You can never have too many appetizer recipes up your sleeve. This recipe for cheesy pull-apart bread is simple and can be made ahead. And did I mention it feeds a crowd? That’s a win-win-win.
How to Make the Best Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
The key is to start with good bread. Seek out a loaf of bread that has a crunchy crust and soft-tender interior. We like any French loaf, Italian loaf or sourdough loaf. Then it’s on to the cheese. Simple is best, so this recipe uses a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella.
You’ll need plenty of good butter to keep the bread tender and supple, and finally, fresh garlic is a must. Everything is better with garlic!
Easy, Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf crusty bread, such as French, Italian or sourdough
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: fresh herbs, such as parsley, scallions or chives
Directions
Step 1: Prepare bread
Heat oven to 350ºF. Coat a large piece of foil with non-stick cooking spray.
Cut a 1-inch grid-like pattern into the bread loaf without slicing all the way through (stop about 1/2-inch before the bottom of the loaf). Place bread on prepared foil.
Step 2: Make garlic butter
Combine melted butter, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Gently separate the bread squares with your fingers, then spoon the garlic butter between seams. Wrap foil around the loaf and place on the middle rack in your oven; bake for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Stuff the bread with cheese and bake
Meanwhile, combine cheddar, mozzarella and a teaspoon of black pepper in a large bowl.
Remove the loaf of bread from the oven, then increase the oven temp to 425º.
Open foil and carefully stuff cheese into seams. Return loaf to the oven, uncovered, and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly and starting to brown, about 15 minutes more.
Let cool briefly before serving. Top with fresh herbs, if using.
How to Serve Pull-Apart Bread
I recommend cooling the bread briefly before serving. Don’t let it cool too long, though, or the cheese will start to set up. I like to serve this cheesy pull-apart bread with homemade marinara sauce, but ranch dressing is also a great option. Or you could add some blue cheese crumbles to the cheese mixture and serve this bread with our blue cheese dressing. For something bright and herby, we love a creamy basil dressing, too!
Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread Variations
Once you make this recipe a few times, start to play around with the flavors and fillings. Mix up the kind of shredded cheese you use, add green onions or herbs or kick up the heat with jalapenos or hot sauce. The options are endless!
Easy Appetizers for Your Next Party
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Fresh jalapenos and summer-ripe peaches give this creamy guacamole so much flavor. It's got a little kick, but I love that it's not so spicy it burns off my taste buds! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
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This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is roasting. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
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I created these unique pinwheels for a football game snack using ingredients I had on hand. They were a huge hit! I appreciate how quick and easy they are to prepare. —Melanie Foster, Blaine, Minnesota
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Easter isn't complete without deviled eggs. I like to experiment with my recipes, and was pleasantly surprised with how the fresh dill really perked up the flavor of these irresistible appetizers. —Kami Horch, Frankfort, Maine
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My friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
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Head to the Midwest for the big game with a platter of these crunchy snacks enlivened with a beer-laced cheese sauce. —Kelly Boe, Whiteland, Indiana
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Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
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It's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone will scarf these cream cheese pinwheels down. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky
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Pomegranate seeds intrigue me, so I sliced French bread, smeared it with cream cheese, and added seeds, pistachios and chocolate. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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We grill peppers with rosemary and garlic, then blend them with sun-dried tomatoes for a creamy spread to pass with pita chips. —Donna Alwine, Bloomington, Indiana
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Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd-pleaser? You've found it! This zesty, crunchy chickpea recipe will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
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This is one of our entertaining mainstays. It complements most meals and is so easy to prepare and dress up with a variety of garnishes. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
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Topped with toasty pecans, this sweet-and-savory cheese ball makes a festive hostess gift for holiday parties. Says Heidi: “It’s always a hit; there’s never anything left over, and everyone asks for the recipe.” At home, make it ahead of time for convenience, then bring to room temp and serve. Heidi Blaine Hadburg - Safety Harbor, FL
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I alter my sister's recipe by adding finely chopped jalapeno for a little heat. This is a different way of serving corn as a dip that can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario
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For holiday potlucks, I make an appetizer truffle out of prosciutto, figs and toasted pine nuts. Mascarpone and goat cheese make them melt-in-your-mouth creamy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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When we get together with friends, I like to prepare this creamy spinach dip. It's a real crowd pleaser. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
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Instead of serving the same taco dip at every family event or potluck, try this light, cool and refreshing Greek dip. It looks and tastes healthy—and it is. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
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My husband was in the Air Force, so we've entertained guests all over the United States. I acquired this recipe while in California. It's one of my favorite special appetizers. —Sandra Twait, Tampa, Florida
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Here's an appetizer that will heat up any gathering. Family and friends often request that I make these jalapenos. —DeLea Lonadier, Montgomery, Louisiana
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Five simple ingredients are all you need to wow friends and family with a tasty appetizer. I love to make these as much as I love to share them. —Nick Berg, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
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We love to entertain at home and the office. Ham and cheese rolled in tortillas make a quick and easy appetizer that's easy to transport. —Susan Zugehoer, Hebron, Kentucky
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This special appetizer always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear at the buffet table. It's attractive, delicious—and easy! —Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
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We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
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There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
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Every time I make this quick blue cheese dip, someone asks for the recipe. It only requires a few items, so its a snap to put together. I often prepare the thick spread with Gorgonzola cheese and serve it with toasted pecans. —Sandy Schneider Naperville, Illinois
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This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It's a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised…your guests will be vying for the last tasty slice. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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I call toasted ravioli a fan favorite because it disappears faster than I can make it. With just five ingredients, this is how you start the party. —Kathy Morgan, Temecula, California
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Sit back and relax with your family while enjoying this creamy dip. Colorful and festive, it's easy to put together ahead of time, which makes it perfect for game day. — Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
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Radishes add a wonderful crunch to this colorful salsa that is also superb over grilled fish. There's just enough jalapeno to give flavor without much of the heat. —Mary Beth Relyea, Canastota, New York
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Always popular at special events and a cinch to prep, this is one of my favorite ways to use leftover veggies. You can change the mixture to match your kids' tastes, and it's just as yummy the next day. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Cherry-Brandy Baked Brie
No one will believe this impressive cherry brandy appetizer is so easy to make. You can substitute dried cranberries or apricots for the cherries and apple juice for the brandy. —Kevin Phebus, Katy, Texas Up Next: What Is a Relish Tray and What Should You Put on It?The post How to Make Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread appeared first on Taste of Home.
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