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A rustic sourdough loaf turned into melty, stretchy goodness with flavorful garlic butter coating each tear-away chunk. This twist on traditional garlic bread delivers a show-stopping starter that's deceptively easy to make but will definitely become the highlight of your next dinner party.
I tried tons of different bread types and cheese blends before figuring out that pairing crusty sourdough with fresh-grated mozzarella gives you that amazing mix of crunch and those long, satisfying cheese pulls.
Key Components
- Round sourdough loaf: Get it fresh with a good crust for the best outcome
- Whole mozzarella: Grate it right before using for better melting
- Raw garlic: Chop it super small for the best flavor spread
- Plain butter: Go for unsalted so you can season it just right
- Herbs from Italy: They add wonderful scent and taste to each bite
How To Make It
- 1. Cut It Right
- Start by marking the bread with crisscross lines, going only halfway down. Don't rush this part - clean slices help the cheese spread better.
- 2. Mix Your Stuffing
- Put together your freshly grated cheese with chopped garlic and herbs. Melt your butter separately until it's runny but not too hot.
- 3. Fill It Carefully
- Slowly push cheese mix between all the cuts without ripping the bread. Work from one side to the other for even cheese coverage.
- 4. Bake It Perfectly
- Wrap loosely in foil and bake till cheese gets melty. Finish it under the broiler to get that golden bubbly top.
- 5. Bring It Out Hot
- Serve right away while the cheese is all stretchy. Maybe add some olive oil on the side for dipping.
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I've made this for countless get-togethers and noticed it always becomes the center of attention. There's something special about everyone reaching in and grabbing their own cheesy piece that really brings folks together.
Prep It Early
You can get everything ready except the butter up to a day ahead. Just wrap it tight, stick it in the fridge, and pour on melted butter right before you bake it. You'll need to cook it a bit longer.
Foods That Go Well With It
Try it with some homemade olive oil for dipping, a side of marinara sauce, alongside your winter soup, or with your favorite Italian dishes.
Try Different Cheeses
Play around with other options: throw in some cheddar for kick, mix in some blue cheese crumbles, or sprinkle in grated parmesan for a nutty taste.
Keeping Leftovers
It's best when it's fresh, but you can wrap up what's left and keep it in the fridge for a couple days, warm it up in the oven till the cheese melts again, or dunk cold pieces in hot soup.
What began as just a quick party snack has turned into my go-to crowd pleaser. The mix of crunchy bread, melted cheese, and garlic creates something that feels both homey and fancy. Whether you're throwing a party or just want to make dinner more special, this pull-apart bread shows that basic ingredients can create the most unforgettable food experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What bread holds up best?
- Go for a crusty sourdough loaf. It won’t fall apart even with all the cheesy goodness.
- → Can I make this early?
- Prep the bread and cheese mix beforehand, but bake it fresh after brushing with butter for the best taste.
- → What other cheeses could I add?
- Mozzarella’s stretchy magic shines here, but mix in cheddar, brie, or blue cheese for fun twists.
- → What’s the best way to store extras?
- Wrap leftovers in foil, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until nice and warm again. Fresh is still best, though!
- → Can it be made mild?
- Totally! Skip the red pepper flakes wherever they’re called for to cut back on the heat.