Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull-Apart Bread)
A Garlicky and Gooey Delight
Calling all cheese lovers and garlic enthusiasts! This recipe for Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull-Apart Bread) offers a unique and fun twist on classic garlic bread. It’s a showstopping appetizer or irresistible side dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread:
- Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of melty cheese, garlicky butter, and soft bread creates an addictive flavor and texture.
- Fun and Interactive: The pull-apart format encourages everyone to grab a piece and enjoy the gooey goodness.
- Easy to Make: Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep work, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
- Highly Customizable: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic butter and cheese to your preference.
Building Your Garlicky and Gooey Delight:
- Bread: A crusty loaf like sourdough or a classic Italian loaf works best for pulling apart.
- Butter: Salted butter is creamed with garlic for a flavorful spread.
- Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is the star, providing melty goodness. You can explore adding parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (Optional): Adds a touch of herbaceous complexity.
Ready to Bake Up Gooey Goodness? Here’s a basic outline:
Ingredients (makes 6-8 servings):
- 1 large oblong or round crusty loaf of bread
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, cream together softened butter and minced garlic.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. You can use a serrated knife for easier cutting. *Alternatively, for a diamond pattern: Starting from the top, cut diagonal slices about ¾ of the way down the loaf, stopping about an inch from the bottom. Then, rotate the loaf a quarter turn and repeat, creating a diamond pattern.
- Gently pry open the spaces between the bread cubes and spread the garlic butter mixture generously throughout the cracks.
- Stuff the bread crevices with shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top.
- (Optional) Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- To ensure even distribution of garlic butter, you can melt the butter instead of creaming it. However, creaming it creates air pockets that make the bread lighter.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese offers superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Final Thoughts:
This Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes it perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in. So, ditch the ordinary garlic bread and embrace the fun and deliciousness of this pull-apart version! Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations or herb variations to personalize it to your taste.