Print

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

crispy garlic parmesan pull-apart bread - featured image

An easy and quick pull-apart bread recipe featuring crusty artisan bread baked with garlicky butter and parmesan cheese, resulting in a crispy crust and soft, cheesy interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf artisan bread (about 12 ounces / 340 grams), crusty on the outside but soft inside (sourdough or Italian loaf recommended)
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 45 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, a pinch (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the artisan loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, make vertical cuts about 1 inch apart, slicing down almost to the bottom but not cutting all the way through. Then slice horizontally at the same spacing, creating a checkerboard pattern of squares that stay connected at the base.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until you have a spreadable, fragrant mixture.
  4. Using a pastry brush or spoon, gently spread the garlic butter mixture into all the cuts and crevices of the bread, being generous to ensure flavor seeps into every nook.
  5. Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil to keep it moist and prevent over-browning during the initial bake. Place it on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Carefully unwrap the foil (watch out for steam!) and bake the bread uncovered for an additional 10-12 minutes to crisp the parmesan crust and toast the edges.
  7. Check that the bread is golden brown on top with bubbling cheese and a crispy crust.
  8. Let the bread cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Pull apart the cheesy, garlicky chunks and enjoy.

Notes

Use a rustic sourdough or Italian bread with a sturdy crust for best results. Soften butter to room temperature for easy spreading. Wrapping the bread in foil during the first bake keeps it moist, while unwrapping crisps the crust. Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-grated. Avoid overdoing garlic to prevent overpowering flavor. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute butter and parmesan accordingly and adjust baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic bread, pull-apart bread, parmesan, easy recipe, appetizer, cheesy bread, garlic butter bread