If you’ve never experienced the sheer joy of tearing into a warm, cheesy, pillowy loaf of Pull Apart Garlic Bread, prepare yourself for a treat that hits all the comfort food notes. This recipe takes soft pizza dough, drenches it in garlicky butter, and bakes it up with swoops of melty mozzarella and Parmesan. Every bite is a flavorful rush of buttery, herby garlic and golden cheese, making this bread perfect for parties or any moment that calls for sharing. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the kind of appetizer that brings people together around the table—everyone grabbing, pulling, laughing, and swooning over every cheesy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pull Apart Garlic Bread lies in just how simple, yet absolutely vital, each ingredient is. From the soft dough to the gooey cheeses, every element plays a role in building layers of irresistible flavor and texture.
- Pizza dough: Opt for a pound of store-bought or homemade pizza dough—a blank canvas that bakes up golden and pillowy, just waiting to be pulled apart.
- Unsalted butter: Four tablespoons, melted, to coat every nook and cranny with richness and help the bread crisp up beautifully.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, for that unmistakable aromatic punch in every bite.
- Fresh parsley: Two tablespoons, chopped, brighten up the flavor and add a pop of color.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon, to heighten all the other flavors and keep the bread from tasting flat.
- Mozzarella cheese: One cup, shredded, delivers melty, cheese-pull magic with each piece you pull away.
- Parmesan cheese: A quarter cup, grated, contributes sharp, nutty depth and golden edges.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning: For a garnish that adds flair and an extra layer of flavor on top.
How to Make Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or cake pan with a swipe of butter or a spritz of cooking spray. This keeps your Pull Apart Garlic Bread from sticking and helps the edges get golden and crisp.
Step 2: Portion the Dough
Take your pizza dough and cut or pinch it into small balls about an inch and a half in size. This hands-on step is as fun as it is important; making even pieces helps the bread bake up well and ensures every bite is the perfect mix of chewy interior and golden edge.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a bowl, stir together your melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. The combination should smell incredible! This mixture infuses deep flavor into every bit of dough, so don’t skimp on the stirring.
Step 4: Coat the Dough Balls
One by one, dip each dough ball into the fragrant garlic butter, giving it a nice, glistening coat. As you go, layer them snugly into your prepared pan. If you’re feeling a bit generous, let them overlap and tuck in together; this helps create those irresistible pockets of soft, cheesy bread.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Scatter a handful of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over and between the layers of dough balls. Repeat, nestling more cheese as you add more dough, so every piece gets a gooey, gooey treat in the middle.
Step 6: Final Touches and First Bake
Pour any leftover garlic butter mixture right over the top of your arranged dough balls, making sure nothing goes to waste. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes, which lets the bread steam and rise without over-browning.
Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and return the pan to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the Pull Apart Garlic Bread to turn golden, bubbly, and just a little crisp at the edges—utter perfection!
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Let the bread cool for just a few minutes (if you can wait!), and sprinkle it with red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning if you’d like an extra kick. Now it’s ready to eat, warm and tempting.
How to Serve Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Garnishes
Give your Pull Apart Garlic Bread a professional finish with a final sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan. If you love a little spice or zing, add red pepper flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for a herbaceous top note. These garnishes not only look gorgeous but also add a fresh punch to the warm, cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
Pair this bread with a side of marinara sauce for the ultimate dipping experience—each cheesy piece soaks up the sauce deliciously. It’s also wonderful served alongside hearty soups like tomato basil or with your favorite pasta dishes, soaking up all those saucy bites. For a lighter touch, try it with a crisp, green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, you can bake Pull Apart Garlic Bread in a cast-iron skillet or even as mini individual portions in muffin tins—guaranteed to wow your guests. Serve it straight from the pan for a rustic, shareable centerpiece, or turn it out onto a plate and let folks tear off sections as they please. However you slice (or pull) it, this bread is meant for fun, hands-on eating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled Pull Apart Garlic Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread stays soft, and the flavors meld together beautifully as it sits.
Freezing
To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Slide the wrapped bread into a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep its magic for up to two months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, warm the bread in a 350°F oven (uncovered) for about 10 minutes or until hot and gooey. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven method brings back that fresh-baked texture. If frozen, thaw first; then reheat for extra cheesy deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use biscuit dough instead of pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought biscuit dough is a fabulous shortcut for Pull Apart Garlic Bread. It bakes up just as buttery and fluffy with an extra-tender crumb. Adjust the bake time if needed, as biscuit dough can brown faster than pizza dough.
What’s the best way to keep the bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease your pan generously with butter or nonstick spray before adding the dough balls. If you’re worried, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, which makes removal even easier and cleanup a snap.
Can I add other cheeses or ingredients?
Totally! Feel free to experiment with shredded cheddar, provolone, or even a hint of crumbled feta for a twist. You can also tuck in bits of pepperoni or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor bursts.
How long should I let Pull Apart Garlic Bread cool before serving?
Let it cool for about 5–10 minutes out of the oven. This short wait lets the cheese set just enough to avoid burning your fingers, but keeps everything soft and perfectly pull-apart.
Is Pull Apart Garlic Bread vegetarian?
Yes, as written, this recipe is vegetarian. Just double-check that your cheeses and dough don’t contain animal-based rennet if you need strict vegetarian compliance.
Final Thoughts
There’s honestly nothing cozier or more communal than sharing Pull Apart Garlic Bread straight from the oven. Give it a try—whether you’re hosting game night, feeding the family, or just treating yourself, this bread promises to become your new go-to favorite. Happy baking, and don’t forget to pull (not slice)!
Print
Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a delicious and cheesy appetizer or side made with pizza dough, garlic butter, and plenty of melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or cake pan.
- Prepare the dough: Divide the pizza dough into small balls (about 1½ inches each).
- Make the garlic butter: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
- Coat the dough balls: Dip each dough ball into the garlic butter mixture, then layer them into the prepared pan.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese throughout the layers. Pour any remaining butter mixture over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm, pulled apart by hand.
- Great with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
- You can also use biscuit dough in place of pizza dough for a shortcut.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
