Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread) Recipe for Thanksgiving

Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread is the ultimate party starter. With gooey melted cheese, buttery garlic flavor, and a golden crust, this pull-apart loaf is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s fun, indulgent, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect for Sharing at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table, and Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread makes it easy for everyone to join in. The diamond-cut style means guests can simply pull a piece, no slicing needed. It’s a centerpiece appetizer that invites laughter, sharing, and second helpings. Kids and adults love the hands-on style, which feels less formal but still special for the holiday.

Cheesy, Buttery, Garlicky Flavor

The flavor combination in this bread is unforgettable. Warm, melted mozzarella oozes from every crack while garlic butter seeps deep into the loaf. Each bite gives you a contrast of crispy crust, soft interior, and gooey cheese. The parsley adds freshness, balancing the richness. If you crave that cozy, indulgent taste of garlic bread but want something even more festive, this is it.

Make-Ahead Friendly and Easy to Reheat

Another reason this recipe shines is its make-ahead convenience. You can prep the loaf hours or even days before Thanksgiving by stuffing it, wrapping it, and storing it in the fridge or freezer. When guests arrive, pop it in the oven and serve it piping hot. Even reheated leftovers stay crisp and cheesy, making it perfect for stress-free holiday hosting.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread

• Crusty loaf (sourdough or Vienna): Dense breads hold up best and prevent sogginess.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly, but cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack also work.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing. Salted butter is fine if you skip the added salt.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives the boldest flavor, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
• Salt: Brings out the buttery richness. Adjust to taste.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh finish. Swap with basil, oregano, or chives for variety.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Garlic Butter

Start by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and salt. For quicker prep, microwave the butter until just melted. Stir in the parsley for a fresh, fragrant touch.

Slice the Loaf

Place your sourdough on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice diagonally across the loaf in one-inch intervals, then repeat in the opposite direction to create diamond shapes. Be careful not to cut through the base. This technique makes the bread easy to pull apart while staying intact.

Add Garlic Butter and Cheese

Gently pull open each crack with your fingers. Spoon about one teaspoon of garlic butter inside, then tuck in a pinch of cheese. Continue until every crevice is loaded. This step ensures that every piece has flavor and gooey cheese when baked. Brush the leftover butter across the top for extra shine.

Bake to Crispy Perfection

Wrap the loaf in foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes, until the cheese has mostly melted. Unwrap and bake for another 5–10 minutes. This final step crisps the crust beautifully while letting the cheese bubble.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the bread to a serving platter. Bring it to the table hot, and watch as everyone pulls apart cheesy, garlicky bites. It’s best eaten right away while the cheese stretches and the crust crunches.

Recipe Notes and Pro Tips

The best bread choice is sourdough or Vienna because they are sturdy and hold the fillings well. Softer loaves may turn soggy. Always avoid cutting through the base so the loaf stays intact. To prep ahead, fill the cracks with softened butter and cheese, wrap tightly, and refrigerate or freeze. Bake straight from the fridge after thawing. For reheating, microwave a baked loaf for 1–2 minutes, and the crust will still stay crisp.

You can also get creative with variations. Add chili flakes for a spicy kick, swap mozzarella for smoky gouda, or mix in ranch seasoning for a twist. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add depth. For a shortcut, cream softened butter with garlic and spread it before cutting full diamonds, which reduces prep time without losing flavor.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, wrapped in foil. Always reheat before serving to bring back the melty texture. This bread is forgiving, flexible, and a true holiday lifesaver.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread pairs beautifully with holiday meals. Serve it as a side to roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. It also complements hearty soups like tomato bisque or creamy potato chowder. As a Thanksgiving appetizer, it works well alongside dips, cheese boards, and veggie platters.

Beyond the holidays, this bread is a hit at game days, potlucks, and family movie nights. It’s fun to set out on a platter so everyone can tear off a cheesy piece. Pair it with salads for a lighter meal or enjoy it with pasta dishes for a comfort food feast. However you serve it, it’s guaranteed to be the most talked-about dish on the table.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

• Christmas Tree Garlic Bread
• Easy Garlic Bread Rolls for Thanksgiving
• Baked Mac and Cheese Thanksgiving Recipe
• Buttery Herb Stuffing for Your Holiday Table

Conclusion

Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread recipe is the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving table, offering gooey cheese, garlic butter, and a pull-apart style guests love. It’s easy to prepare, simple to share, and irresistibly cheesy. The crispy crust and garlicky butter make it a comforting favorite that guests will ask for every year. Whether served as a starter, side, or fun centerpiece, this pull-apart bread is guaranteed to make your holiday extra special. Try it once, and it will become a family tradition. For more inspiration and recipe ideas, check out my boards on Pinterest.