If you’re anything like me, you can’t resist a good garlic bread moment—especially when it’s cheesy, buttery, and bursting with fresh herbs. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Pull Apart Garlic Bread with Cheese and Herbs Recipe with you! It’s super simple, yet absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. Imagine the crispy edges of sourdough soaked in garlicky, buttery goodness with melted Havarti and mozzarella cheese hiding in every crevice. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it for every get-together or cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Flavor Boost: Garlic, butter, and herbs marry perfectly with the cheeses for an irresistible taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart style makes it a fun and interactive snack or side dish at any table.
- Crispy & Gooey Contrasts: Crispy sourdough crust meets melty cheese in every bite—pure magic.
- Customizable & Kid-Friendly: You can easily swap cheeses or add extras like chili flakes for your own twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Pull Apart Garlic Bread with Cheese and Herbs Recipe, I’ve found that fresh, quality ingredients really make all the difference. A crusty sourdough loaf is the perfect base because it holds up without getting soggy, and the blend of Havarti and mozzarella cheeses melts beautifully. Plus, fresh garlic and parsley bring that fragrant punch you want from garlic bread.
- Sourdough loaf: Look for a good artisan-style loaf with a thick crust and soft inside—it holds the cheese and butter like a champ.
- Butter: Unsalted is best so you control the saltiness, plus it melts evenly into the bread.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic amps up the flavor—avoid pre-minced for the best aroma.
- Shallot: Adds a mild sweetness and little depth when finely diced.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the garlic butter and adds color that makes the bread pop.
- Havarti cheese: Creamy and mild, melts into ooey gooey goodness that’s a bit unique compared to standard mozzarella alone.
- Mozzarella cheese: The classic melter that gives you that stringy, cheesy pull apart effect.
- Marinara sauce: Optional but seriously – dipping your cheesy bread in tangy marinara is next-level delicious.
Variations
One of the best things about this Pull Apart Garlic Bread with Cheese and Herbs Recipe is how adaptable it is. I like to switch things up depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Add some heat: I sometimes sprinkle red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños before baking for a spicy kick that my family adores.
- Use different cheeses: Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even pepper jack work wonders—just be sure they melt well.
- Herb swap: Try rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of parsley to give it a unique twist.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan butter and plant-based cheese alternatives for a dairy-free pull apart bread that’s still totally indulgent.
How to Make Pull Apart Garlic Bread with Cheese and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Prepping Your Bread with Perfect Cuts
First things first, grab your sourdough loaf and slice it in a grid pattern—think of making 2-inch squares. But here’s the key: don’t slice all the way through! You want to keep the bottom intact so the bread stays together while you pull it apart later. I learned this trick the hard way after cutting too deep once and ending up with crumbled bread all over the tray!
Step 2: Making That Garlic Herb Butter
In a small saucepan, melt your butter gently over low heat. Once it’s all melted and silky, add your minced garlic, diced shallot, and two tablespoons of the fresh chopped parsley. Let it cook together just until fragrant—about 2 minutes. This step infuses the butter with deep, garlicky flavor and mellows the shallot’s sharpness perfectly.
Step 3: Drizzle, Stuff, and Baste Like a Pro
Now, slowly drizzle that aromatic garlic butter all over the cuts on your sourdough. Gently pull apart those bread squares as you drizzle to get the butter right into every nook and cranny. This method ensures every bite is buttery and flavorful. Next, stuff each slice with a generous mix of shredded mozzarella and Havarti cheese—trust me, don’t be shy here! Then baste the top of the bread with more of your garlic butter to keep it moist and golden.
Step 4: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place your stuffed sourdough bread in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, baste your bread with more garlic butter, flipping it on all sides so the crust crisps evenly and the butter seeps deeper. Slide it back in for another 15 minutes, and this double bake turns the cheese perfectly melty and the crust beautifully golden. Once it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes—if you can wait!—before pulling apart.
Pro Tips for Making Pull Apart Garlic Bread with Cheese and Herbs Recipe
- Cut with a Serrated Knife: I always use a serrated bread knife for clean cuts without squishing the loaf.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Keep the garlic butter on low heat to avoid bitterness—it makes a huge flavor difference.
- Cheese Mix Matters: Havarti adds creaminess, mozzarella gives stretch—using both creates a luscious texture.
- Avoid Wet Bread: Drizzle butter slowly and pull apart bread gently to prevent sogginess and keep those lovely crisp edges.
How to Serve Pull Apart Garlic Bread with Cheese and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this bread with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dash of parmesan for a salty, cheesy finish. Sometimes I add a pinch of chili flakes to spice things up just before serving. These little touches make the bread look as good as it tastes!
Side Dishes
This pull apart garlic bread makes an amazing side for pasta dishes, especially those rich with tomato sauces like spaghetti Bolognese or lasagna. It’s also perfect alongside soups, salads, or a hearty chili. My family and I swoon when we pair it with a tangy marinara dip – it’s basically a party on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If I’m serving this for a party, I arrange the bread on a big wooden board with ramekins of marinara, pesto, or even a cheesy dip. You can even wrap the bread tightly in foil after baking and let guests pull apart their own pieces—a fun, interactive crowd-pleaser that always gets people talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), I recommend wrapping the bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and storing it in the fridge. It usually keeps well for up to 2 days. Just know the crust won’t be as crispy when reheated, but the flavors will still be there.
Freezing
Freezing pull apart garlic bread is totally doable! Wrap it tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to crisp it back up.
Reheating
I like to reheat mine in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil. This helps re-melt the cheese and warm the bread without drying it out. Avoid microwaves if you want to keep that crispy crust.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough is my favorite because of its sturdy crust and tangy flavor, you can use other artisan breads like a French boule or ciabatta. Just make sure the bread is firm enough to hold the butter and cheese without falling apart.
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Is it necessary to use both Havarti and mozzarella cheese?
Using both cheeses adds a lovely balance—Havarti is creamy and mild, while mozzarella offers great melting qualities and stretch. But if you only have one on hand, either works fine. Just expect a slightly different texture.
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How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
The trick is to slice the bread almost all the way through, so it holds together, and to drizzle the garlic butter slowly while gently pulling the slices apart to let the butter reach inside without over-saturating. Also, baking it at a moderate temperature helps maintain a crispy crust.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the bread up to the point of adding cheese and baking, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven for best results.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Pull Apart Garlic Bread with Cheese and Herbs Recipe brings people together. There’s something about tearing off cheesy, buttery pieces that just makes an everyday meal feel like a celebration. I still remember serving this for the first time at a family dinner—everyone was buzzing around the table, laughing and digging in. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen whenever we want comfort food with a special twist. Give it a go—you’ll enjoy every savory, herby bite just as much as I do!
