Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread is a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of melted cheese and aromatic garlic in a fun and interactive loaf of bread. This dish is not just about taste; it’s also about the experience of pulling apart the bread and enjoying it with friends and family. Perfect for parties or as a side dish for dinner, this pull-apart bread is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
Creating Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread at home is a rewarding experience. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also fills your home with a delicious aroma that will have everyone asking for a piece. It’s a great way to use a crusty loaf of bread and transform it into something extraordinary. Plus, who can resist the gooey, cheesy goodness paired with the flavor of garlic? This recipe will quickly become a favorite.
How to Make Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 crusty loaf (preferably sourdough or Vienna)
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (or other melting cheese)
- 100 g / 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and salt. Melt this mixture in the microwave.
- Stir the fresh parsley into the melted butter mixture.
- Take the crusty loaf and cut it on a diagonal into 2 cm/1″ diamonds, being careful not to cut all the way through the bread.
- Gently pry open each crack in the bread and drizzle a teaspoon of the garlic butter inside. Stuff in a pinch of cheese.
- It might feel like a bit of work, but trust me, the end result is well worth it! Don’t worry about being perfect; a little extra butter drizzled on the crust is a good thing.
- Brush the surface of the bread with the remaining butter.
- Wrap the loaf in foil and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is mostly melted. Unwrap and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes to get the crust nice and crispy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread
Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread is best served warm, right out of the oven. It makes a fantastic appetizer or side dish for any meal. Pair it with marinara sauce or your favorite dip for maximum flavor. It’s also an excellent addition to a cheese platter!
How to Store Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread
If you have leftover Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (which is unlikely!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving again to enjoy that gooey cheese goodness.
Tips to Make Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread
- For extra flavor, try adding different herbs or spices to the butter, such as Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- Use a variety of cheeses for different tastes – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix can add a unique twist.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake the bread.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with the type of bread used. While sourdough and Vienna loaves work wonderfully, you can also use French bread or a thick Italian loaf. You can also add cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier version of this dish.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread and fill it with garlic butter and cheese, wrap it in foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
2. What can I serve with Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread?
This bread pairs well with soups, salads, or as part of a charcuterie board. It’s great with marinara sauce for dipping.
3. Can I freeze Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked, stuffed bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf 1 crusty loaf (preferably sourdough or Vienna) Use a crusty type of bread for best results.
- 1 cup 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (or other melting cheese) Other melting cheeses like Cheddar or Monterey Jack can be used.
- 100 g 100 g / 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter (softened) Ensure butter is softened for easier mixing.
- 2 large 2 large garlic cloves (minced) Minced garlic adds aromatic flavor.
- ¾ tsp 3/4 tsp salt Adjust salt to taste.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped) Fresh parsley enhances the flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and salt. Melt this mixture in the microwave.
- Stir the fresh parsley into the melted butter mixture.
- Take the crusty loaf and cut it on a diagonal into 2 cm/1″ diamonds, being careful not to cut all the way through the bread.
- Gently pry open each crack in the bread and drizzle a teaspoon of the garlic butter inside. Stuff in a pinch of cheese.
- Brush the surface of the bread with the remaining butter.
Baking
- Wrap the loaf in foil and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is mostly melted.
- Unwrap and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes to get the crust nice and crispy.
Serving
- Serve immediately and enjoy with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.
