Name: Pull‑Apart Garlic Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (e.g., sourdough); 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 8 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Optional: 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

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Pull Apart Garlic Bread is the kind of comforting, crave-worthy dish I love to put on the table for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or whenever I want a buttery, garlicky indulgence. With a crusty loaf transformed into a soft, cheesy, flavor-packed centerpiece, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Every slice is loaded with herbs, garlic, and optional gooey cheese—what’s not to love?

Pull Apart Garlic Bread

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large round loaf of crusty bread (sourdough works great)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

8 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional: 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C).

Then, I mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper in a bowl until it's well combined.

Taking the round loaf, I make diagonal cuts across the top, about 1 inch apart, being careful not to slice all the way through.

I rotate the loaf 90 degrees and make another set of diagonal cuts to form a cross-hatch pattern.

Using my fingers or a small spatula, I spread the garlic-butter mixture deep into the cuts.

If I'm feeling extra indulgent, I tuck cheese into the crevices too.

I wrap the entire loaf in foil, leaving the top slightly open so the crust gets crispy.

I place it on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes.

Then, I open the foil fully and bake for another 5–10 minutes until golden brown and crisp on top.

Once it’s out of the oven, I let it cool just a bit before serving warm so everyone can pull apart their own garlicky piece.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap in roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.

Adding red pepper flakes gives the bread a subtle heat I enjoy.

For a more decadent version, I mix in cream cheese with the butter.

If I don’t have parsley or chives, I substitute with basil or oregano.

Sourdough works best for me, but I’ve also used ciabatta and it’s just as good.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I wrap the bread in foil and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until it’s warm and the crust gets crispy again. I avoid microwaving because it softens the crust too much.

FAQs

How do I keep the bread from drying out in the oven?

I make sure to wrap it tightly in foil and only open the top near the end for crisping. That keeps the inside moist while letting the top brown.

Can I make this garlic bread ahead of time?

Yes, I prep everything up to the baking step, wrap it well, and refrigerate it for a few hours. When I’m ready, I just pop it in the oven.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella gives me a nice melty pull, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. Sometimes I even mix the two for extra richness.

Can I freeze pull-apart garlic bread?

I can freeze the assembled, unbaked bread. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. When baking, I add a few extra minutes to account for the cold.

What’s the best bread for this recipe?

I always go for a round sourdough loaf. It holds its shape well and has the perfect chewy-crusty texture combo I love.

Conclusion

This pull-apart garlic bread is everything I want in a shareable side—easy to make, bursting with flavor, and always a hit at any table. Whether I’m pairing it with pasta, soup, or just serving it as a snack, it never lasts long. I always keep the ingredients on hand because once I’ve made it, I know I’ll want to make it again.

Recipe:

Pull‑Apart Garlic Bread

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This pull-apart garlic bread is a buttery, garlicky, and herb-packed centerpiece that's perfect for parties, family dinners, or cozy nights in. Optional cheese makes it even more indulgent, and it's quick and easy to prepare.