Super Bowl Party Food Cheesy Pull Apart Bread

Name: Super Bowl Party Food Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 large loaf of bread (preferably sourdough or Italian); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Rustic Kitchen

I love throwing Super Bowl parties, and this Cheesy Pull Apart Bread is always the star of the show! With its gooey cheese filling and fluffy bread, it’s perfect for sharing and dunking! I’ve experimented with various cheeses and spices to create a flavor that everyone raves about. Each bite pulls apart easily, making it the ideal finger food for game day. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, allowing me to enjoy the game just as much as my guests do!

Created by

Vanessa Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:57:34.364Z

When I first made this Cheesy Pull Apart Bread, I was amazed at how well it turned out. The combination of warm, stretchy cheese and perfectly baked bread was an instant hit with my friends. I decided to use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar to enhance the flavor, which made all the difference. The key is to allow the bread to bake just enough so it’s golden on the outside while still soft on the inside!

For a unique twist, I recommend trying different herbs and spices to mix into the melted butter that soaks into the bread. This adds an explosion of flavor with every pull. I once added crushed red pepper for a little extra kick, and my guests couldn’t stop raving about it!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Gooey, melted cheese that pulls apart effortlessly
Perfectly seasoned with customizable flavors
Great for sharing during game day gatherings

      

Key Techniques for Pull Apart Perfection

To achieve that luscious gooey cheese pull that we all crave, it’s important to use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melt quality. By shredding your own mozzarella and cheddar, you ensure a creamier, more melty filling that perfectly complements the bread. Aim for a combination that's about 1:1 for a balanced flavor between the sharper cheddar and the mild mozzarella.

When cutting the bread, ensure that your cuts are deep enough to allow the butter and cheese to seep in without severing the bottom crust. Cutting about three-quarters of the way through is ideal; you want the loaf to hold together for easy pulling. Use a serrated knife for clean cuts, and make sure to give yourself enough room between slices (about 1 inch apart) for maximum cheese and butter absorption.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

This recipe lends itself beautifully to personalization. Consider adding ingredients like cooked bacon pieces, jalapeños, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a savory kick. You can also experiment with herbs; adding fresh rosemary or thyme could enrich the flavor profile significantly. If you're looking for a spicy twist, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic butter mix for an extra layer of heat.

For a lighter alternative, you can swap out half of the butter with olive oil, which will add a distinct flavor without compromising the moisture of the bread. If you prefer a dairy-free option, replace the cheese with a dairy-free variety and ensure your bread is vegan-friendly. Additionally, aged vegan cheese can provide that satisfying melt and tang characteristic of traditional cheeses.

Make-Ahead Tips and Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Pull Apart Bread makes for a fabulous make-ahead dish! You can prepare the bread and filling the day before. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to allow for even cooking. This not only saves you time on game day but also gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully.

When serving, consider pairing this pull apart bread with a side of marinara sauce or a spicy aioli for dipping. It’s also delightful alongside a fresh salad to balance the richness of the cheese. For large gatherings, you can easily scale up the recipe by doubling the ingredients, ensuring you have enough for everyone to enjoy this cheesy goodness throughout the game.

Ingredients:

For the Bread

1 large loaf of bread (preferably sourdough or Italian)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste

This cheesy pull apart bread is perfect for any gathering!

Instructions:

Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a serrated knife, make deep cuts in a crisscross pattern on the bread, ensuring not to cut all the way through the bottom.

Mix the Filling

In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. Add salt to taste. Mix thoroughly.

Stuff the Bread

Gently pull apart the cuts in the bread and use a spoon to drizzle the garlic butter mixture generously into each opening. Stuff the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the cuts as well.

Bake the Bread

Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then unwrap and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the gooey goodness with friends!

This bread is best served warm!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or parmesan. Adding a dash of your favorite seasoning will also elevate the dish!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your cheese is not melting as expected, check the age of your cheeses. Older cheeses may be drier and less prone to melt, leading to a less gooey texture. Combining younger and sharper cheeses can help create that desired pull. Additionally, ensure you have the correct oven temperature; too low, and your cheese won’t soften adequately; too high, and you risk burning the bread before the cheese melts.

Another common issue is the bread burning at the bottom while the cheese remains unmelted. To combat this, use an oven-safe baking sheet underneath your wrapped loaf to catch any drips and prevent direct heat. Keep an eye on it during the unwrapped baking phase—golden edges and bubbling cheese are your cues that it’s ready to come out.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Leftover Cheesy Pull Apart Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will help retain moisture while warming the cheese back up. For a crispy exterior, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating to achieve that perfect golden crust. Enjoy your second round of the gooey goodness!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this bread in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate until you're ready to bake it.

→ What kind of bread works best?

Sourdough or Italian bread works best due to their structure and flavor, but feel free to try other artisan breads!

→ Can I make it without garlic?

Absolutely! You can omit the garlic or substitute it with a garlic seasoning if you prefer a milder flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat in the oven before serving.