If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious, this Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe is exactly the treat you need. Imagine golden, cheesy bubbles of soft dough infused with garlicky butter and fresh parsley, baked to crispy perfection and begging to be pulled apart piece by piece. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, this dish combines simple ingredients into a mouthwatering appetizer that feels warm, inviting, and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may all seem straightforward, but each one plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that makes this Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe so unforgettable.
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough: The soft and chewy base that pulls apart beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor throughout.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic heart of the bread that brings that classic, irresistible garlic taste.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Lends a fresh, vibrant touch and a lovely pop of green.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and complexity.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts delightfully, creating gooey pockets within the bread.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, savory bite that complements the mozzarella beautifully.
- Olive oil for greasing: Ensures the bread doesn’t stick and adds a subtle fruity aroma.
How to Make Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which will gently cook the bread through while melding those cheesy, garlicky flavors. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round baking dish with olive oil to keep your bread from sticking and to add a slight richness to the crust.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. This garlicky butter mixture is key for infusing every bite with bold, fresh flavor, so don’t skip this step or skimp on any ingredients!
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Dough Balls
Divide your pizza dough into 16 to 20 small balls. Each small ball will become a little cheesy, buttery morsel of heaven. Dip each dough ball into the garlic butter mixture, making sure it gets a generous coating, then roll it in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. This double cheese coating melts into pockets of gooey goodness inside the bread.
Step 4: Layer the Dough in the Pan
Arrange the cheese-coated dough balls in your prepared pan, slightly overlapping as you go to create that signature “pull apart” effect. Finish by drizzling any remaining garlic butter over the top for extra flavor and shine.
Step 5: Bake and Brown
Cover the dish loosely with foil to keep the bread moist while baking for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. This careful baking process ensures each piece is cooked through but still soft enough to pull apart easily.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Enjoy
Let your masterpiece cool for just a few minutes before serving warm. This little pause allows the cheese to set just enough to avoid a gooey mess but keeps the bread irresistibly soft and melty. Now, grab a piece and start pulling apart the fun!
How to Serve Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate the presentation and flavor of this bread. Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley or even some finely shredded basil right on top before serving to bring a vibrant green contrast. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese can also add an elegant finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This pull apart garlic bread pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Think tangy marinara or creamy ranch for dipping, a crisp Caesar salad to balance the richness, or a hearty bowl of your favorite pasta. Its cheesy, garlicky goodness makes it a versatile companion to countless meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the dough balls individually on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces like pesto, spicy marinara, or even a garlicky aioli. This turns your Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe into a shareable appetizer perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. Or, place it in a rustic basket lined with a kitchen towel for a cozy, inviting look at the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and it’s rare!), tightly wrap the Pull Apart Garlic Bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 2 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked bread by wrapping it well in foil and placing it in a freezer bag for up to one month. For dough balls, freeze them unbaked after dipping in the garlic butter and cheese, then thaw and bake as directed whenever you want fresh, homemade garlic bread in a snap.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps back up. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread rubbery and soggy, which definitely takes away from the pull-apart experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan create a classic combination, feel free to experiment with Italian cheese blends, sharp cheddar, or even a sprinkle of smoked gouda to add different flavors and textures.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your garlic butter mixture or sprinkling some chili flakes on top before baking will give your Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe a delightful kick of heat.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just make sure the dough is vegan-friendly too, and you’ll have a delicious vegan pull apart bread everyone can enjoy.
How long does the bread stay fresh after baking?
Best enjoyed the same day for ultimate softness and flavor, but it will stay tasty for up to 2 days when properly stored in the fridge.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan or multiple pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time to avoid over-browning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about breaking bread together, and this Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe is the perfect way to do just that. With its cheesy, garlicky goodness and fun-to-eat nature, it’s sure to become a favorite for family dinners, parties, or anytime you want to treat yourself. Give it a try—you won’t regret filling your kitchen (and hearts) with this warm, comforting delight!
Print
Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This pull apart garlic bread combines soft, cheesy dough balls infused with garlic butter and herbs, baked to a golden perfection. Perfect as a party appetizer or a delicious side dish, this Italian-American favorite is easy to make and irresistibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful garlic butter mixture.
- Form Dough Balls: Divide the pizza dough into 16 to 20 small balls, ensuring each one is roughly equal in size for even baking.
- Coat Dough Balls: Dip each dough ball into the garlic butter mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll it in a mixture of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy exterior.
- Layer in Pan: Arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them to create the pull-apart effect. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top of the dough balls.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish loosely with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Swap mozzarella with a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavor.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Best enjoyed the same day; reheat in the oven to regain freshness.
