Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread

why make this recipe

Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread is a crowd-pleasing, hands-on appetizer that bakes up golden, gooey and fragrantly garlicky. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or any time you want a shareable, comforting snack that’s quick to assemble.

introduction

This version uses refrigerated pizza dough for speed, a garlicky butter that soaks into every layer, and plenty of melty cheese between the pieces. If you like playful holiday-shaped breads or festive finger foods, this is an easy recipe to customize — much like these holiday shortbread bites that show how simple ingredients can make a big impression.

how to make Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread

This is an assembly-forward recipe: you cut the dough into squares, dunk each in fragrant garlic butter, stack them into a tree (or any shape), tuck cheese between layers, and bake until puffed and golden. The technique gives you a pull-apart effect so everyone can grab a cheesy, buttery piece.

Ingredients :

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Marinara or pesto (for serving)

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into small squares.
3. In a bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley.
4. Dip each square of dough into the garlic butter mixture and layer them in the shape of a Christmas tree on a baking sheet.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese between layers and on top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with marinara or pesto on the side.

how to serve Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread

Serve warm right out of the oven so the cheese stretches with every pull. Offer small bowls of marinara and pesto for dipping. It works well alongside soups, salads, or as part of a party platter with sliced cured meats and roasted vegetables.

how to store Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through; avoid microwaving if you want to preserve crisp edges.

tips to make Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread

• Cut squares uniformly so the tree stacks evenly and bakes at the same rate.
• Pat the dough squares dry lightly if the butter makes them too wet before stacking.
• Use a blend of cheeses (mozzarella + cheddar or provolone) for better flavor and stretch.
• For extra garlic punch, add a pinch of garlic powder to the butter mix.
• Brush a little reserved melted butter on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a shinier crust.

variation (if any)

• Add cooked crumbled sausage, diced pepperoni, or thinly sliced olives between layers for a heartier option.
• Make it herb-forward: swap parsley for chopped basil or rosemary.
• Swap marinara for a spicy arrabbiata or creamy garlic dip for different flavor profiles.

FAQ

Q: Can I use homemade dough?
A: Yes — homemade or store-bought pizza dough both work. Adjust rolling thickness so squares are similar in size.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead?
A: You can prepare the dipped squares and stack them on a lined baking sheet, cover tightly and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, assemble and freeze; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

For a similar pull-apart, cheesy garlic-bread inspiration and extra ideas, see this detailed recipe from Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) – RecipeTin Eats.

Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Bread

A crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring layers of pizza dough dunked in garlic butter and filled with gooey cheese, perfect for sharing at parties or movie nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough and Flavoring

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend)

For Serving

• to taste Marinara or pesto For serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into small squares.
3. In a bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley.
4. Dip each square of dough into the garlic butter mixture and layer them in the shape of a Christmas tree on a baking sheet.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese between layers and on top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Serving

1. Serve warm right out of the oven so the cheese stretches with every pull. Offer small bowls of marinara and pesto for dipping.

Notes

Cut squares uniformly for even baking. Pat dough squares dry if too wet before stacking. Using a blend of cheeses enhances flavor and stretch. For extra garlic punch, add a pinch of garlic powder to the butter mix. Brush melted butter on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a shinier crust.