If you’re looking for a great cheesy pull-apart bread recipe, the “Ultimate Gooey Garlic Melt Bread” is a super easy one to make at home. Step-by-step instructions are provided.
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Ultimate Gooey Garlic Melt Bread : Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
This gooey garlic melt bread recipe is perfect for becoming your new favorite appetizer. This ultimate gooey garlic melt bread is soft on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and filled with stretchy, melted cheese in every bite.
It’s a favorite for holiday parties, game day, family dinners, or a cozy snack, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Gooey garlic melt bread is guaranteed to sell out quickly. This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to make garlic melt bread, including all the easy ingredients, tips, variations, storage suggestions, and finally, answers to any questions you may have.
Why You’ll Love the Cheesy Apartment:
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for gatherings and parties
- Perfect for kids and family
- Easy to customize with different cheeses and add-ins
- Ready in less than 35 minutes
- This recipe uses American ingredients and techniques that are ideal for home-cooked meals across the USA
All the Required Ingredients:
Ingredients for the Bread:
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 large round Savoredo loaf or Italian bread boule
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Ingredients for the Garlic Butter:
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – 1 stick
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Cheese – Ingredients:
- Jalapeno slices
- Cooked, crumbled bacon
- Pepperoni slices
- Red pepper flakes
- Sliced green onions
Step-by-step instructions on how to make the Ultimate Gooey Garlic Melt Bread:
1. Preheating the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, 190°C and have it ready.
- Line parchment paper or foil on a baking sheet for easy cleanup.
2. Preparing the Bread
- Using a serrated knife,
- Cut the bread in a crosshatch pattern.
- Slice 1 inch apart.
- Be careful not to cut all the way through; leave a 1/2 inch gap at the bottom to keep the loaf intact.
- This allows the cheese and garlic butter to soak deeply into the bread and hold together for easy serving.
3. Making the Garlic Butter:
- Use a medium saucepan.
- Add the butter and melt it.
- Add the finely chopped garlic and stir.
- Now add the salt, parsley, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Keep mixing until thoroughly combined.
- Garlic butter is the flavor base of this cheesy pull-apart bread recipe.
4. Cheese Stuffing in Bread
- Carefully separate the bread slices and then:
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese into the crevices
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the bread
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and inside the cuts
- Make sure the cheese gets into every crevice to maximize the consistency
5. Pouring Garlic Butter
- Slowly pour the garlic butter mixture all over the bread, then
- spoon it into the crevices, spreading the flavor throughout every bite.
- If you want to use bacon or jalapeño, optional toppings, add them.
6. Covering and Baking
- Wrap the loaf in foil.
- Continue baking covered for about 15 minutes,
- so the cheese melts thoroughly.
7. Baking Uncovered for a Golden Crisp
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 12 to 15 minutes,
- until:
- the cheese is bubbling
- the top is golden brown
- the edges are slightly crispy
- For more browning, broil for 2 minutes, watching closely.
8. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
- Be sure to let it cool for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.
- The best cheese combination for pull-apart bread: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic, you can experiment with:
- Provolone
- Colby Jack
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack – for those with a spice preference
- Gruyère
- Fontina
- The ultimate in this is the way the melted cheese blends perfectly with the delicious sharp cheese.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread:
- Use a fresh loaf of bread: Day-old bread also works, but fresh sourdough bread gives a great texture.
- Never forget to cover with foil: this helps prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts.
- For a more filling dish, add protein: cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or pepperoni makes it a meal-size meal.
- Make ahead: You can make the bread 5 to 6 hours in advance and refrigerate it until baking.
Some flavor variation suggestions to try:
- For pizza-style pull-apart bread: Add pepperoni, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning.
- For Buffalo chicken pull-apart bread: Toss in Buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles, then add shredded rotisserie chicken.
- For a spinach artichoke version: Add spinach, cream cheese, and chopped artichokes and mix well before stuffing.
- For a Tex-Mex style: Use cheddar, taco seasoning, Monterey Jack, and chopped green chilies.
What to serve with Ultimate Gooey Garlic Melt Bread:
- Goes great with:
- Caesar Salad
- Tomato Soup
- Game Day Dips
- BBQ Dips
- Chili
- Pasta Dishes
- This dish is perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving or as a holiday appetizer.
Storage and Reheating:
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if wrapped tightly in foil.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes
- Or air fry at 325°F for 6 to 7 minutes.
- Microwaving should be avoided, as it can make the bread soggy.
- Refrigerating: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 month, then reheat from frozen at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts of Ultimate Gooey Garlic Melt Bread:
- Protein 12g
- Calories 320
- Sodium 420mg
- Fat 18g
- Carbohydrates 28g
- Saturated Fat 10g
- Values may vary depending on the type of bread and cheese.
FAQ
Q. Can I make Gooey Garlic Melt Bread in advance?
Yes! Assemble the bread first, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for 6 hours before baking.
Q. What bread is best for Cheesy Pull Apart Bread?
Round Italian bread or Sourdough Bleu is best.
Q. Can I use pre-grated cheese?
Absolutely! But fresh cheese melts best because it doesn’t contain any anti-cooking agents.
Q. Can I cook it in an air fryer?
Yes! If it fits, wrap it tightly in foil and cook at 350°F for about 10 minutes, then uncover for 4 minutes.
Q. Can I make it without garlic?
Absolutely! Just omit the garlic and use plain butter or herb butter.
Q. What’s the best dipping sauce?
Popular in the US include:
Buffalo sauce, marinara sauce, cheese sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli
Q. How can I prevent the bottom of cheesy pull-apart bread from becoming soggy?
Place the bread on a wire rack over a baking sheet, allowing air to circulate underneath.
Final Thoughts
Ultimate Gooey Garlic Melt Bread (Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread) is a comfort food appetizer that’s buttery, crispy, deeply satisfying, and cheesy. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, holiday gathering, family dinner, or anything else, this recipe is sure to impress and never disappoints.
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, allowing for countless customizations, this cheesy pull-apart bread recipe deserves a place and is sure to become a favorite.