Cheese and garlic crack bread is the kind of dish that steals the show the moment it hits the table. It starts with a crusty loaf, usually sourdough or another rustic bread, sliced in a crosshatch pattern that stops just before cutting through. This creates little pull apart pockets that soak up all the flavor. The bread becomes a vessel for melted butter, minced garlic, herbs, and plenty of cheese, turning a simple loaf into something rich, aromatic, and incredibly indulgent.
The magic happens when the butter mixture is poured into every nook, letting garlic and herbs seep deep into the bread. As the cheese melts, it stretches across the cuts, and each pull produces a perfect bite. Mozzarella gives you that classic stretchy cheese moment, while cheddar adds sharpness and depth. A mix of the two makes every bite flavorful and balanced. The garlic butter brings warmth, aroma, and savory comfort that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives brighten the richness, but you can also experiment with rosemary or thyme if you want more earthiness. Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that plays well with the melted cheese. Once baked, the bread turns golden on top and soft inside, with bubbling cheese pooling between the slices. It is rustic, dramatic, and made for sharing, though it disappears fast because no one can resist going back for another piece.
Cheese and garlic crack bread pairs beautifully with cozy meals. Serve it next to pasta dishes like cheese wheel pasta, roasted or grilled chicken, soups, or hearty salads. It is also perfect as an appetizer for gatherings, game nights, or Sunday family meals. You can even turn it into a full party platter by adding dips like marinara, ranch, or whipped herb butter. No matter how you serve it, this pull apart loaf brings comfort, fun, and irresistible flavor to any table.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf sourdough bread a large, round loaf
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a sharp serrated knife, make diagonal cuts through the bread, creating a crosshatch pattern, but do not cut all the way through the bottom.
- Mix melted butter and minced garlic together in a small bowl.
- Gently separate the bread sections and evenly drizzle the garlic butter between the cuts.
- Stuff the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses between the cuts.
- Wrap the bread in foil and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Not worth it. Just get cheese bread from the store instead.
But isn’t it way easier to just grab some from the store? Who has time for that?
I disagree! This recipe looks delicious! Store-bought can’t compare! 😍
Eh. Bread’s bread, right? Didn’t do much for me. I can just eat the cheese straight up.
This was absolutely delicious! The cheese melted perfectly and everyone loved it at the party! 👍
I’m so glad to hear you loved it! It’s a huge hit at my gatherings too! 😊
I thought it was good, but I might try less garlic next time. It overpowered the cheese a bit.
I totally get what you’re saying! Garlic can be really strong. Maybe try using just one clove next time to balance it out.
Not sure this is a recipe for everyone. Seems kinda basic. Like, it’s just bread and cheese.
Can’t believe I made this! So easy and my kids devoured it! Will make again for sure! 🤤
I don’t get why it says to use sourdough. Does it really make a diffrence?
Made this last night and it was sooooo good 😍. Very cheesy and garlicky!
Tried it but my bread got burnt, how do you keep it from burning? 😩
I’m glad you liked it! I love how cheesy it is too! 😋
It’s too oily for my taste. Maybe less butter next time?
I didn’t have sourdough, so I used a baguette. Still turned out great!
That’s awesome! Baguette works too. I love how adaptable recipes can be. Got to try it your way sometime!
Best thing ever! Who thought to make a bread this way? Genius!!!
I just put it in the oven, smells great! Im excited to eat it.
I can’t wait to try this recipe! It sounds delicious with all that cheese. How did it turn out for you?
Looks easy but I messed up and cut too deep! Cheese everywhere! 😂
Cutting too deep? You gotta be careful! Maybe next time watch a video first.
Haha, that happened to me too! Just means more cheese to enjoy! 😉
My kids can’t get enough of this! Even picky eaters loved it.
It tasted good but I think it needed more butter, just a suggestion.
This is a game changer for parties! Everyone loved it!!!
This is sooo good! I love the cheesy goodness. I’ve made it twice already!
Totally agree! This is my new favorite snack. So cheesy and delicious!
I tried this with whole wheat bread and it was not as good, I think sourdough is a must.
Yummm! Perfect for a party! Everyone loved it and it disappeared quick! 😍
Sounds great and all, but isn’t it a bit greasy? I might pass on this one. 🤔
I made this too, and it was a hit! Got all my friends asking for the recipe! So good! 😋
Just ok, I guess. My kids didn’t like it and they’re picky eaters. 👎
I didn’t understand why you wouldn’t cut all the way through the bottom. My bread fell apart!
It was alright, but I found it a bit too greasy for my taste. Maybe less butter next time?
This is the best garlic bread ever! So cheesy and delicious!
I thought garlic was bad for dogs?!