If there’s one dish guaranteed to disappear in minutes at any gathering, it’s Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread — the ultimate pull-apart indulgence! Imagine a golden, crusty loaf infused with buttery garlic flavor and oozing melted cheese in every bite. This easy-to-make appetizer turns an ordinary loaf into a show-stopping centerpiece that’s perfect for parties, barbecues, or cozy nights in. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is your go-to for effortless entertaining.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd Favorite – Irresistibly cheesy, garlicky, and buttery—everyone will be reaching for more.
- Effortlessly Impressive – Looks fancy but takes only a few simple steps to make.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy snack night.
- Customizable – Swap the cheese, add herbs, or drizzle with honey butter for your own twist.
- Comfort Food Heaven – Crisp on the outside, soft and gooey inside—pure satisfaction in every pull!
Ingredients Needed
For the Bread
- 1 crusty loaf (preferably sourdough or Vienna style) – the firm crust holds up best for stuffing.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melting cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack).
For the Garlic Butter
- 100 g / 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed.
- ¾ tsp salt, to balance the flavors.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped for color and freshness.
💡 Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or Italian seasoning to the butter mixture.
How to Make Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready to go once your loaf is prepared.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a heatproof bowl, combine butter, minced garlic, and salt. Melt in the microwave (about 30 seconds) until smooth and fragrant. Stir in the chopped parsley. This mixture will infuse every bite with rich, garlicky flavor.
Step 3: Slice the Bread
Place the loaf on a large cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut diagonal slices about 2 cm (1 inch) apart, then cut in the opposite direction to form a crisscross pattern. Be careful not to slice all the way through — you want the base to remain intact so the loaf stays together.
Step 4: Fill the Cracks
Gently separate the bread gaps with your fingers. Spoon or drizzle a little garlic butter into each crack, followed by a pinch of shredded cheese. It might take a little patience, but this step ensures every piece is loaded with flavor.
Step 5: Butter the Top
Brush the remaining garlic butter evenly over the surface of the loaf. Don’t worry if some butter drips down—it’ll create a beautiful, crispy crust when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is mostly melted. Then unwrap the loaf and bake for another 5–10 minutes to achieve that golden, crispy finish.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the crust is crisp. Place it on a wooden board and let everyone pull apart pieces—it’s part of the fun!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this bread as an appetizer or side dish with soups, pasta, or grilled meats. It’s perfect for dipping into marinara, garlic butter, or a creamy cheese sauce.
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 170°C (340°F) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust.
Helpful Notes
- Cheese Options: Try a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey yet flavorful combination.
- Herb Upgrade: Swap parsley for fresh chives, rosemary, or basil for a gourmet twist.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the loaf up to the filling step, wrap in foil, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Perfect for entertaining!
- Flavor Booster: Add a sprinkle of parmesan or a drizzle of truffle oil before baking for a decadent touch.
Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1 – Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking tray lined with foil.
- Step 2 – Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a heatproof bowl, combine butter, minced garlic, and salt. Melt in the microwave for about 30 seconds until smooth, then stir in chopped parsley and optional chili flakes or Italian seasoning.
- Step 3 – Slice the Bread: Place the loaf on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut diagonal slices about 2 cm apart, then cut in the opposite direction to form a crisscross pattern. Be careful not to cut all the way through the base.
- Step 4 – Fill the Cracks: Gently separate the bread gaps and spoon or drizzle garlic butter into each crack, followed by shredded cheese. Distribute evenly for maximum flavor.
- Step 5 – Butter the Top: Brush any remaining garlic butter over the surface of the loaf, allowing it to drip slightly for a crisp, golden finish.
- Step 6 – Bake the Bread: Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is mostly melted. Unwrap and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 7 – Serve Warm: Serve immediately while the bread is hot and gooey. Place on a wooden board and let guests pull apart pieces — it’s part of the fun!
Notes
• Use sourdough or Vienna bread for the best structure.
• Mix mozzarella and cheddar for extra cheesy flavor.
• Add herbs like rosemary or chives for a gourmet twist.
• To make ahead, assemble the loaf and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking.
• To freeze, wrap the unbaked loaf tightly in foil and freeze up to 1 month.
Conclusion
This Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread is the definition of shareable comfort food—crispy, buttery, cheesy perfection that brings people together. Whether it’s game night, a family dinner, or a weekend treat, it never fails to impress.
If you try this recipe, leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and comment below to let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your cheesy masterpiece on Pinterest or Facebook—I’d love to see your creations!
👉 What’s your favorite cheese combo for this recipe? Let’s swap ideas in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While sourdough holds its shape best, French bread, baguettes, or ciabatta also work well. Just choose a loaf with a firm crust and soft interior.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the bread (stuffed with butter and cheese), wrap tightly in foil, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for fresh, gooey results.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free loaf and check that your cheese and butter are certified gluten-free. The process stays exactly the same.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Wrap the assembled (unbaked) loaf tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella gives that classic stretch, but you can mix in cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for extra flavor depth.