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Pull Apart Sourdough Garlic Bread with Cheesy Stuffing and Garlic Butter Recipe

If you love garlic bread but want to elevate it to the next level, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Pull Apart Sourdough Garlic Bread with Cheesy Stuffing and Garlic Butter Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that turns simple sourdough into a warm, indulgent, cheesy masterpiece with layers of garlic butter, melty cheese, and fresh herbs. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find it hard to go back to plain old garlic bread — it’s that good!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistibly Cheesy: The mix of havarti and mozzarella melts perfectly into every crevice for ooey-gooey goodness.
  • Hands-On Fun: Pulling apart the bread is an interactive experience that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family.
  • Bursting with Flavor: Fresh garlic, shallots, and parsley infused in butter make every bite unforgettable.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a party appetizer, this bread steals the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To nail this Pull Apart Sourdough Garlic Bread with Cheesy Stuffing and Garlic Butter Recipe, you want ingredients that complement each other beautifully — the tangy sourdough acts as the perfect vehicle for the rich, cheesy, and garlicky mix. Here are the key players you’ll want to gather before getting started.

  • Sourdough loaf: Choose a fresh, crusty loaf that’s sturdy enough to hold the stuffing without falling apart.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness in the dish.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced for that punchy aroma and flavor that no jarred garlic can replicate.
  • Shallot: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the garlic butter.
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens up the rich flavors with a fresh, herbal lift.
  • Havarti cheese: Creamy and mild, it melts beautifully to create a lovely gooey texture.
  • Mozzarella cheese: For stringy, melty goodness that pulls apart with the bread.
  • Marinara sauce: The perfect tangy dip to serve on the side and elevate every bite.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Pull Apart Sourdough Garlic Bread with Cheesy Stuffing and Garlic Butter Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often tweak the cheese blend or herbs based on what I have at home or the season. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you’ll discover your own signature version in no time!

  • Cheese swaps: I once tried using sharp cheddar and gruyere instead of havarti and mozzarella, and my family went crazy over the bold new flavor combo.
  • Herb variations: Adding some fresh thyme or rosemary along with parsley gives an earthy twist that’s perfect for fall dinners.
  • Spicy kick: For a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes into the garlic butter before drizzling—it’s a game changer!
  • Vegan option: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use vegan cheese to make this recipe plant-based and still delicious.

How to Make Pull Apart Sourdough Garlic Bread with Cheesy Stuffing and Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Sourdough for Maximum Pull-Apart Goodness

Start by slicing your sourdough loaf in a criss-cross pattern, cutting about ¾ of the way down but not all the way through the bread. This technique is the secret to making it “pull apart” easily while holding together during baking. I like to use a sharp serrated bread knife to get clean, even cuts without squishing the loaf. Take your time here—it’s easier than you might think!

Step 2: Making the Garlic Butter Infusion

In a small saucepan, melt the butter slowly over low heat. Once fully melted, add the minced garlic, diced shallot, and 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. Let this mixture simmer gently for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully—just be careful not to burn the garlic. This fragrant garlic butter will be the heart of your dish.

Step 3: Drizzling and Stuffing the Bread

Drizzle the garlic butter evenly all over the sliced bread, making sure you let it seep down into every nook and cranny by gently pulling apart the slices as you go. This ensures every bite is soaked with garlicky goodness. Then, stuff each opening with generous amounts of shredded mozzarella and havarti cheese—don’t be shy here, the cheese is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Baking to Melty Perfection

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place your stuffed sourdough on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. After that first bake, baste the top and sides of the bread with more garlic butter to keep everything moist and flavorful. Pop it back into the oven for an additional 15 minutes to let the cheeses melt and the crust get golden and crisp. The aroma alone will have you drooling!

Step 5: Serving it Up

Once out of the oven, serve your Pull Apart Sourdough Garlic Bread with Cheesy Stuffing and Garlic Butter Recipe right away with some marinara sauce for dipping. I always position it front and center because everyone crowds around, tearing off warm cheesy pieces. It’s best enjoyed fresh, while the cheese is still melty and the bread has that perfect balance of softness and crunch.

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Pro Tips for Making Pull Apart Sourdough Garlic Bread with Cheesy Stuffing and Garlic Butter Recipe

  • Perfect Cuts: Use a serrated bread knife and slice gently to avoid squishing your sourdough loaf before baking.
  • Don’t Overcook Garlic: Keep the garlic butter on low heat and watch it carefully to avoid any bitterness from burnt garlic.
  • Even Cheese Distribution: Stuff the shredded cheese evenly into each slice for uniform melt and flavor in every bite.
  • Baste Twice: Basting the bread halfway through baking keeps it moist and adds an extra hit of garlicky richness.

How to Serve Pull Apart Sourdough Garlic Bread with Cheesy Stuffing and Garlic Butter Recipe

A round loaf of bread is shown on a white plate with scalloped edges, placed on a white marbled surface. The bread is sliced partially into thick sections but kept whole at the bottom, each slice filled with melted cheese that has a light golden brown color and sprinkled with small green herbs. The bread crust is crispy and brown, contrasting with the soft, cheesy interior that shows a mix of creamy white and slightly toasted yellow tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this bread with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness that balances all the buttery richness. Sometimes I add a light dusting of grated Parmesan on top just before the final bake for an extra cheesy punch. Crushed red pepper flakes on the side are great for anyone wanting a little heat too!

Side Dishes

This pull apart bread pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a hearty bowl of tomato soup for dipping. When I’m serving it as part of a bigger meal, roasted veggies or a pasta dish with a simple olive oil and garlic sauce complement it perfectly without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve served this bread on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces—pesto, marinara, and even a spicy aioli. It makes it a showstopper at parties. Wrapping each loaf in parchment for a rustic look and tying it with kitchen twine also makes for a beautiful presentation if you’re gifting this bread to friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers—though I bet you won’t!—wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat gently to bring back some of the original crispiness.

Freezing

I like to freeze leftover portions of this loaf before baking when I prep ahead for busy nights. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to bake it, thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the baking instructions as normal. It comes out almost as fresh as the first time!

Reheating

The best way I found to reheat the bread is in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, uncovered. This crisps up the crust without drying out the cheesy insides. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and rubbery.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of bread instead of sourdough?

    Absolutely! While sourdough adds a wonderful tangy flavor and firm texture that holds up well, you can use other crusty breads like French or Italian bread. Just make sure the loaf is firm enough to handle the stuffing without falling apart.

  2. How do I make sure the garlic butter doesn’t overpower the bread?

    Using fresh garlic and lightly cooking it in butter at low heat helps mellow out the raw harshness while infusing flavor. Also, drizzling the butter gradually and tasting as you go lets you control the intensity. If you’re concerned, reduce garlic cloves to suit your preference.

  3. Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

    Yes! Swap out butter for your favorite vegan butter or margarine, and use plant-based shredded cheeses that melt well. Just remember to check that your marinara sauce is vegan-friendly if serving as a dip.

  4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

    You can do the slicing, make your garlic butter, and stuff the bread a few hours in advance. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge until ready to bake. This can save you some time on busy days and still ensure fresh, melty bread when served.

Final Thoughts

This Pull Apart Sourdough Garlic Bread with Cheesy Stuffing and Garlic Butter Recipe has truly become one of my go-to comfort foods to share with loved ones. It’s warm, cheesy, garlicky, and perfect for those moments when you want a little extra indulgence without too much fuss. I promise you’ll feel the love in every pull-apart piece, and soon enough, it’ll be your family’s new favorite too. So grab that sourdough loaf and give this recipe a whirl—you won’t regret it!

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Pull Apart Sourdough Garlic Bread with Cheesy Stuffing and Garlic Butter Recipe

4.9 from 255 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a deliciously cheesy and garlicky appetizer made with a crusty sourdough loaf. The bread is sliced in a grid pattern and generously infused with melted garlic butter, shallots, fresh parsley, and a blend of shredded Havarti and mozzarella cheeses. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect for sharing, served warm with marinara sauce for dipping.


Ingredients

Bread

  • 1 sourdough loaf

Garlic Butter Mixture

  • 8 ounces butter
  • 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ shallot, diced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (divided: 2 tablespoons for butter, 1 tablespoon for garnish)

Cheese

  • 6 ounces shredded Havarti cheese
  • 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

For Serving

  • Marinara sauce for dipping


Instructions

  1. Prepare the bread: Slice your sourdough loaf in a crisscross pattern creating approximately 2-inch squares. Cut about three-quarters of the way down without slicing all the way through to keep the base intact.
  2. Make garlic butter: In a small sauce pot, melt the 8 ounces of butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic, diced shallot, and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley. Stir thoroughly to combine and infuse the butter with these flavors.
  3. Apply garlic butter: Drizzle the melted garlic butter evenly down all the sliced openings of the sourdough. Gently pull apart the bread slices as you drizzle to help the butter reach into the bottom layers.
  4. Stuff with cheese: Fill each open slice of the bread with the shredded mozzarella and Havarti cheeses, ensuring an even distribution of both.
  5. Coat the top: Use the remaining garlic butter to baste the top of the bread lightly, adding extra flavor and moisture.
  6. Preheat and bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the prepared sourdough bread on a baking sheet and put it in the oven for 15 minutes.
  7. Baste and continue baking: After the initial 15 minutes, remove the bread and baste all sides again with garlic butter. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
  8. Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley if desired, place on a serving plate with marinara sauce for dipping. Pull apart and enjoy while warm!

Notes

  • This pull apart garlic bread is perfect as a shareable appetizer or side dish for any gathering or meal.
  • Using sourdough bread adds a tangy flavor that complements the rich garlic butter and cheeses.
  • Be careful not to cut all the way through the bread to maintain its pull-apart structure.
  • Feel free to switch up the cheeses based on preference, though Havarti and mozzarella melt beautifully together.
  • Serve immediately after baking for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of loaf)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 grams
  • Sodium: 550 milligrams
  • Fat: 25 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 15 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Protein: 14 grams
  • Cholesterol: 60 milligrams

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