Imagine a warm, gooey loaf of bread, oozing with melted cheese and topped with a crunchy, flavorful crust. This Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings, serving as a party appetizer, or simply enjoying as a decadent treat. The recipe features a soft, buttery bread base filled with a blend of cheeses and seasoned with herbs. Each piece pulls away easily, making it a fun and interactive dish that’s as delicious as it is irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of sourdough bread (or your favorite bread loaf)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Bread: Place the loaf of sourdough on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, make vertical and horizontal cuts in the bread, creating a grid pattern. Be careful not to cut all the way through; the bottom of the loaf should remain intact.
- Mix the Cheese and Herbs: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped rosemary, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff the Bread: Gently pry open the cuts in the bread with your fingers or a knife. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly into the cuts, ensuring that the cheese gets into every crevice. You may need to use a spoon or your fingers to help distribute the cheese.
- Add the Butter: Brush the melted butter generously over the top of the bread, making sure it seeps into the cuts. You can use a brush or pour it slowly over the loaf.
- Bake the Bread: Place the prepared loaf on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top of the bread is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool for a few minutes before serving. Pull apart pieces of the bread with your fingers or a fork, enjoying the gooey, cheesy goodness.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a slight kick.
- If you prefer a more herbaceous flavor, try adding a bit of thyme or basil to the cheese mixture.
- This bread is best enjoyed warm, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven to refresh the cheese’s gooey texture.
Enjoy your Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread—it’s bound to be a hit at any gathering or a comforting treat just for you!