Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread – Perfect Holiday Appetizer

There’s nothing quite as festive and irresistible as a warm, Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread fresh from the oven. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is buttery, garlicky, and oozing with gooey cheese — perfect for holiday gatherings, Christmas parties, or cozy winter nights.

Imagine a soft loaf cut into bite-sized squares, layered with melted cheese, garlic, and herbs, ready for everyone to tear and share. This recipe is not only visually stunning but also incredibly simple, making it a stress-free holiday favorite.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy Goodness: Layers of mozzarella and cheddar create stretchy, melty bites.
• Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple assembly, no fancy skills required.
• Perfect for Sharing: Pull-apart style encourages communal eating.
• Customizable: Add herbs, bacon, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

🍞 Ingredients

• 1 round or oval loaf of crusty bread (sourdough or Italian works best)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Using a sharp knife, cut the loaf into 1–2 inch cubes, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom crust. You want to create a grid pattern that allows pulling apart but keeps the loaf intact.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Stuff the Bread

Carefully separate the bread cubes slightly and drizzle the garlic butter between the cuts. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly between the layers so each piece gets some cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with extra parsley or fresh herbs. Serve immediately so everyone can pull apart warm, gooey bites.

Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread

A festive pull-apart bread loaded with melted mozzarella and cheddar, garlic, and herbs — perfect as a holiday appetizer or snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 round or oval loaf of bread
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• to taste salt and black pepper

Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the loaf into 1–2 inch cubes, without slicing all the way through the bottom.
3. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle garlic butter between bread cuts and stuff with shredded mozzarella and cheddar.
5. Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
6. Serve warm, pull apart, and enjoy.

Notes

Assemble ahead and refrigerate overnight for convenience. Optional toppings: rosemary, thyme, or bacon bits.

💡 Tips for Perfect Pull Apart Bread

1. Use day-old bread for easier cutting and better cheese absorption.
2. Layer generously with cheese and butter — the more, the better!
3. Cut carefully — don’t slice all the way through to keep the loaf intact.
4. Herb variations: Rosemary, thyme, or chives add a festive touch.
5. Make-ahead: Assemble the loaf, wrap tightly in foil, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.

🧀 Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
• Extra Flavor: Mix caramelized onions or roasted garlic into the cheese layers.
• Bacon Lover: Add crispy bacon bits between layers for a savory touch.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese and plant-based butter for a cruelty-free version.

🥂 Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer at holiday parties or family gatherings.
• Pair with marinara sauce or a creamy dip for added flavor.
• Complement the bread with roasted vegetables, soup, or a cheese platter for a complete holiday spread.

🎄 Fun Fact

Pull apart bread originated as a communal snack designed to bring people together, which makes it perfect for holidays. Combining it with cheese, garlic, and herbs adds a festive twist, turning a simple loaf into a show-stopping centerpiece.