Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread Recipe – Cozy, Melty, and So Easy

There’s nothing like the smell of warm butter and garlic filling the kitchen to make a house feel like home. Today I want to share my favorite quick crowd-pleaser: Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread. It’s simple, gooey, and perfect for evenings when you want something comforting but fuss-free. This always reminds me of family dinners on Sundays when everyone reaches in for one more cheesy piece. If you love quick breads, you’ll also enjoy this 3-Ingredient Banana Bread for dessert after a savory bite.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so you can have warm bread in under 30 minutes.
• Comforting homemade flavor — buttery, garlicky, and cheesy.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for any occasion: game night, holiday table, or a quiet night in.
• Always a crowd-pleaser; kids and adults both dig in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 cup melted butter — use unsalted butter so you can control the salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost
• 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar) — mix cheeses for depth
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, basil), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Marinara or pesto for serving (optional)

Tip: If you like a little extra crisp, grate some Parmesan into the cheese mix. Also, try pairing with a slice of apple cider bread for a sweet-savory spread at brunch.

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Light the oven, and you’ll be glad you did when the aroma starts later.
2. Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into small squares. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky under your fingers.
3. In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until the garlic perfumes the butter.
4. Dip each piece of dough into the garlic butter mixture, coating well. Make sure each piece is glossy and fragrant.
5. Layer the dough pieces in a greased pan in the shape of a Christmas tree, or just pile them in a circle for a more relaxed look. Press them slightly together so they bake into one pull-apart loaf.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the dough, and tuck a little extra between layers for ooey-gooey pockets.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll hear a soft sizzle and see bubbling cheese at the edges — that’s when it’s just right.
8. Serve warm with marinara or pesto if desired. Tear apart the bread, and enjoy the strings of cheese and the buttery garlic scent.

While you make it, remember: the timer is your friend, but also trust your eyes. Once you see golden-brown edges and bubbling cheese, take it out and let everyone dig in.

Try mini versions in an air fryer if you’re short on time or oven space — just adjust baking time and keep a close eye on browning.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Cut the dough into squares ahead and toss them in the garlic butter in a shallow container so you can layer fast.
• Fix for soggy centers: If the middle stays doughy, tent the pan with foil after 15 minutes and bake a few more minutes. This keeps the top from over-browning while the center cooks.
• Flavor twist: Stir crumbled cooked bacon or caramelized onions into the cheese for a smoky-sweet version. You can also swap herbs for rosemary and thyme for a different aroma. Also, try pairing the leftovers with a slice of banana bread style sandwich for a fun brunch idea.

Serving Ideas

Serve this bread straight from the pan while it’s warm and melty. It’s lovely for:

• Family dinner or Sunday gatherings, where everyone can pull pieces and laugh together.
• Cozy movie nights with a bowl of marinara for dipping.
• Holiday tables — shape it into a festive tree and watch it disappear.
  Garnish with extra chopped herbs and a little flaky sea salt. For a seasonal pairing, try it alongside a bright cranberry-orange loaf like this cranberry-orange bread and some roasted vegetables.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to refresh the crust.
• Freezer: Freeze baked pieces in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw, then reheat in a warm oven.
• Leftover idea: Make a savory bread pudding or slice the cooled pieces to use as sandwich bases — the garlic-cheese flavor makes leftovers exciting.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Assemble the dough pieces in the pan, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours. Then bake when guests arrive — it often tastes even better.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use what you have — swap cheeses, add spices, or use a garlic butter mix. This recipe is forgiving and friendly.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic. Dipping sauces make it fun, but it’s delicious all on its own.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and bubbling cheese — plus that fragrant garlic-butter smell. Those signs tell you it’s done.

Note: The Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread keeps its charm whether you follow the recipe exactly or make it your own.

Conclusion

I hope this little recipe brings the same warm buzz to your kitchen that it brings to mine. If you’d like more pull-apart inspo, I found a great classic take at Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) – RecipeTin Eats, and another lovely from-scratch version here: From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread – I Am Homesteader. Try them, then come back and tell me how your Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread turned out — I’d love to hear your twists and stories.

Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread

A quick and easy crowd-pleaser, this cheesy pull apart garlic-butter bread is perfect for any occasion with its comforting homemade flavor and gooey texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough and Coating

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter Use unsalted butter to control the salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives it extra flavor
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, chopped Choose parsley or basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheese Mix mozzarella and cheddar for depth

Serving Options

• Marinara or pesto Optional for serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into small squares.
3. In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper until fragrant.
4. Dip each piece of dough into the garlic butter mixture, coating well.

Assembly

1. Layer the dough pieces in a greased pan, shaping them into a tree or circle.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the dough, tucking some between layers.

Baking

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
2. Serve warm with marinara or pesto as desired.

Notes

For an extra crisp, grate some Parmesan cheese into the mix. To store, keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.