Crusty Stuffed Garlic Bread Mozzarella

This crusty stuffed garlic bread packed with gooey mozzarella is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, it’s an irresistible appetizer or side that draws everyone to the table.

The combination of melted mozzarella and Parmesan with fragrant garlic butter and herbs creates a savory pull-apart sensation that’s both comforting and shareable. Whether for a weekend dinner or casual gathering, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• Large round loaf of bread: Choose a sourdough or boule for a sturdy crust and soft interior that holds fillings well.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich base for the garlic mixture to seep deliciously into the bread.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic delivers bold, aromatic flavor that infuses every bite.
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the richness.
• Dried oregano: Offers earthy, slightly sweet undertones enhancing herb complexity.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Introduce a subtle heat to balance the creamy cheese.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, stretchy texture inside the bread.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty sharpness on top and between layers.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors in the garlic butter mix.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Brings a fresh green color and mild herbaceous aroma when serving.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

Ensuring the oven is fully heated helps achieve a crisp crust and evenly melted cheese throughout the bread.

Prepare the garlic butter mixture

Combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt in a small bowl. Mixing these intensifies flavors and allows the bread to absorb fragrant, savory goodness.

Score the bread in a crisscross pattern

Using a serrated knife, carefully cut about 1-inch apart both vertically and horizontally, avoiding cutting through the bottom crust. This creates pockets for the butter and cheese to melt inside, allowing for easy pull-apart sections.

Drizzle garlic butter into bread cuts

Generously spoon or brush the prepared garlic butter into each cut, ensuring the flavor penetrates deeply for maximum taste in every piece.

Fill bread with cheeses

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over and inside the cuts. This layering ensures every bite is rich and loaded with gooey melted cheese.

Wrap bread tightly in aluminum foil

Sealing the bread keeps moisture in to soften the interior while melting the cheese, avoiding a dry texture.

Bake wrapped bread for 15-20 minutes

This initial baking period melts the cheese fully and warms the bread thoroughly, infusing all flavors.

Unwrap and bake for additional 5-10 minutes

Removing the foil allows the crust to crisp up and the cheese to turn golden brown, adding texture and enhanced flavor.

Cool slightly and serve garnished

Let the bread rest a few minutes after baking to set the cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for best gooey pull-apart enjoyment.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness and melt cheese before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic stuffed bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, fresh salads, or as a side to pasta dishes. It also makes a delicious party appetizer served with marinara or ranch dipping sauces.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute or add cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for different flavor profiles.

Is this bread suitable for freezing?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the baked bread wrapped well and reheat thoroughly when needed.

How spicy is the bread with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, which can be omitted or adjusted to your heat preference.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, but bake fresh for best results.

What type of bread works best?

Round loaves like sourdough or boule with thick crusts hold up well and create a perfect texture contrast.

Crusty Stuffed Garlic Bread

This crusty garlic bread is stuffed with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, infused with garlic herb butter, and baked to golden perfection for a gooey, shareable appetizer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, bread

Cuisine American

Servings 8 people

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• 1 serrated knife
• 1 pastry brush optional
• 1 aluminum foil
• 1 oven
• 1 small mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1 large round loaf of sourdough or boule bread
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt in a small bowl.
• Place the loaf on a large piece of aluminum foil.
• Cut the bread in a crisscross pattern about 1 inch apart, cutting deep but not through the bottom crust.
• Drizzle the garlic butter mixture into all the cuts using a pastry brush or spoon.
• Stuff the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the cuts and sprinkle some on top.
• Wrap the bread tightly in the aluminum foil to keep it moist while baking.
• Bake wrapped for 15-20 minutes, then unwrap and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Carefully remove foil, let the bread cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
• Serve warm for best gooey texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.