This cheese pull apart bread is a warm, gooey appetizer that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort. A crusty round loaf is filled with melted mozzarella, garlicky butter, and finely chopped spinach, then baked until golden on the outside and irresistibly cheesy inside. It’s perfect for gatherings, pasta nights, or anytime you want a comforting dish that everyone can share.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick to prepare and ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. It uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients and requires no special equipment or baking skills. The combination of crisp bread, melted cheese, and savory garlic butter makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether served as an appetizer or a side dish. It’s also very customizable, so you can easily adjust the fillings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 round loaf Italian or sourdough bread (16–20 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, finely chopped
• 1 inch thick block fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into thin pieces (about 1 ½ cups total)
• 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the chopped garlic and remove from heat. Set aside.

Using a sharp knife, cut the bread loaf vertically in parallel slices, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. Turn the loaf and repeat the cuts horizontally to create a crosshatch pattern.

Gently open the cuts and evenly distribute the chopped spinach into the crevices of the bread.

Insert the sliced mozzarella cheese into each cut, making sure the cheese is well distributed throughout the loaf.

Place the prepared loaf on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Brush the top and inside crevices generously with the garlic butter.

Cover the loaf loosely with another piece of foil, sealing the edges. Bake for 10 minutes.

Remove the top foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is lightly golden. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people as an appetizer.

Preparation time is about 10 minutes.
Cooking time is 20 minutes.
Total time is approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

You can add finely chopped artichoke hearts along with the spinach for a spinach-artichoke version. For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or dried Italian herbs over the bread before baking. You can also mix in other cheeses such as shredded cheddar or grated Parmesan with the mozzarella for a richer cheese blend.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be wrapped tightly in foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and stuff the bread a few hours in advance. Keep it wrapped and refrigerated, then bake just before serving.

What type of bread works best?

Italian or sourdough round loaves work best because they are sturdy and hold the fillings well.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but it must be fully thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture before using.

How do I prevent the bread from drying out?

Covering the bread with foil for the first half of baking helps keep it soft and prevents over-browning.

Can I freeze pull apart bread?

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked loaf, tightly wrapped, for up to one month. Bake from thawed for best results.

Is this recipe very garlicky?

The garlic flavor is mild and savory. You can reduce or increase the amount based on your preference.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or green onions work well if kept small.

What should I serve with this bread?

It pairs well with soups, pasta dishes, or a simple salad.

How do I know when it’s done?

The bread is ready when the cheese is fully melted and the top is lightly golden.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives, though the texture and flavor may vary.

Conclusion

Cheese pull apart bread is an easy yet impressive recipe that brings people together around the table. With its crispy crust, melty cheese, and savory spinach filling, it’s a reliable favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, this recipe is sure to become a go-to appetizer in your kitchen.

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