread. Make cuts about one inch apart. Be careful not to slice all the way through; keep the bottom crust intact. This method lets the bread pull apart easily later. - Combine melted butter, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Now, let’s make the garlic butter mixture. In a small bowl, pour in the melted butter. Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if you like. Mix well until everything blends together. This garlic butter will add a lot of flavor to the bread. - Apply garlic butter mixture into bread cuts. - Sprinkle Parmesan cheese generously over the bread. Take your garlic butter mix and apply it into the cuts of the bread. Use a spoon or a pastry brush for even spreading. Make sure to fill the slits well so every piece gets flavor. Then, it’s time to sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the bread. Make sure you get cheese into the cuts too. This creates cheesy bites when the bread bakes. - Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and bake. - Finish baking uncovered for a golden crust. Wrap your loaf in aluminum foil. This helps keep the bread warm and moist. Place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. After that, unwrap the foil. Return the bread to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This step helps the cheese melt and turn golden brown. When it's done, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy pull-apart bread. Enjoy your delicious creation! For pull-apart bread, the way you cut the loaf is key. Make cuts about one inch apart. Cut down three-quarters of the way through the bread. This keeps the bottom crust intact, allowing for the perfect pull-apart sections. After cutting, soak the cuts well with the garlic butter. This step helps the flavor seep deeply into the bread. When baking, wrap the loaf in aluminum foil during the first phase. This keeps the bread warm and helps flavors meld. After about 15 minutes, unwrap the foil. This lets the cheese brown nicely and adds a crispy texture. To prevent excess browning, keep an eye on it during the last baking phase. You want that golden crust, not burnt edges. Serve your garlic Parmesan pull-apart bread on a rustic wooden board. This makes it look great and adds charm. For dipping, I recommend a small bowl of marinara sauce. The rich, cheesy bites pair perfectly with the tangy sauce. Don’t forget to add napkins for easy sharing! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your garlic and parsley are fresh for the best flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan also melts better and gives a richer taste. Experiment with Bread Types: While sourdough works great, try different artisan breads like ciabatta or focaccia for unique textures and flavors. Control the Cheese Melt: For a perfectly melted cheese topping, keep an eye on the bread during the last baking phase. Remove it once the cheese is bubbly and golden. Make It Ahead: Prepare the garlic butter and cut the bread in advance. When ready to bake, just assemble and pop it in the oven for a quick snack or appetizer. {{image_4}} You can easily boost your Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread with different cheeses. Try adding mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey texture. Cheddar adds a sharp bite that pairs well with garlic. Mixing these cheeses creates a rich flavor. Herbs are another way to enhance the taste. Fresh rosemary gives a woodsy note. Thyme adds a subtle earthiness. You can mix and match herbs to find your favorite combination. If you want a sweet twist, turn this bread into a dessert. Use cinnamon sugar instead of garlic butter. This change gives the bread a warm, sweet flavor. After baking, drizzle icing on top for added sweetness. You can experiment with different toppings too. Chocolate chips or dried fruits make great additions. This sweet pull-apart bread will surprise your guests. For those who need gluten-free bread, there are many options. Look for gluten-free artisan bread at your store. You can also make your own using gluten-free flour blends. Just ensure the bread has a good texture for pulling apart. These variations let you customize your Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures! To keep leftover pull-apart bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This protects it from air and moisture. Store the wrapped bread in a cool, dry place. If you want to keep it longer, the fridge is a good option. However, bread can dry out in the fridge. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the bread and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This warms the bread and revives its texture. To keep it moist, add a bit of melted butter on top before reheating. Yes, you can freeze pull-apart bread! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat frozen bread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, follow the reheating tips above at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This will help the bread regain its fresh, warm goodness. To stop soggy bread, do not over-soak it with butter. Apply just enough garlic butter into each cut. Wrapping the bread in foil helps keep moisture in, but don’t wrap it too tightly. This lets steam escape and keeps the crust crispy. Yes, you can make the garlic butter mix ahead of time. Just blend the melted butter, garlic, salt, and spices in a bowl. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to use, let it warm up a bit before applying it to the bread. Fresh artisan bread works best, especially round or sourdough. These types have a great texture and flavor. They hold up well to the garlic butter and cheese, giving you the perfect pull-apart experience. The bread is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Check the crust, which should be crispy. You can also use a toothpick to test; it should come out clean from the bread, not from the cheese. This recipe for pull-apart bread offers a great mix of flavors and textures. You learned how to make it, from the tasty garlic butter to the perfect bake. Remember, cutting the bread deeply and soaking it in the butter makes a big difference. You can also try new flavors by mixing in different cheeses or herbs. Whether you serve it fresh or store leftovers, you now have all the tools to impress. Enjoy each bite and share with friends. Now, it's time to bake!

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

A deliciously cheesy and garlicky pull-apart bread that's perfect for sharing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf fresh artisan bread
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Take the bread and, with a sharp knife, carefully slice it in a crosshatch pattern, cutting down about three-quarters of the way through the loaf.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
  • Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously apply the garlic butter mixture into the cuts of the bread.
  • Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the surface of the bread.
  • Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
  • After the initial baking time, carefully unwrap the foil and return the bread to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  • Once finished, remove the loaf from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley generously over the top.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden board with marinara sauce for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, bread, cheese, garlic