Few things in the world of baking are as universally beloved as garlic bread. But when you elevate it with melted cheese, roasted garlic, and a pillowy soft texture, you create something truly irresistible—Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread. This bread isn’t just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and an absolute indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of buttery richness, aromatic garlic, and stretchy melted cheese.
This recipe goes beyond basic garlic bread by using a unique baking method called Tangzhong, which ensures a light, airy texture while keeping the bread moist for days. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, or enjoying it on its own, this pull-apart bread is a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Let’s dive into what makes this garlic bread so special, how you can customize it to suit your taste, and why it deserves a spot in your go-to recipe collection.
Why This Cheesy Garlic Bread Stands Out
1. The Secret to Ultra-Soft Bread: Tangzhong Method
One of the standout features of this recipe is the use of Tangzhong, a traditional baking technique originating from Japan. It involves pre-cooking a portion of the flour and milk, which creates a thick, gelatinous mixture that helps the bread retain moisture. The result? A soft, fluffy texture that stays fresh for much longer than typical bread recipes.
2. A Garlic Butter Like No Other
The star of this bread is roasted garlic butter. Instead of just mixing garlic into the dough, this recipe slow-roasts whole garlic cloves until they become soft, caramelized, and intensely flavorful. This process mellows the garlic’s sharpness, giving it a deep, buttery sweetness that blends perfectly with the bread.
3. Perfectly Balanced Cheese Melt
The cheese in this bread doesn’t just sit on top—it’s layered between the dough pieces, ensuring every bite is packed with gooey, melted deliciousness. Mozzarella is the classic choice for its stretch, but you can experiment with cheddar, gouda, or even parmesan for an extra punch of flavor.
4. Visually Stunning and Fun to Eat
This isn’t your average loaf of bread. The pull-apart technique creates beautiful, stacked layers of cheesy goodness, making it both visually appealing and interactive to eat. There’s something incredibly satisfying about peeling apart warm, fluffy layers, each coated in buttery garlic and cheese.
For the Tangzhong (Softness Booster)
- Bread flour
- Whole milk
For the Main Dough
- Bread flour
- Granulated sugar
- Sea salt
- Instant dry yeast
- Cream cheese
- Whole milk
- Egg
- Unsalted butter
For the Roasted Garlic Butter
- Whole garlic head
- Olive oil
- Flaky sea salt
- Black pepper
- Unsalted butter
- Chopped parsley
For the Toppings
- Mozzarella cheese (or any meltable cheese)
- Egg wash (egg + water)
Directions: Step-by-Step to Gooey Goodness
1. Prepare the Tangzhong
- Cook flour and milk over medium heat until thickened.
- Cool to room temperature before adding to the dough.
2. Make the Dough
- Mix all dough ingredients (except butter) and knead for 10 minutes.
- Add butter and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Proof for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
3. Make the Roasted Garlic Butter
- Roast a whole garlic head in the oven until soft.
- Mix roasted garlic with butter, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Shape the Bread
- Roll out the proofed dough into a square.
- Spread garlic butter and sprinkle mozzarella cheese.
- Cut into pieces, stack them, and place in a loaf tin.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Proof again for 30-45 minutes.
- Brush with egg wash, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, garlicky goodness.
Nutritional Breakdown: A Decadent Treat
(Per Serving, Approximate Values)
- Calories: 280-320 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Calcium: 10% Daily Value
How to Customize Your Cheesy Garlic Bread
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to get creative with flavors, fillings, and toppings.
1. Switch Up the Cheese
- Sharp Cheddar: Adds a bold, tangy contrast to the garlic butter.
- Gruyère: Delivers a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic.
- Provolone: A milder cheese that melts beautifully for a creamy texture.
- Parmesan: For a crispy, salty topping, sprinkle parmesan before baking.
2. Add a Kick of Heat
- Red Pepper Flakes: A simple way to add a gentle, warming heat.
- Jalapeños: Finely diced jalapeños give a fresh, slightly smoky spiciness.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and a subtle, smoky heat without overpowering the garlic.
3. Make It Herb-Infused
- Rosemary: Pairs beautifully with garlic and adds a fragrant, earthy note.
- Thyme: A delicate herb that enhances the butteriness of the bread.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds an aromatic Italian touch, perfect with melted mozzarella.
4. Experiment with Different Dough Flavors
- Whole Wheat: Swap part of the bread flour for whole wheat for a heartier version.
- Garlic-Infused Dough: Mix roasted garlic directly into the dough for even more depth.
- Herb Dough: Add dried oregano, thyme, or basil into the dough itself for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Serve Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
This bread is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right dish can elevate the experience even further. Here are some serving ideas:
1. The Perfect Side for Pasta Dishes
This bread is made to be dunked into creamy Alfredo, rich marinara, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce. It soaks up the sauce beautifully, making every bite even more indulgent.
2. A Must-Have with Soups
Pair this garlic bread with a bowl of tomato basil soup, roasted butternut squash soup, or French onion soup. The crispy edges and cheesy pull-apart layers contrast perfectly with warm, comforting broths.
3. A Game-Changing Sandwich Base
Instead of regular sandwich bread, use slices of this cheesy garlic bread to make grilled cheese, paninis, or garlic bread BLTs. The melted cheese and roasted garlic butter bring an unmatched depth of flavor.
4. A Standalone Appetizer
Serve it as an appetizer with a side of balsamic glaze, garlic aioli, or whipped herb butter for dipping. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at dinner parties or gatherings.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

1. What Makes Tangzhong Different from Regular Dough?
Tangzhong locks in moisture, making the bread softer and keeping it fresh for days. If you’ve ever had Japanese milk bread, you’ll recognize its pillowy texture—that’s thanks to Tangzhong!
2. Can I Use Store-Bought Garlic Butter?
While you can use store-bought garlic butter, making your own roasted garlic butter is what takes this bread to the next level. The roasting process enhances the garlic’s sweetness and depth.
3. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep it for up to 5 days, but reheat before eating for the best texture.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
4. How Do I Reheat Without Drying It Out?
- Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 300°F for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals to maintain moisture.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 320°F for 5-6 minutes for a crispy exterior.
5. Can I Make This Recipe Without a Stand Mixer?
Yes! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead by hand for about 15-20 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Can I Prepare This Bread in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Conclusion: A Bread Worth Baking Again and Again
Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is not just a side dish—it’s an experience. From the soft, airy texture created by the Tangzhong method to the deep, caramelized flavors of roasted garlic butter, every bite is a celebration of bold, comforting flavors.
This bread is perfect for:
- Entertaining guests – It looks stunning on any dinner table.
- Pairing with hearty meals – The perfect complement to pasta, soup, and more.
- Meal prepping and leftovers – Stays soft for days and reheats beautifully.
- ✔ Experimenting with flavors – Customizable to match any taste preference.
So whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying homemade bread for the first time, this recipe is worth every second in the kitchen. The satisfaction of peeling apart layers of garlic-infused, cheese-stuffed bread is truly unmatched—and once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
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Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread: A Buttery, Gooey Masterpiece
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including proofing)
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings)
Description
Few things are as comforting and indulgent as Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread. Featuring pillowy soft layers, rich roasted garlic butter, and gooey melted cheese, this bread is more than just a side dish—it’s an experience. Thanks to the Tangzhong method, it stays fresh and moist for days, making it a showstopping addition to any meal. Whether served alongside pasta, soup, or enjoyed on its own, this pull-apart bread is irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Tangzhong:
- 3 tablespoons bread flour
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Main Dough:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup whole milk, warm
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Roasted Garlic Butter:
- 1 whole garlic head
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (or preferred cheese)
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the bread flour and milk over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a paste.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add the Tangzhong mixture, warm milk, egg, and cream cheese. Mix until combined.
- Knead for 10 minutes until the dough starts to come together.
- Add softened butter and continue kneading until smooth and elastic (about 10 more minutes).
- Cover and let it proof for 1.5 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Roasted Garlic Butter
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
- Roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and caramelized. Let it cool.
- Mash the roasted garlic and mix it with butter, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
- Roll out the proofed dough into a large square.
- Spread the roasted garlic butter evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Cut the dough into equal-sized squares, stack them, and place in a greased loaf tin.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover and let the dough proof for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle more cheese.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before pulling apart and enjoying!
Notes
- Tangzhong Tip: This method ensures your bread stays soft and fresh longer.
- Cheese Variations: Try cheddar, gouda, provolone, or parmesan for different flavors.
- Storage: Keep at room temp for 2 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Wrap in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to restore freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Comfort Food