Hasselback Cheesy Garlic Bread – Crispy, Buttery, and Irresistible!

Imagine warm, crusty bread, sliced and stuffed with melty cheese, drenched in garlic butter, and baked until golden brown. That’s exactly what you get with this Hasselback Cheesy Garlic Bread!

Perfect for sharing, dipping, and devouring, this pull-apart garlic bread is crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and loaded with flavor. Serve it with pasta, soup, or as an appetizer—either way, it’ll disappear fast!

Let’s get baking!

Description

This Hasselback Cheesy Garlic Bread is the ultimate pull-apart side dish. A crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is sliced Hasselback-style, stuffed with garlic butter and gooey cheese, then baked until golden brown. Perfect for dipping in marinara or serving with pasta, soup, or steak!

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1 large crusty baguette or sourdough loaf
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella & cheddar)

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra garlicky goodness)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the bread on a cutting board and make Hasselback-style slices:
   • Use a sharp knife to cut slits every 1 inch, stopping before cutting all the way through. The bread should stay intact.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Stir in parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 3: Stuff the Bread

1. Brush the garlic butter mixture between each bread slice.
2. Stuff shredded mozzarella (or your cheese of choice) into the slits, making sure each slice is loaded with cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Gooey

1. Wrap the bread loosely in foil and bake for 15 minutes to melt the cheese.
2. Uncover and bake for 5-10 more minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

• Sprinkle with extra parsley and parmesan.
• Serve warm with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or ranch for dipping.

Notes

• Use a serrated knife to cut the bread cleanly without crushing it.
• For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the bread, wrap it in foil, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed!

Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly
Keywords: cheesy garlic bread, pull-apart bread, Hasselback bread, garlic butter bread

Equipment

• Serrated knife
• Baking sheet
• Small bowl
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Aluminum foil

Helpful Tips for the Best Hasselback Cheesy Garlic Bread

1. Use the Right Bread for the Best Texture

• Crusty bread like French baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta holds up well to the cheese and garlic butter without getting soggy.
• Avoid soft sandwich bread—it won’t hold its shape after baking.

2. Don’t Cut All the Way Through

• Slice ¾ of the way down, leaving the bottom crust intact.
• To prevent over-cutting, place wooden chopsticks or skewers on either side of the bread as a guide.

3. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

• Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which prevent smooth melting. Shred cheese fresh for the best gooey texture!
• Mix mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or cheddar for a rich flavor.

4. Let the Butter Mixture Soak In

• Brush garlic butter between the slices to make sure every bite is flavorful.
• If possible, let the bread sit for 5-10 minutes before baking to absorb the butter.

5. Wrap in Foil for the First Bake

• Baking covered (wrapped in foil) helps melt the cheese evenly without over-toasting the bread.
• Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes for a crispy top.

6. Customize Your Flavors

• Add chili flakes for spice.
• Sprinkle in Italian seasoning or rosemary for extra depth.
• Mix in parmesan cheese for a more garlicky, cheesy crust.

7. Broil for Extra Crispiness

• After baking, broil for 1-2 minutes to get a golden-brown, crispy top. Watch closely to prevent burning!

8. Serve It Hot and Fresh

• This bread is best enjoyed straight from the oven while the cheese is still gooey.

9. Store & Reheat for Later

• Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving—it will make the bread soggy.

10. Pair It with the Right Dips & Dishes

• Best with: Marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.
• Perfect alongside: Pasta, soups, steak, or salads.

this RECIPE

Conservation and Storage for Hasselback Cheesy Garlic Bread

Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)

• Wrap leftover bread tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing (Long-Term Storage)

Freezing Before Baking (Best for Make-Ahead)

1. Assemble the bread with garlic butter and cheese.
2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.
4. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, covering with foil for the first half of the baking time.

Freezing After Baking

1. Let the bread cool completely.
2. Wrap in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
3. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warm and crispy.

Reheating Instructions

Oven (Best Method)

• Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
• Wrap bread in foil and bake for 10 minutes (or 15 minutes if frozen).

Air Fryer (For Crispiness)

• Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy and warm.

Avoid microwaving—it will make the bread soggy instead of crispy.

Make-Ahead Tip

• Assemble the bread up to 24 hours in advance, wrap in foil, and store in the fridge. Bake when ready!

Substitutions and Variations for Hasselback Cheesy Garlic Bread

This recipe is super customizable! Whether you want a different cheese, a healthier version, or a unique twist, here are delicious ways to make it your own.

Bread Substitutions

Classic French Baguette – Crispy and airy, great for a traditional version.
Sourdough Loaf – Adds a tangy flavor and chewy texture.
Ciabatta Bread – Soft inside, crusty outside—perfect for extra filling.
Whole Wheat Bread – A healthier option with a nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free Bread – Use your favorite GF loaf for a gluten-free version.

Cheese Variations

Mozzarella + Parmesan (Classic & gooey!)
Cheddar + Monterey Jack (Sharp, bold flavor)
Provolone + Fontina (Super melty & rich)
Gorgonzola + Parmesan (For a blue cheese kick!)
Vegan Cheese – Use dairy-free mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a plant-based option.

Flavor Variations

1. Spicy Cheesy Garlic Bread

• Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
• Sprinkle chopped jalapeños between the slices.

2. Bacon Cheddar Garlic Bread

• Mix crisp bacon crumbles into the garlic butter.
• Use cheddar + mozzarella for a smoky, cheesy combo.

3. Pizza-Stuffed Garlic Bread

• Add pepperoni or mini sausage slices inside the slits.
• Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

4. Pesto Garlic Bread

• Spread basil pesto between the slices before adding cheese.
• Top with shredded parmesan for an extra Italian touch.

5. Buffalo Ranch Garlic Bread

• Toss the cheese with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
• Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving.

6. Herby Garlic Bread

• Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the garlic butter.
• Use gouda or gruyère for a rich, nutty flavor.

Healthier & Alternative Versions

Low-Carb/Keto Version – Use a low-carb bread or almond flour bread, and stuff with cheese + garlic butter.
Dairy-Free Version – Swap butter for olive oil and use vegan cheese.
Whole Wheat Garlic Bread – Use whole grain bread for added fiber.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.
Pair with pasta, soup, steak, or a fresh salad.
Turn into a sandwich base with sliced meats or veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions Hasselback Cheesy Garlic Bread

1. What is Hasselback bread?

Hasselback bread is a loaf that’s sliced in sections but not cut all the way through, allowing space to stuff it with cheese, butter, and other fillings. It creates a pull-apart, crispy, and gooey texture that’s perfect for sharing!

2. What’s the best bread to use?

French baguette – Crispy outside, airy inside.
Sourdough loaf – Chewy with a tangy flavor.
Ciabatta – Soft and great for stuffing.
Whole wheat bread – A healthier option.
Gluten-free bread – Works well for a GF version.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bread up to 24 hours in advance, wrap it in foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake as directed when ready to serve!

4. How do I keep the bread from falling apart when cutting?

• Use a serrated knife for clean cuts.
• Place chopsticks or wooden spoons on each side of the loaf to prevent slicing all the way through.

5. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

• Mozzarella + Parmesan for classic flavor.
• Cheddar + Monterey Jack for sharpness.
• Provolone + Fontina for a super melty texture.
• Gorgonzola + Parmesan for a bold, blue cheese twist.

6. Can I freeze cheesy garlic bread?

Yes!
Before baking: Assemble the bread, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
After baking: Wrap leftovers in foil and freeze. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

7. How do I reheat leftovers without making the bread soggy?

• Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving—it makes the bread soft instead of crispy.

8. How can I make this recipe spicy?

• Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
• Stuff slices with pepper jack cheese or chopped jalapeños.
• Drizzle with hot sauce or buffalo sauce before serving.

9. What can I serve this with?

• Pasta dishes (spaghetti, Alfredo, lasagna)
• Soups (tomato soup, potato soup, creamy mushroom)
• Salads (Caesar, Caprese, Greek)
• Dipping sauces (marinara, ranch, garlic butter)

10. Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes! Slice and assemble as usual, then air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, checking until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is golden brown.

Conclusion

This Hasselback Cheesy Garlic Bread is crispy, buttery, and loaded with melty cheese—perfect for sharing and dipping! Whether you serve it with pasta, soup, or enjoy it as an appetizer, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

Try it today and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your cheesy masterpiece!

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