Super Bowl Party Food Cheesy Pull Apart Bread

Name: Super Bowl Party Food Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 round loaf of sourdough bread; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Special Cooking

I can't think of a better way to impress my friends during the Super Bowl than with this Cheesy Pull Apart Bread. It’s not just any bread; it's packed with gooey cheese and flavored with garlic and herbs, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The best part is how easy it is to make! I love watching my guests pull apart the bread and see the strings of melted cheese stretch with every piece they take. It’s perfect for game day snacking and adds a fun twist to the usual party appetizers.

Created by

Willow Harries

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:25:34.439Z

When creating this Cheesy Pull Apart Bread, I experimented with different types of cheese and flavor combinations. I discovered that a mix of mozzarella and cheddar was perfect, offering both gooeyness and sharpness that complements the garlic butter. The result? A rich, savory aroma that fills the kitchen and a flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more!

To ensure that the bread remains fluffy and absorbent of the flavors, I let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This little tip made a huge difference in the final texture, ensuring each pull is satisfying and full of melted goodness, just as a party snack should be!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory garlic and herb flavors that elevate bread to a whole new level
Easy to pull apart and share, perfect for social gatherings
A warm, cheesy delight that's sure to please everyone in the room

      

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When making Cheesy Pull Apart Bread, the quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final result. A fresh, round loaf of sourdough offers a hearty crust and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the gooey cheese. If sourdough isn't available, a rustic country bread can provide similar textures and flavors. Opting for freshly shredded mozzarella and cheddar will melt beautifully and enhance the gooey effect, while pre-shredded options can contain anti-caking agents that affect melt quality.

Another crucial element is the garlic; using fresh cloves, as specified, offers a sharper and more aromatic flavor compared to jarred garlic. When minced, garlic releases oils that intensify when baked, creating a lovely harmony with the melted cheese. Herbs like parsley not only add visual appeal but bring freshness to the dish, so consider using chopped fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor profile.

Techniques for Perfect Bread

Cutting the sourdough into a grid pattern is critical for even distribution of the filling. Aim for about 1-inch apart cuts and make sure not to slice all the way through the bottom; this helps the bread hold its shape while allowing for optimal cheese and butter infusion. If cuts are too wide or go too deep, the bread might collapse or fall apart, so keeping it tidy is essential.

Baking the bread wrapped in foil first traps steam, which softens the crust and helps the cheese melt thoroughly. After the initial bake, uncovering it for the last 5-10 minutes allows the top to crisp up beautifully. Look for visual cues like bubbly cheese and golden brown edges to know it's ready. If you prefer an even cheesier finish, you can add extra cheese during the uncovered baking time.

Ingredients

For the Bread

1 round loaf of sourdough bread
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a serrated knife, cut the loaf of sourdough bread into a grid pattern, taking care not to cut all the way through the bottom.

Mix the Filling

In a bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, spread this mixture generously into the cuts of the bread.

Add the Cheese

Stuff the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the openings of the bread, ensuring an even distribution.

Bake

Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is golden brown.

Serve

Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and then serve warm. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or experiment with different cheeses such as gouda or pepper jack.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing Cheesy Pull Apart Bread ahead of time can alleviate some last-minute stress for your Super Bowl party. You can cut the bread and prepare the filling several hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Just be sure to apply the filling and stuff the cheese right before baking to ensure freshness.

If you want to prep even further, you can bake the bread ahead of time, cool it completely, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its cheesy warmth.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Cheesy Pull Apart Bread pairs excellently with a variety of dips. For a classic combo, serve it with marinara sauce or a creamy garlic dip for extra flavor. Consider preparing a zesty herb-infused olive oil for dipping, which complements the bread's savory herbs beautifully.

For a more substantial appetizer spread, consider serving alongside sliced meats, olives, and cheeses to create a charcuterie board that emphasizes the bread. This turns your Cheesy Pull Apart Bread into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that everyone can enjoy while cheering for their favorite team.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can substitute sourdough with baguette, ciabatta, or any crusty bread of your choice.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover pull apart bread wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven to restore the cheese’s gooey texture.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bread and filling in advance, wrap it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.

→ Is this recipe customizable?

Definitely! You can add ingredients like cooked bacon, spinach, or even jalapeños for a twist.