Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread!

Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of Italian bread or French bread (about 8-10 inches long)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted

• 2 cups of shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)

• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder (or 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced)

• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning (optional, but gives it great flavor)

• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the bread: Using a serrated knife, cut the loaf of bread into cubes, but don’t cut all the way through. Leave the bottom of the loaf intact so that the bread stays together. Make horizontal and vertical cuts to form small square sections. You want to slice the bread in a criss-cross pattern, but make sure the loaf stays whole at the bottom.

3. Make the butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder (or minced garlic), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

4. Stuff the bread with cheese: Carefully stuff the cheese into the cuts of the bread. Try to make sure each section gets some cheese in it.

5. Pour the butter mixture: Drizzle the butter mixture over the bread, making sure to get into all the cuts. If there is leftover butter, pour it over the top and along the edges.

6. Bake the bread: Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil and bake for about 15 minutes.

7. Finish and serve: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

8. Garnish: Once done, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve while hot. The bread will pull apart easily, and the gooey cheese will stretch with each pull!

Q/A Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of bread?

• A: Yes! You can use other types of bread, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or even a baguette. Just make sure the bread is hearty enough to hold up when you pull it apart.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?

• A: You can prep the bread, butter, and cheese mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble everything, wrap the bread in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just follow the same baking instructions.

Q3: What cheeses work best for this recipe?

• A: Mozzarella is classic because it melts beautifully, but you can also mix in cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for added flavor. If you like it extra cheesy, feel free to experiment with a combination of different cheeses!

Q4: Can I add other fillings or toppings?

• A: Absolutely! You can add cooked bacon bits, chopped jalapeños, caramelized onions, or even a drizzle of marinara sauce for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless.

Q5: How can I make the bread spicier?

• A: You can add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture, or include some diced fresh chili peppers in the bread for an extra kick!

Q6: How long will leftovers keep?

• A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese is warm and gooey again.

Tips:

• Don’t overstuff the bread with cheese. If you stuff it too much, the cheese can overflow and burn during baking.

• Butter generously! The butter mixture is what makes this bread so flavorful and delicious.

• Serving suggestion: Serve this cheesy pull-apart bread with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!