Description
This Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread is a delicious, pull-apart loaf perfect for sharing. Made with crusty sourdough or Vienna bread, it’s stuffed with melted mozzarella, infused with garlic butter, and baked until golden and crispy. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 crusty loaf, preferably sourdough or Vienna bread
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (or other melting cheese)
- 100 g / 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s properly heated for baking the bread.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a heatproof bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and salt. Melt this mixture in the microwave, then stir in the finely chopped parsley to create a flavorful garlic butter.
- Cut the Bread: Cut the loaf diagonally into approximately 2cm (1 inch) diamond shapes, but be careful not to cut all the way through the bread so it stays intact.
- Stuff the Bread: Gently pry open each crack using your fingers or a knife. Drizzle about a teaspoon of the garlic butter into each opening and stuff in a pinch of shredded cheese. It’s fine if some butter spreads over the crust—it adds extra flavor and crispiness.
- Brush with Remaining Butter: Once all the cracks are filled, brush the surface of the bread with any remaining garlic butter to enhance the crust’s golden color and flavor.
- Bake Covered: Wrap the bread with foil to keep moisture in and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to crisp up the crust and achieve a golden finish.
- Serve: Serve the bread immediately for the best texture and flavor. It’s perfect as a shareable appetizer or alongside meals.
Notes
- To make ahead, you can prepare the stuffed loaf without baking, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed just before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with different melting cheeses such as cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Use fresh parsley for brightness, or substitute with dried herbs if fresh is unavailable.