If you’re a fan of all things garlic, then this pull-apart bread is about to become your new obsession. Imagine warm, fluffy bread filled with savory garlic goodness that you just can’t stop eating. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to experience a bread that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Mix softened butter, minced garlic, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl, and melt the mixture. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Slice the bread diagonally into diamond shapes, about 2 cm (1 inch) apart, ensuring you do not cut all the way through.
- Gently open each cut and drizzle about a teaspoon of the garlic butter mixture inside, then stuff with a pinch of mozzarella cheese. It’s fine if some butter spills over the crust.
- Brush the remaining butter over the surface of the bread. Wrap it in foil and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is mostly melted.
- Unwrap the bread and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the bread is crusty. Serve immediately for best results.
Ingredients
- 1 crusty loaf, preferably sourdough or Vienna
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or other melting cheese)
- 100 g (1 stick or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1910cal | Carbohydrates: 195g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 109g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Cholesterol: 260mg | Sodium: 3740mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 3500IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 900mg | Iron: 5mg
FAQ
- What type of bread is best for Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread?
- Crusty sourdough or another dense bread is ideal because it holds together better when you pull pieces off. However, other crusty loaves work well too, such as a Vienna loaf.
- Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
- While mozzarella cheese is recommended for its ability to stretch and pull, you can experiment with other melting cheeses to suit your taste.
- How can I prepare the bread in advance?
- To make ahead, use softened butter instead of melted butter, mix with garlic, salt, and parsley, then spread into the bread’s cracks. Stuff with cheese, wrap, and refrigerate or freeze. Thaw before following the baking instructions.
- Is it possible to reheat the bread without losing its crustiness?
- Yes, if you use a crusty sourdough loaf, you can bake it as per the recipe, let it cool, and then wrap it in foil. Refrigerate for up to three days and reheat in the microwave for 1.5 to 2 minutes on high to melt the cheese without losing the crusty texture.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a dense bread like sourdough or a crusty Vienna loaf. This density helps the bread hold together better when you pull it apart, ensuring each piece is perfectly cheesy and garlicky.
- Use Mozzarella Cheese: For the best stretchy and gooey effect, use mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully and adds that satisfying cheese pull when you tear the bread apart.
- Prepare in Advance: To save time, prepare the bread ahead of time by using softened butter instead of melted. Spread it into the crevices, stuff with cheese, and then wrap and refrigerate or freeze. This allows you to bake it fresh when needed.
- Reheating Tips: If you need to reheat, use a dense sourdough loaf. After baking, wrap it in foil and let it cool. Refrigerate for up to three days, and then quickly reheat in the microwave for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese again without losing the crusty texture.
Equipment
- Bread knife – A serrated bread knife is essential for cutting through the crusty bread into diamond shapes without squishing it.
- Heatproof bowl – Required for melting the butter in the microwave.
- Pastry brush – Useful for brushing the surface of the bread with butter.
- Aluminum foil – Needed for wrapping the bread during baking to ensure the cheese melts properly without over-browning the crust.