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- Prepare the Bread
Start by taking your loaf of sourdough bread (or any sturdy bread you prefer) and place it on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into a criss-cross pattern, creating squares but not cutting all the way through the bottom. The goal is to slice the bread almost to the bottom so it holds together but is easy to pull apart later.
Be careful not to slice all the way through, as the loaf should stay intact at the bottom. You want the pieces to hold together but have enough gaps for the cheese and butter to melt into. - Prepare the Cheddar and Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder (if using), and salt and black pepper. This will be the base for the bread’s flavor.
Add shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl and toss it with the butter mixture. If you want to add a little extra kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat. - Stuff the Bread with Cheese and Butter
Carefully pull apart the cuts in the bread, and using a spoon or your hands, stuff the cheese and butter mixture into each slit. Be generous with the cheese—it will melt beautifully and coat each piece of bread in cheesy goodness.
Make sure you get some of the garlic-butter mixture in every crevice to ensure maximum flavor and gooeyness. - Wrap and Bake the Bread
Once the bread is stuffed with cheese, wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil. This helps keep the bread moist while baking and ensures the cheese melts perfectly inside the bread.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake the wrapped loaf for about 15-20 minutes. After this time, the cheese inside will have melted and the bread will be warm and soft. - Finish and Serve
After baking, unwrap the foil and return the bread to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the top with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness (optional).
Serve hot, and enjoy the joy of pulling apart each cheesy, buttery piece!
Tips for the Best Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread
Use Fresh, Quality Cheese: For the best flavor and meltability, opt for sharp cheddar or extra sharp cheddar. The sharper flavor complements the butter and garlic beautifully.
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to mix it up! Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, Mozzarella, or even pepper jack for an extra kick.
Herbs and Seasoning: You can customize the flavor of your pull-apart bread by adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the butter and cheese mixture. Italian seasoning or garlic powder are great additions, too.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the bread up to the point of baking, then wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it into the oven and bake as usual.
Add-ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or even some spinach into the cheese mixture. These add-ins will give the bread even more depth and flavor.
Variations to Try
Bacon Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the cheese and butter mixture for an extra savory, smoky flavor.
Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil along with the garlic for a fragrant, herbaceous twist.
Spicy Pull-Apart Bread: Use pepper jack cheese and sprinkle some jalapeño slices or chili flakes for a spicy variation of this cheesy bread.
Pizza Pull-Apart Bread: For a fun pizza twist, stuff the bread with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
What to Serve with Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread
Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread is rich and indulgent, making it a great addition to a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for pairing:
Salads: A fresh, crunchy salad with a tangy vinaigrette, like a Caesar salad or spinach salad, balances out the richness of the bread.
Soups: Pair it with a hearty tomato soup or butternut squash soup for the ultimate comfort food combo.
Charcuterie: This pull-apart bread works wonderfully on a charcuterie board, alongside cheeses, meats, and pickles for a savory spread.
Grilled Meats: Serve it as a side with grilled steaks, BBQ chicken, or roast pork for a satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate cheesy, shareable treat. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, a family gathering, or just as a comforting snack, this pull-apart bread is sure to be a hit. With its buttery, garlicky flavor and gooey cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s super easy to make and customize, so you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something cheesy and fun, give this pull-apart bread a try. It’s the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and indulgent—an irresistible treat for any occasion. Happy baking!
