Stuffed Cheese Garlic Bread

This Stuffed Cheese Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is my go-to whenever I want to wow guests but also keep things low-fuss. Imagine a crusty loaf oozing with melted cheese and garlic butter on every piece. It vanishes fast at parties and family gatherings—it is just impossible to resist.

The first time I made this bread for my book club, no one talked for ten minutes—we were all too busy pulling pieces and swooning over the stretchy cheese.

Ingredients

• Large round sourdough loaf: Sourdough has the perfect texture chewy inside and crisp on top Pick one that feels heavy for its size as it will hold up better to filling
• Mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully giving you that classic stretchy pull Use block mozzarella and shred it yourself for best melting
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds depth and a bit of tang Choose a rich orange cheddar for a more dramatic flavor
• Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty nutty punch Try to use freshly grated from a wedge for maximum aroma
• Unsalted butter: Allows you full control over the saltiness Look for good quality butter for rich flavor
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic will perfume the bread Do not use pre-minced for this recipe trust me
• Fresh parsley: Brightens every bite with green color and herbal notes Avoid wilted bunches
• Chives: These give a lovely mild onion kick Pick bright green, perky stalks
• Salt: A little lifts all the flavors Use a fine sea salt for even mixing
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked is essential for its spicy bite

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to one hundred eighty degrees Celsius or three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Starting with the right temperature ensures your bread bakes up golden and crisp not dry.

Score the Bread:

Take a large round sourdough loaf and set it on a cutting board. Using a serrated bread knife make deep crosshatch cuts across the loaf slicing almost to the bottom but not all the way through. Leave the base intact so the loaf holds together. The grid should create little square spaces to catch all the fillings.

Mix the Garlic Butter:

In a mixing bowl combine the melted unsalted butter fresh minced garlic chopped parsley chopped chives salt and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to blend the herbs and seasonings evenly into the butter.

Butter the Loaf:

Using your fingers or a pastry brush gently pry apart the sections of bread. Drizzle or brush the garlic butter into every single crack and crevice ensuring every section of inside crumb is coated. Take your time to get flavor all the way through.

Stuff With Cheese:

Divide the shredded mozzarella shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan into small handfuls and press them deep into all the cuts. Keep the cheese evenly spread so that every pull-apart piece gets a melty mix in each bite.

Wrap and Bake:

Place the filled loaf onto your prepared baking sheet. Loosely wrap the bread in aluminum foil—this keeps the bread steaming inside while the cheese melts. Bake for fifteen minutes to start softening the cheese and warming everything through.

Finish for Golden Crisp:

Unwrap the foil from the top of the bread and return it to the oven. Bake for another eight to ten minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is crisp and golden. The exposed cheese will turn extra tempting here so keep an eye out to avoid overbaking.

Serve Warm:

Remove from the oven and set the loaf on a serving board. Present it whole so everyone can pull off cheesy pieces. Serve it right away for the best gooey texture.

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I always use extra parmesan and fresh parsley because those little nutty pops and green flecks make each bite feel special. The first time I let my kids help stuff the cheese in every nook they could not stop giggling about the bread turning into a secret cheese pocket. Now it is our favorite pre-dinner ritual for birthdays and holidays.

Storage Tips

It is best served hot out of the oven but the bread can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated for up to two days. To reheat place back in the oven covered until warmed through then uncover for the last few minutes to crisp up the crust again. Avoid microwaving if you can because the crust will get chewy instead of crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any sturdy country loaf if sourdough is not available just make sure it is not pre-sliced so it holds together when you score and stuff it. For cheese try fontina or gruyere for extra meltiness or a smoky gouda for a new spin. Vegan versions of cheese and butter work well if you need a dairy-free option as long as you pick melty brands.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this bread as an appetizer for parties or game nights with a side of marinara sauce or ranch for dipping. It pairs perfectly with hearty salads or a bowl of homemade soup for a comfort meal. For brunch consider adding a sprinkle of cooked bacon or ham before baking for a savory twist.

Cultural Roots and Modern Fun

Pull-apart breads rose to popularity because they encourage shared snacking and hands-on eating. While garlic bread is classic in Italian-American kitchens stuffing it with cheese and herbs is a playful American upgrade. Making it for a crowd brings instant nostalgia and everyone loves tearing off their own piece.

Seasonal Adaptations

In the summer go heavier on fresh herbs like basil and use roasted garlic for a subtler flavor. Winter versions are great with smoked cheese and roasted peppers inside. For fall tuck caramelized onions and a bit of sage in with the cheese for a cozy variation.

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I learned from experience that shredding your own cheese makes a world of difference—pre-shredded can leave you with a grainy melt. Do not rush the garlic butter technique really work it into every cut so there are no dry spots. And if you try extra add-ins like pepper flakes or olives spread them evenly for a little surprise in every piece.

Recipe FAQ

→ What types of cheese work best in this bread?

Mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan create a gooey, flavorful combination, but you can also substitute with provolone or fontina for different textures and tastes.

→ Can I prepare the bread ahead of time?

You can assemble the stuffed bread ahead and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving to ensure it remains crispy and melty.

→ What herbs go well with the garlic butter?

Fresh parsley and chives add brightness, but you can also use basil, oregano, or thyme for added flavor variations.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this bread contains no meat, but always check that your cheeses are made with vegetarian-friendly rennet if necessary.

→ How should I serve stuffed cheese garlic bread?

It’s best served warm, straight from the oven. Pull apart pieces and dip in marinara or ranch for extra flavor.

→ Can I add extra toppings?

Absolutely. Add cooked bacon, sliced olives, or sun-dried tomatoes inside the loaf for added flavor and texture.