Cheesy Garlic Crack Bread That Steals the Show

This Cheesy Garlic Crack Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. A loaf of soft, fluffy bread loaded with buttery garlic goodness, melted cheese, and a crispy, golden crust. It’s irresistible, easy to make, and guaranteed to steal the show at your next gathering or family dinner. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering, cheesy delight.

Ingredients

• French bread loaf – 1 large (or any crusty bread loaf)
• Butter – ½ cup (1 stick), melted
• Garlic – 4-5 cloves, minced
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
• Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
• Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Black pepper – ¼ tsp
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp (optional, for drizzling)

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the loaf of French bread and, using a serrated knife, slice it horizontally and vertically, creating a grid pattern. Be sure to cut all the way through the bread, but don’t cut through the bottom crust—leave it intact so the loaf stays whole. The goal is to create deep slits that can hold the garlic and cheese mixture.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. If you want an extra hint of flavor, you can drizzle in olive oil for a richer texture.

Step 3: Stuff the Bread with Cheese and Garlic Butter

Using a spoon or a small brush, generously fill the slits of the bread with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to coat every cut thoroughly, so the garlic flavor seeps into every part of the loaf. Next, stuff the bread with the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Be generous—this bread is all about gooey, melty cheese!

Step 4: Wrap and Bake

Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil, ensuring it’s securely closed so the cheese can melt and the bread stays soft. Place the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. After 20 minutes, unwrap the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes to get the top nice and golden and the cheese bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the bread is finished baking, take it out of the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and a pop of freshness. Serve it hot and pull apart the gooey, cheesy pieces.

Tips and Variations

• Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture or sprinkle some sliced jalapeños between the cheese layers.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in dried oregano, thyme, or basil with the garlic butter for an herb-infused twist.
• Cheese Variations: Use Gruyère, Fontina, or provolone for different cheese flavors.
• Extra Garlic: For even more garlic flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder on top of the bread before baking.

This Cheesy Garlic Crack Bread is the kind of dish that everyone will fight over. The combination of warm, garlicky butter, melted cheese, and crispy bread makes it impossible to resist. Perfect for sharing at parties, family dinners, or any gathering where you want to impress!